Byline: Levhuwani Matumba

Chabi is a beauty therapist and the owner of Evelyn Treat Spa and Events which is based in Secunda.

Because of the love and passion for her work, Chabi Monkoe did not allow covid-19 to completely sweep her away.

When the government relaxed some of the regulations on Level 3, she was hit extremely hard when the place she operated her business was shut down.

“I decided to stand up and find a way to keep my business operational.

“By the grace of God I managed to get a new place which is even far more better than the one I had,” said Chabi who is also confident that her new place will lead to greater possibilities and growth of the business.

Evelyn Treat offers services such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, weight loss, bed and breakfast and events planning at the same lodge she operates from.

When asked about the challenges she faced when starting her business in 2009, she said “Fear of unknown and wanting people to approve what I was doing was my biggest challenge.

I thought I was going to fail, but I remained courageous and trusted in God to give me the strength to persevere.”

Besides being afraid of failing, she also did not have enough resources and had to start with what she had at hand.

“Most of the clients came and expecting me to have everything like waxing and hot stones, only to find that I did not have them at the time.

It was painful to see people turning back without getting the service they wanted and at times I would break down, but had to remain hopeful,” Chabi added.

Besides all the challenges she faced, Chabi managed to grow her business and now has clients from as far as Emalahleni and Gauteng.

This strong woman who also got “I am A Woman I Have A Purpose” Award for Women in Ministry in 2018 also runs a ministry that also takes care of the orphaned and vulnerable children in Embalenhle.

She lives with many children in her home and some of them have grown up and made it life.

What keeps her motivated everyday is to see her clients and the children she is raising having smiles on their faces.

“To me achievement is not only having money but uplifting other people as well.”

She further encouraged other women who are in business and are harshly hit by the covid-19 to dress up and find new ways of doing the business.

“I would also want to thank all my clients who kept on encouraging me during the lockdown and some of them even bought vouchers saying they want to make sure that I do not run out of business.

May God Bless them for me, including my family for standing with me during these difficult times.”

To book for the services, people can contact her on 078 642 4931

Also follow her on Facebook: Evelyn Treat Spa and Events.

The Spa is situated at Noeline’s Guesthouse in Secunda.