In an age where wellness is given the centre stage, and practices once taboo such as yoga, therapy and alternative forms of healing are becoming more mainstream, we take a look at five South African Wellness brands paving the way for better access and greater understanding on how to maintain a sense of wellness in an ever-changing world.

Whether you’re into a staunchly bio-medical application of wellness or the more traditional, we celebrate five varied forms of wellness application you may or may not have known about that, are making waves in and around our country with their unique approach to keeping one’s self centred, healthy and grounded.

1. The Nest Space

Founders of *The Nest Space* in Johannesburg - Anesu and Banesa

First on our list is The Nest Space - a Johannesburg-based wellness brand founded in 2018 by Banesa Molauoa Tseki and Dr Anesu Mbizvo who, together with their team, provide a space for wellness and holistic wellbeing.

The Nest Space celebrates being South Africa’s first black owned Yoga Studio and offers a range of services from diverse forms of Yoga such as: Kundalini Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Retreats and Yoga Teacher Trainings and Short Courses. The Nest Space also offers hypnotherapy, massage therapy, sound healing therapy and reiki.

Visit their website for more information at www.thenestspace.co.za or see them in person at their premises at 23 7th Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg. ZA.

2. Earthborne Yogi

Simone Franks, Founder of *Earthborne Yogi*

Second on our list is Simone Franks, also known as Earthborne Yogi. Simone, originally from Durban, now based in the Western Cape, is a skilled Graphic Designer and Fine Artist who found her way into the world of wellness when personal bouts of depression and anxiety lead her in search of something greater. Simone leads monthly new and full moon gatherings as well as daily yoga sessions, available both online and in person. Her work is centred around fostering connection with the earth and our own bodies, herbal medicine education, and invoking the nurturing energies of the divine mother for personal healing.

In addition to her regular offerings, Simone hosts monthly Secret Sunrise dance and yoga events in the Garden Route, along with forest and nature immersions that can be tailored for corporate groups, families, or friends. The Secret Sunrise experience, originating in Cape Town and now spanning over 11 cities worldwide, combines outdoor headphone dance, yoga, and breathwork to cultivate joy through movement - the mission, says Simone, “is to see one million people moving in joy worldwide!”.

Simone's yoga sessions encompass Iyengar Hatha Vinyasa, which focuses on postural alignment suitable for all ages and skill levels, emphasizing slow, strong, and mindful practice. Simone also shares insights from Ayurveda, guiding individuals to nourish themselves according to their constitution types, recognizing food as foundational medicine for holistic well-being.

A Yoga class facilitated by Simone Franks aka *Earthborne Yogi*

Additionally, she conducts online hypnotherapy and life coaching sessions aimed at removing self limiting beliefs and assisting in addressing matters such as addiction, self-worth, anxiety, grief, burnout and more.

Simone is always available to chat directly for those who need one on one sessions or advice, she believes in the power of commUNITY to heal and nourish the soul. To check out her many offerings and book, you can visit her on her IG page EarthborneYogi_sa.

3. African Kemetic Yoga with Ursula Van Graan Macheke

Shaman and Reiki Practitioner, Ursula Van Graan Macheke

Woman Changing The World Awards Finalist for 2024, in the category of Coach of The Year - Ursula Van Graan Macheke, more affectionally known as Mama Urs, is an initiated African Shaman and shamanic practitioner, alchemist, yoga teacher and reiki healer based in Johannesburg. Ursula is a certified 500hr ISHTA (Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantric & Ayurveda) and 200hr Kemetic Yoga™ (YogaSkills Method) teacher. She is a registered RYT® with Yoga Alliance USA and full member of the Yoga Teacher Fellowship SA.

She also holds two degrees, in Business Administration and Social Entrepreneur. Ursula is the owner of AfriCan Kemetic Yoga™ Studio jointly with her fellow teachers. The co-owner of Teen Yoga SA t/a Youth Yoga SA and co-founding Member and CEO of Kemetic Yoga™ Association South Africa. You can find out more by following her on social media.

