Gen-Z puts community and sustainability at the heart of his business

It is often said that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That is exactly what Notha Buthelezi, a 25-year-old from Johannesburg, decided to do.

Together with his sister, Victorious, he runs the Holistiq Wellness House in Glen Austin, Midrand - a business born from a personal need and a desire to create something meaningful for others.

Notha, who studied sports science, said he originally dreamed of becoming a professional rugby player and one day representing the Springboks. But life had other plans.

While pursuing his passion for sport, he found it difficult to access wellness products that suited his lifestyle, were healthy, effective, and did not interfere with hormones. Many of the products he came across were either too expensive or did not align with the kind of holistic approach he wanted for his well-being.

That challenge eventually led to a life-changing conversation with his sister Victorious, who was also passionate about beauty and wellness and wanted affordable, sustainable products that were gentle on the skin.

The two later teamed up with a homoeopathic doctor, Dr Pillay, who assists with developing their range of all-natural products and also consults from the wellness house on selected days.

A visit to the wellness house offers more than just products. Clients can access wellness consultations, purchase products and enjoy treatments in a space designed to care for them holistically.

Notha explained that what sets their products apart is that they are made in-house at their Glen Austin premises using natural ingredients, with a focus on helping people care for their bodies without the side effects that can come with harsh or hormone-disrupting products.

Community upliftment

Beyond wellness, community upliftment is central to the business. 

The business employs people from disadvantaged communities around Glen Austin and offers them practical skills and training.

With unemployment remaining a major challenge in South Africa, Notha said they are intentional about creating opportunities and helping young people build confidence and experience.

 “A lot of our people actually have disadvantaged backgrounds. The main focus at the end of the day is employment because there are a lot of people finding it hard to get employed,” he said.

“We hire people, and then we also train them. We also have workshops for them so they can polish their skills and provide better services. So at the core of what we do, community upliftment and changing somebody’s story is what we are aiming to do through our business.”

That mission also resonates deeply with him personally.

After studying sports science, Notha created employment for himself through entrepreneurship. He believes many in the Gen Z generation should feel empowered not only to seek employment but also to create opportunities for themselves and others using the skills they already have.

He said the business first started online before growing into a physical space where products could be manufactured in-house, and customers could visit directly.

The wellness house also includes a spa, offering therapeutic massages and detox treatments, creating an experience that is both relaxing and revitalising.

Looking ahead, Notha hopes to continue changing lives, whether through producing sustainable wellness products, expanding the business or employing more people.

He also hopes to make a lasting impact on the wellness industry by providing affordable, high-quality products. He says his intention is to ensure wellness products are accessible even to people who may not always have the means to afford them.

 RECOMMENDED: