Meet the survivor behind Beauty and Blessings
Di Christophers tells us about starting a new business, Beauty and Blessings, after surviving breast cancer.
Di Christophers (57) stays in Johannesburg, Gauteng. She is divorced and has two adult children and two grandchildren.
Why did you start Beauty and Blessings?
It was due to a traumatic experience I had whilst trying to buy headwear when I lost my hair. I was diagnosed with HER2-negative breast cancer in June 2018.
It was a very daunting experience. I was feeling overwhelmed at firstly losing my hair and secondly wearing headwear is not the norm for me, even in winter. I realised if I felt so overwhelmed, there must be plenty of ladies that felt exactly like I did, hence Beauty and Blessings was born.
How did it all start?
Whilst going through chemo, I decided to find my own seamstress for headwear. After much trial and error, I found an amazing lady who crochets. She mentioned that her mom was a seamstress. Her mom (Mama Grace) didn’t live in Johannesburg so she came for a visit.
Once more, we went through trial and error with various patterns and fabrics until we got it spot on. Mama Grace has yet to leave after what was meant to be a short visit. That was 12 months ago.
After we had the headwear fabrics and patterns sorted, the website was designed and before long we were attending to all our client’s needs.
How did you juggle starting a new business with your career?
I have been in the real estate industry for 19 years and been fortunate enough to continue up until today. It was hard in the beginning, as I had limited stock and gifts but it grew from there.
What does Beauty and Blessings offer?
We offer as much as possible to ensure that the person who is purchasing is choosing the correct products. We do a variety of headwear, turbans, gift packs, Beauty and Blessings snug blankets, personalised slippers, hot water bottles, beautiful sun hats which I am proud to say are approved by CANSA, children’s headwear and awareness T-shirts.
There is also a hair station at the studio, for ladies who want a personal experience of trying on the headwear before purchasing. This enables them to practise wrapping turbans and learning different ways to style their headwear. I was YouTube trained. Unfortunately, this service is no longer available due to COVID-19. I miss it terribly as I love chatting to the ladies.
What is the best part of Beauty and Blessings?
Making a difference in someone’s situation by helping them choose headwear or even just recommending the different options we have. When I receive messages, emails, calls and photos to tell me how thrilled they are with their purchase, that always brings a smile to my face.
Beauty and Blessings also hosted a Cuppa for CANSA, in 2019, which was attended by over 100 people. Over R30 000 was raised and it was truly a wonderful event and hugely supported, sponsored by friends, family, clients, businesses and the community of Edenvale.
My business, Beauty and Blessings, brings such joy to me, when I’m in the studio, it’s my happy tranquil place. Being a breast cancer survivor, I understand what my clients are going through and whilst I can’t give them medical advice, I can tell them how I coped during my journey.
Are there any new products on the rise?
It is with great excitement that Beauty and Blessings has joined up with Machi Filotimo Cancer Project in a joint venture.
For every headwear item purchased with the cancer ribbon on it, a percentage of profits will go to Filotimo projects to assist them with their ongoing drive.
Machi Filotimo Cancer Project is an NGO that was started in memory of Evy’s mom who passed away from ovarian cancer. They are associated with Hospice Wits, The Breast Wellness Centre and Cupcakes of Hope.
We are always busy with new projects and are working on new fabrics for spring.