Rowena Alexander moved to the Lowveld in 2019, and with her children boarding at Uplands College, she wanted to do something meaningful that would also enrich the community.
When the owners of Sorbet Nelspruit decided to sell, Rowena saw the opportunity to create more than just a business. “I wanted a space that added real value to the community,” she explains. “A place where people could feel better about themselves and leave with more confidence than they arrived with, and a feel-good spring in their step.”
For Rowena, the appeal of Sorbet went beyond the brand’s reputation. “Self-care, health, and beauty are essential,” she says, “especially in today’s fast-paced world. We often forget to pause and just live. Sorbet’s Servant Leadership philosophy really resonated with me: putting the growth and development of our team, our ‘Citizens,’ first, so that they can serve our clients with passion.”
It’s a philosophy she lives every day. “I love making people feel better about themselves,” Rowena continues, “and every member of my team feels the same way. We don’t just provide treatments; we create connection and confidence.” For those who have never visited, the Sorbet experience is truly memorable. Rowena describes it as “a blend of warmth, professionalism, and positivity.”
Guests are greeted with smiles and an atmosphere that immediately puts them at ease. Every visit is designed to leave people feeling uplifted. “Whether it’s a facial, a gel manicure, or just a quiet chat during your treatment, we want every guest to leave feeling better than when they arrived,” Rowena says.
Much of the salon’s inviting atmosphere comes from its culture. “Women supporting women is the ethos at the heart of everything we do,” Rowena explains. Laughter, genuine connection, and teamwork are part of daily life at Sorbet Nelspruit. “We celebrate small wins, share positive energy, and treat every guest like family.”
Maintaining Sorbet’s high standards is central to the salon’s mission. Every treatment follows strict protocols, including consultations, hygiene checks, and post-care advice. “We talk about service daily,” Rowena says. “Giving our best – every single treatment, every single day – is ingrained in us. Of course, some days are more challenging than others, but our goal is always excellence.”
Among Rowena’s clients, facials and gel manicures are the most popular. “There’s nothing like the confidence boost of a fresh gel mani or the immediate visible results from a facial,” she smiles. At the same time, the salon has seen a growing interest in advanced treatments, such as microneedling and dermaplaning. “Our Dermalogica, DMK, Environ, and Exuviance facials, especially those focusing on hydration and anti-ageing, have become firm favourites,” she says.
The salon’s therapists are professionally trained across multiple skincare brands, allowing treatments to be customised to each guest’s needs, preferences, and budget. Rowena has also noticed a surge in more subtle, transformative services. Brow laminations, lash lifts, and microfeathering are increasingly popular, enhancing natural features with effortless polish. “Guests are often pleasantly surprised by the breadth of our menu,” she adds.
Rowena is particularly proud of her team. The salon’s skincare therapists and nail technicians are passionate, highly skilled, and committed to results. Janet, Sharon, and Deli have earned the status of Dermalogica Skincare Masters, with Phumi on her way. Patricia and Yolande are refining their expertise across multiple brands, and all six therapists deliver exceptional massages and as-painless-as-possible waxing.
The nail team, led by Innocentia, Nozwelo, and Rebecca, excels in a range of services from traditional manicures and pedicures to acrylic, gel, polygel, and soft gel full-cover tips. Continuous training ensures every set is flawless, reflecting the salon’s dedication to quality and precision.
One of Rowena’s proudest achievements is watching her team grow. Nothando, now a front desk co-ordinator, began as a salon assistant in 2013 and was promoted in 2018. Similarly, Nozwelo, Marble, and Zethu have worked their way up from assistants to skilled nail and mani/pedi technicians, a testament to dedication, training, and Rowena’s supportive leadership. “The beauty industry is evolving in exciting ways, becoming more holistic, inclusive, and wellness-focused,” Rowena says.
Clients increasingly prioritise authenticity, sustainability, and visible results. At Sorbet Nelspruit, the salon is always adapting with mindful, results-driven treatments, eco-conscious products, and a continued focus on education. “Informed clients are empowered clients,” she says. “When people feel good in their own skin, that confidence spreads. That’s what we aim to do every day, help people reconnect with themselves, one treatment, one smile, one small act of care at a time.”
