Q: Tell us about yourself and your journey to The Nest Space
A: Born in Lesotho to academic parents, my early years were spent in Canada and the UK before returning to South Africa and studying at the University of Cape Town. As a teenager, I grappled with anxiety and depression – a struggle that set me on a path of self-discovery and healing.
Reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth sparked my interest in holistic approaches to mental health. I was captivated by the profound connection between breath and mental state and the healing power of ancient indigenous practices centred on breathwork. I embraced meditation and trained as a yoga teacher. However, as a yogi of colour, I felt out of place in traditional wellness spaces. I envisioned creating a space where individuals who felt ‘othered’ – whether due to race, gender or sexuality – could find refuge and healing. In 2018, I opened a small studio in Linden, Johannesburg. Then friends introduced me to medical doctor turned wellness warrior, Anesu Mbizvo, owner of The Nest Space. Finding synergy, we became business partners, focusing our energies on growing The Nest Space into an inclusive and expansive wellness centre.
Q: What challenges have you encountered as a business owner and entrepreneur?
A: Our journey has been one of constant learning and adaptation. Forced to shut down the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to pivot and innovate. We launched an online yoga school, which now operates as a hybrid model. We've since trained over 50 yogis of colour who are contributing to transforming the wellness space across South Africa.
Q: What does The Nest Space offer?
A: The Nest Space is a sanctuary for holistic wellbeing in Parktown North, Johannesburg, comprising a yoga studio, alternative therapy rooms, a vegan café and a zero-waste grocer. Our ethos is deeply rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, self-growth and self-acceptance principles.
Our services are diverse and adaptable, shaped by the expertise of our facilitators. We offer a variety of healing modalities such as yoga, breathwork, massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy, Reiki and family constellations. Our online courses include yoga teacher training, yoga history, decolonisation of yoga practice and the fundamentals of yoga, meditation and breathwork.
While The Nest Space is curated by people of colour with a focus on inclusivity, it’s essential for us that it remains an inclusive space accessible to everyone. We’re committed to raising awareness of yoga’s health benefits as a lifestyle within black communities where it has traditionally been less prevalent.
We strive to keep our classes affordable, engage in numerous community initiatives and offer scholarships through our online yoga school. We also provide holistic health programmes at corporate events, focusing on mindful practices that alleviate stress and enhance workplace wellbeing. For example, during Women’s Month, we hosted concurrent yoga sessions across six provinces.
Q: What advice would you offer aspiring women entrepreneurs looking to enter the health and wellness industry?
A: Take that leap of faith. The global wellness industry is a thriving multi-billion-dollar market. While South Africa’s wellness sector is in its infancy, the growing demand for health and wellness solutions is undeniable as more people turn to alternative modalities to heal the mind and body. I encourage you to go for it if you feel called to help others heal and hold space.
Q: What are your plans for The Nest Space?
A: We plan to expand to other parts of Johannesburg, establish a branch in Cape Town and set up satellite studios in townships. Our long-term vision is to acquire land and develop a retreat centre that embodies our commitment to sustainability, permaculture, sustainable food practices and holistic living.
