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Virtual reality therapy targets spa sector Launched on 1 November 2018, The Wend is a South Africaninvented virtual reality (VR) device that can be used by spas as a 5-minute relaxation session either prior to, or post, treatment. “The Wend provides virtual reality therapy (VRT) by transporting the spa guest into a relaxing, immersive virtual environment with natural
sounds,” says Cheryl De Beer, a partner in the company along with founder, Melloney Rijnvis, and technology expert, Renitha Ramjattan. De Beer continues: “In designing the device we have taken the needs of spas into account. They specifically wanted a relaxation product, as opposed to destinations or ‘wonders of the world’ products, and they requested that each relaxation session be five minutes long. A spa group recently allowed us to trail The Wend in their properties and it went very well. “We were the first company to launch in South Africa with this concept. VR in the spa sector is
very new – when we registered our company we identified one company in the US that also does it. Modern technology is what causes us stress so we want to use modern technology to relieve that stress.” De Beer points out that The Wend does not aim to replace anything in the spa. “It’s a relaxation treatment that the spa can either offer as a free add-on or charge for. The Wend also minimises the need that some clients feel to chit-chat with therapists, which can be tiring. We also believe The Wend can help spa productivity in terms of filling slots.”
DYME App expands footprint Launched in Cape Town and Durban last year, the Uber-like DYME Beauty On Demand App that connects freelance artists / beauty professionals to clients is currently rolling out in Johannesburg. Says Sheila Otieno-Osanya, the newly appointed head of Johannesburg operations: “Thus far we have 170 artists on our books across the three cities. For now, DYME artists offer hair and barber services, make-up, nails, manicures & pedicures, massages, lash extensions, waxing, threading and facials. We will increase the number of services as we take on board artists with additional skills. DYME also offers couples treatments, pamper parties, corporate wellness events and bridal packages.” A main priority of DYME is to provide security to both artists and clients through technology and innovation. DYME can track the artist’s movement and there is also a star rating system, as well as client histories. Clients can register via Facebook and have to include their credit card details.
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To register for DYME, freelance artists send through their CVs and certificates, which are vetted. Face to face and practical interviews are then conducted. Artists get paid 80% of the value of the services they perform. DYME is in the process of partnering with mobile spa companies and plans eventually to partner with spas / salons to help increase their foot traffic during quiet business periods. DYME is not the first on demand beauty app in South Africa but
Otieno-Osanya explains that it sells the App and its features, not the services offered. She continues: “It is the artists who sell the services as they are the frontline of the business. DYME is a platform that provides support through technology and social media and provides convenience to consumers.” The co-founders of DYME are Cape Town based Larissa Zyamzina and Roger Heunis, who plan to make DYME a leading international brand.
