The saying, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going rings so true when Dowerglen’s Sandy Koukouves shares her story. Not only did she manage to keep a fairly new business afloat during the pandemic but through her business, she also managed to assist the Smile Foundation financially in economical hard times.
As much as in business, so also in life, Sandy will tackle obstacles others may face during these trying times when people are tired emotionally and some have even been left financially crippled in the aftermath of the pandemic.
When the Smile Foundation came knocking, she opened her doors and raised funds to put a brand new smile (so to speak) on baby Olivia’s face.
A giving heart
Her business is affiliated with two charities, the Machi Filotomo Cancer Project and the Smile Foundation.
While chatting with one of her clients she realised that they can work together to raise awareness for the Smile Foundation and more specifically for a baby girl called Olivia.
‘Our initiative at Crema Beauty is to raise awareness and funds for cleft palates, specifically to assist baby Olivia.
People may not realise but due to Covid there are currently around 200 children whose surgeries have been delayed and each surgery, dependent on the condition, can cost around R200 000.
‘These are families who cannot afford to have medical aid or who are unable to provide the means for their children. We were able to raise over R40 000 for baby Olivia’s surgeries.’
Another organisation close to her heart is the Machi Filotomo Cancer Project. In January 2020 Sandy’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which made her realise how precious life is.
‘She was so strong and optimistic and never gave up. Through this, I became involved with the cancer project, which is an NPO. Its purpose is to create awareness about cancer.’
Flying solo
She worked in human resources and in 2018, two short years before Covid, decided to open the doors of her own venture.
‘I must admit the biggest challenge I have faced has been the pandemic, trying to maintain the business and my employees’ mental state.
‘Luckily I managed to get assistance from my incredible landlord, as well as the bank. I was able to pay my staff, even though a small salary each week while we were forced to be at home. Reopening and being more successful than before became my main focus.
‘I always had a passion for beauty and my dream was to create a space where people would escape reality and feel pampered.’
But it sure has been a challenge. At home, there are two children and other responsibilities on top of running her business.
‘It has been challenging juggling both being a mother and a businesswoman and I am blessed to have an incredible support system.
I have a very loving and understanding family.
‘My children are incredibly proud of what I have accomplished, and I have managed to find a balance between being a mother and running my business.
‘Hard work and determination, never giving up and believing in myself and my dedicated team have all helped to make my business what it is today.’
Too much of a good thing
When asked if beauty treatments can go too far the answer was, ‘Absolutely.’
She went on to explain that this is especially true in this day and age where people (men, women and children) are bombarded with images of what perfect should look like.
‘It is important to stay grounded. We need to keep natural beauty in mind and what we reflect from within is more important than what we see on the outside.
‘This is especially relevant regarding the young girls of today with the pressures of life. It is important to enjoy communication, especially with our youth. There is nothing wrong with doing certain treatments to maintain and enhance your beauty. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be taken too far.
‘The best advice I can give to women is to accept yourself for who you are. We are all unique and no one can be you.
‘The most important tool is confidence. If you feel confident in your skin, no matter what shape or size you are, that is beautiful.’
On the home front
Sandy grew up in Johannesburg as the youngest of four children and a first-generation South African to Greek parents.
She remembers the neighbourhood where they lived where they could climb over the wall into the neighbours’ house and stay out on the streets until sunset.
December holidays in Knysna, visiting her uncle and aunt, will always be a memory she holds dear.
‘We would ride bicycles and be out on the streets all day. We would windsurf, water ski and canoe in the Knysna lagoon and spend our days making new friends. Spending Christmas and New Year’s together is a tradition.’
Sandy holds family values and morals in high regard and considers the best thing she can teach her children is that these morals and values shape a person.
‘Weekends are for families and friends where dinners and lazy Sundays at the pool with a braai and some music often turn into a fantastic social with the family dancing the night away.’
And in this busy lifestyle, does she even have time for hobbies?
‘My biggest hobby has to be the gym. I wake up at 5:30am and I train for an hour three to four times a week. This has been a big motivation for me, especially over the past five years. Gym became an outlet for me to destress and focus on myself and my mental state, teaching me discipline. It has completely changed me and being active keeps me young.’
Any hot summer beauty tips to share?
‘My top tip for the summer is SPF. I cannot stress enough how important it is to apply sunscreen, especially to your face daily.
‘Wearing a hat when you’re outdoors. Not only will it help with anti-ageing, but also protect your hair from the harsh sun. Keeping your body hydrated it’s not only essential but helps and keeps your skin glowing and fresh.
‘A daily skincare routine is as important as drinking water. Never go to bed with your make-up on. Apply a simple serum targeting specific concerns and use a good quality moisturiser. Eye cream is an absolute must even from as young as 20.’
And last but not least, ‘Get a cute summer dress, pair of sandals and perfectly manicured and painted toenails. These are essentials to walk out of your home, looking summer ready.’
Text: CARINA VAN DER WALT. Photo: MIGGZ SILVA OMM-ONLINE MEDIA MANAGEMENT
