Williams: Leveraging Passion To Provide Self-Care Services

Aniekan Williams is the founder of Soft Care Spa. Soft Care Spa is set up to offer services that include; facials, body treatments, aromatherapy sessions, and more. These services are designed to provide a peaceful and calming environment where guests can escape from the stresses of daily life and indulge in some much-needed self-care.

According to Aniekan, she was motivated to pursue a career in this current business to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and the overall wellness of people. “I have encountered individuals who suffered from various health conditions, work-related stress, pregnancy-related stress, emotional disturbances, mental anguish, and a plethora of other issues.Having recognised that indulging in a massage session at the spa could alleviate some of these debilitating stresses and improve overall well-being, this led me to join a spa company in 2008,” she pointed out.

Lucrativity
To her, “ Personally, the business has been lucrative, but it depends on one’s perspective. For me, meeting clients’ needs is the main focus and part of what motivates me, because once that is done, one can reap the dividends.Spas are a popular destination for individuals seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, drawing in clients from different places.
“Many of these clients come with the recommendation of their physician, while others may be dealing with urgent physical or mental health concerns. For me, meeting these needs is the main focus and part of what motivates me, because once that is done, one can reap the dividends.”

Challenges
“As a massage therapist, there are several challenges that we face in our line of work. One of the most common obstacles is dealing with unwanted sexual advances from clients of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to request inappropriate touching during their session, which can create extremely uncomfortable situations for us as professionals.
“Furthermore, another emerging challenge within our profession is the presence of unqualified individuals practicing massage therapy. This can be dangerous for both clients and legitimate therapists alike, as inexperienced practitioners may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to provide safe and effective treatments,” she pointed out.

Advice
“My advice to young massage therapists is to receive proper training and education before entering the field. Also, maintain clear boundaries with clients to prevent inappropriate behaviour during a session. Stay determined and focused. Never compare your business’s growth with someone else’s; instead, think of something you can do differently to make your business look unique and inviting,” he said.

Biography
Aniekan Williams is the founder of Soft Care Spa, a company established in 2023. To hone her skills and elevate her craft, she pursued a formal education in cosmetology at Surulere in Lagos.
In addition to completing rigorous exams, she also availed herself of online courses to expand her knowledge and gain greater enlightenment. Aniekan has over 14 years of experience in the spa industry. She had worked with various spa entities, including Charisma Cosmetics Ltd. and Ivory Health Company, in Lagos.