ABOUT ANNA-GLADYS

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Who is Anna-Gladys?

I'm Anna Gladys Neethling, mom of 4 blonde boys. In my previous life, before becoming a mom, I was fortunate enough to own and run Salon Anna Gladys for 15 years. As CEO and Advance Skincare Therapist, I was able to fully embrace and enjoy my passion and the dream that I'd had since childhood. I realised that skincare is very much a part of my core - learning about and sharing with others techniques and products to help maintain your skin's optimal condition and balance. Oh how young I was… I had no idea how quickly time would pass and how swiftly my life would change into something no one could ever prepare me for!

In 2005 I married Steyn Neethling; the love of my life, my anchor and my rock. Our wonderful wedding day was followed by an idyllic honeymoon… Only for me to realise upon my return that I was pregnant! I was of course filled with great joy, but soon found out that a baby immediately and irrevocably changes you. It's God's way of calling you to a halt and making you evaluate life through new eyes, especially the perfectionist and workaholic in you.

My priorities and focus started to change. While I could still quite comfortably manage my work hours with only one baby, work was no longer my be-all and end-all… nothing was as important as that little bundle. And then, when my little bundle was only 12 weeks old, I realized that I was yet again pregnant! Suddenly 8 to 12 hour shifts was far from appealing, so I started gradually reducing my hours. Within another 2 years, our family had grown to a family of SIX! My husband was often travelling for business at the time.

As I found myself trying to cope with having 4 little ones and juggling a job, I realised that mom and dad can't both work full-time without having additional help, and I was ready to invest in my family and give the full-time mom thing a go.

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The value of family

My sister, Kokkie, came to my rescue. She got involved in and started running the business like no one else could have, giving me the opportunity to enjoy being a mom whilst still staying in touch with the business I'd enjoyed building.

I thought for a long time that my business defined me and for the first 2 years, I struggled with the whole mom-thing. But being a full-time mom gave me a new perspective on life. For the first time, I was able to do little things like attend sports practices, help in the tuck shop, even just ferry my children around between activities. The only thing that threatened to push me to the brink sometimes was homework! But still the question remained at the back of my mind: Am I doing the right thing? Am I cut out for just looking after my children? My husband's support was crucial here - the immense value he placed on me being there for my boys helped me through many a doubtful moment and gave me a sense of peace and pride in what I was doing and the life I was creating for myself and my family.

Raising children isn't for the weak-hearted. The notion of moms doing nothing, going to the gym or having endless coffee dates isn't anywhere near true. I have the utmost respect for any woman who does it as I realise that with the pleasure, there's a lot of hard work and heartache, lots of wine (!) and frequent doubts about your identity and purpose in this life.

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Looking towards the future

But time waits for nobody.  As my boys are getting bigger and becoming more independent, I realise that a new season has arrived for me.  Each new season comes with new challenges and this one will be no different.  I'm going to tackle the challenge, helping people deal with the very daunting ageing thing, enabling them to embrace their years and enjoy them to the full.  My 18 years of beauty therapy experience doesn't make me a miracle worker by any stretch of the imagination, and I'm no medical professional either.  But I've learnt what works and what doesn't and would love to share my knowledge and experience with people once again.

VISION AND MISSION

To be beautiful takes passion, courage, confidence, inner strength and creativity.  True beauty enables someone to look in the mirror and embrace their imperfections, believing anything is possible.  If you feel beautiful, you will be no matter what age or life stage you may be in. 

TIMELINE

Timeline

1993
1993

Stellenbosch College (1993-1994)

Completes N4 – N6 Secretarial and Communication Diploma at Stellenbosch College
1995
1995

International Academy of Health and Skin Care (1995-1996)

Completes International Diploma in Itec, Saibeth and Cidesco at International Academy of Health and Skin Care
1997
1997

Working Abroad (1997 – 1998)

Worked in England for 2 years as a Skin care specialist at a 5-star Hotel – working with celebrities like Scary Spice, Alicia Silverstone and many more.  Gaining all experience possible in the industry.  Specializing in skin treatments
1999
1999

Business Owner (1999 – current)

CEO of Salon Anna Gladys Expert Skin Care Centre
2020
2020

Business Owner (2020 – current)

Advanced skincare by Anna Gladys CEO & BodyWize