myUTOPIA Sandi Dekker
STARTUP COSTS: ‘myUTOPIA had 7 546 member visits in our first year,’ says Sandi.
TURNOVER: ‘We’re in our fourth year, and have grown to about 16 800 member visits.’
Have you ever wanted to be one of those ‘I don’t know how she does it’ women? You know the type: glowing skin, perfectly blow-dried hair,a smoothie bowl for lunch and squeezing in a yoga class before work? If so, get to know Sandi Dekker – she might just become your secret weapon.
In 2016, Sandi opened the doors to myUTOPIA, a premium boutique lifestyle centre that offers fitness classes and wellness services all in the same place, so you can tick off all the errands on your to-do list without having to zoom around the city.
What made you realise your previous career wasn’t working for you any more?
I had my own interior design company and we had a round-the-clock philosophy that meant I often worked right through the night. In the end, I was totally burnt out. But yoga changed my life. I always joke about having too many voices in my head, and yoga was the one thing that allowed me to find absolute calm and quiet. Plus all my children were finishing school and I felt like I wanted to do something for me. I took the gap and became an entrepreneur.
What did you hope to achieve with your business?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