4. Browngirlhealth

Nqobile Mtshali, founder of *Browngirlhealth*

Fourth on our list is Deeply Rooted’s very own, Nqobile Mtshali - the creator behind Deeply Rooted’s Health segment, Browngirlhealth. Nqobile is a professional food photographer with a passion for all things healthy. When asked how she started this transformative movement, Nqobile had this to say:

“I started this brand to make healthy eating affordable and accessible, Browngirlhealth grew, it became more than just a platform for promoting healthy eating; it also became a space for me to develop new skills. From mastering food photography and styling to learning the art of videography. Browngirlhealth has been a journey of both personal and professional growth”.

Browngirlhealth is a vibrant and inclusive brand founded on the desire to promote affordable and healthy eating to manage anxiety. Originating from a personal journey to find nutritious ingredients within reach, Browngirlhealth has blossomed into a multifaceted enterprise. It began with simple yet effective recipe cards and has since expanded to offer freshly pressed juices. The brand's growth is marked by notable milestones, including the recording of a Christmas special and the launch of its digital food magazine, Eat, which celebrates diverse and wholesome culinary experiences.

Browngirlhealth continues to inspire and empower individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle and has collaborated with notable companies such as McCain, Jwayelani, and Thompsons Meats, further enhancing its reach and impact. Make sure you check out Browngirlhealth recipes here: www.deeplyrooted.world/browngirlhealth.

5. Safe Space with Aewon Wolf & Kayashala

Aewon Wolf and KayaShala present Safe Space

Fifth on our list, we have Award-winning Hip Hop artist and wellness aficionado, Arnold Phillips, also professionally known as Aewon Wolf. Aewon has, over time, taken his fans and audience on a journey of love, self-discovery and conscious living. From making strictly commercial music, all the way to the release of his five-track affirmations EP titled Vibes in 2022 (see below).

Aewon has definitely been living what he preaches. A prominent advocate for healthier relationships with ourselves, our loved ones and nature, it was only a matter of time before he started something as wholesome as Safe Space.

Founded in March 2024, Aewon initiated Safe Space with Christie Holt (owner of KayaShala yoga studio) as a part what he refers to as his community building stage of his journey, after incubating for years as a creative.

Aewon goes on to say this:

“I wanted to create a safe space for people to refill their cups and feel better. I had grown tired of the self gratifying and superficial interaction I had gotten from performing and wanted to interact with my audience in a way that was deeper and meaningful. Safe Space gives me that, I connect with people and help them with my art by helping them align themselves, through yoga and Binaural beats. Practices that have been empirically proven in reducing their stress and anxiety.

Yoga and binaural beats have been two practices that have personally helped me greatly with me centering myself and considering that yoga has been around for thousands of years, and that I am an experienced musician, I leaned into making the binaural beats better.”

Aewon Wolf works with a psychologist who’s an expert in neurofeedback therapy, where they study the beats he creates, constantly developing the experience into something more effective over time.

You can join Safe Space sessions hosted once a month at KayaShala yoga studio in Salt Rock. Also on the line up, he’ll be hosting with Manifest yoga studio, a beach session in Umhlanga beach on the 22nd of June 2024 from 7am to 8am called Sunrise Serenity. Following this, he’ll also be hosting the first of a series of wellness gatherings kicking off on the 21st of June at Manifest Yoga studio called Yin & a tonic. Follow Aewon Wolf for more info.

While there are so many impactful wellness initiatives sparked up all around our beautiful country, I hope you enjoyed learning about these five. A bonus Wellness Brand of mention is The Ma’at Institute, based on campus at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) - offering free telephonic therapy in both English and isiZulu. You can contact them via WhatsApp at +27 60 548 9137. Remember, while you can more easily have a healthy body and lean abs, investing in adopting a healthy and healed mind remains top priority.

Written by Lex LaFoy