Sharon Nyanyiwa was born in Zimbabwe and grew up with dreams of pursuing further education, a successful career and financial security. Her dreams brought her to South Africa, but because of the high cost of living in the cities, she settled in the remote town of Cradock in the Eastern Cape Province.
She discovered the African Angels Program, whose purpose is to offer opportunities to those from poor rural areas who show the will and desire to pursue a career in the Beauty, Spa and Wellness Industry, but often lack the financial means. They provide job placements and the possibility of obtaining recognised, meaningful qualifications through skills training and workplace mentoring in the spa/beauty environment.
Sharon decided to attend the 8-week induction program and discovered a passion for providing healing, restorative spa and beauty treatments. She excelled in the program and was awarded with a full scholarship to study at Selah Institute of Health & Beauty.
The mission at Selah Institute has always been to bring professional qualifications to communities who are cut off from quality learning initiatives due to financial or geographic constraints. Here, Sharon achieved two iTEC accredited International Diplomas in Beauty Therapy & Holistic Massage with Merit and quickly gained confidence and work experience through paid internships and job placement offered through the African Angels Program. One of these internships blossomed into long-term employment at the multiple award-winning Prana Lodge Luxury Resort in the Wild Coast, South Africa.
Not only has Sharon achieved her qualifications, landed her dream career and found financial independence, she has also been able to join her best friend Nancy Sahondo, another African Angels graduate who also works at Prana Lodge as a Qualified Spa Therapist.
Hear Sharon talk about her journey here