“A key to being successful is keeping up with the latest developments in the beauty industry,” said the owner, Karen Jones (known as Kaz).
On Thursday, March 3, the City Times visited Kaz’s Corner, at 21 10th Avenue, Northmead, for a pamper day, and I understand why business is still booming 30 years later.
My morning started off with a deep-tissue massage by therapeutic sports massage therapist, Saskia Badenhorst.
The cubical where my massage was done had a soothing environment because of the tranquil music.
Before starting with my massage, Saskia explained to me about the importance of regular deep-tissue massages.
“I massage to help the lymphs in the body,” Saskia said.
“Lymphs are like a dustbin which collects and moves the toxins (poisonous substances) in the body, allowing for emotional and physical imbalances to be repaired.”
Saskia worked according to my pain threshold to ensure I enjoyed my massage while she removed the toxins.
The massage helps to release the muscular strains in the body.
Her massage left me feeling calmer and happier.
And like all women enjoy being pampered with a new hair style, the hairstylist, Sakina Ebrahim, did not fail to impress me.
I wanted bright red highlights in my hair, and Sakina, who has been working in the hair industry for 33 years, gave me just that.
“I mostly enjoy colouring,” Sakina said.
“I believe if you want to transform a woman, colour her hair.”
She put red highlights in my hair using foils, and the colour caught on my hair in less than 15 minutes.
Lastly, I was treated to an acrylic overlay.
Because I already had an acrylic overlay on my nails, Lauren Jones soaked off the acrylic by using acetone and hot water.
She then placed my natural nails in almond oil to rejuvenate them before starting the procedure.
Finally, she prepared my nails by building, buffing, shaping and shining the acrylic, and then painted them black and red.
“After this, we used a top coat to make the nail polish last longer,” Lauren said.
Kaz established Kaz’s Corner in a pharmacy in Northmead in 1986, which is where the business’s name derived from.
“There was a vacant cubicle in the corner of the pharmacy where I worked,” Kaz said.
“I asked the owner if I could use it to start my business on March 28, and he agreed.
“I paid for my rent by selling his cosmetics.”
Shortly after, she rented the premises adjacent to the pharmacy, now known as Sheila Thomas Optometrist in Northmead.
Subsequently in 1991, she bought her home on 21 10th Avenue, Northmead, where she began building Kaz’s Corner in her yard adjacent to her home.
Over the years, her business saw the establishment of a tea garden, which she opened in partnership with Irene Nxumalo, who has been working with her for 27 years.
Kaz said the main keys in keeping her business successful are to be a hands-on boss and leading by example.
“I do not expect my staff to do any more hours than I do,” she said.
Her humble attitude is probably the reason she has staff members who have been by her side for more than a decade.
“I appreciate all of my staff, especially my manageress, Lucy Masemola and partner in the tea garden, Irene Nxumalo,” Kaz said.
Kaz refers to Lucy as her right-hand lady who has been loyal to Kaz’s Corner for 15 years.
“Without these ladies, the 30 years would not have been possible,” she said.
Another important aspect of keeping the business successful is the happiness of its clients.
“Our regular clients receive their own nail packs for hygiene purposes, and each customer is contacted a day before their appointment as a reminder,” she said.
Her daughter, Lauren, intends to keep the business booming by practising the same leadership methods and adding her own ideas for the new-generation clientele.
