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*Your Full Name: Debbie Merdjan
*Contact email: dm@camelothealth.co.za
*Website address: www.camelotspa.co.za www.camelotint.co.za
www.thalgo.co.za www.cspa.co.za
*Affiliations /Member of Business &/or Women’s organization/s:
WPO – www.womenpresidentsorg.com
Cape Chamber of Commerce – www.capechamber.co.za
SAAHSP – www.saahsp.com
*Business Social media Network Profiles:
www.debbiemerdjan.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-merdjan-42161820
https://www.facebook.com/debbie.merdjan
https://twitter.com/debbiemerdjan
- What does winning the International Entrepreneurial Challenge Awards mean to me: To receive the IWEC award is a great honor and privilege, specifically as an International organization representing business women from all over the world. I look forward to the oppourtunity of networking, learning and mentoring opportunities from other successful female business owners helping me to gain and expand my business into international markets.
- Representing my country in showcasing the achievement of women in Enterpreneurship is very exciting as IWEC will give me the opportunity to represent South Africa and share my passion for business and our country.
- Entrepreneurship is essential because: In our current economy we need to develop more SME businesses and develop women who are willing to take risks, develop, organize and manage a business venture in a competitive global marketplace that is constantly evolving.
- IWEC brings value through: the exchange of knowledge, experience, and connectivity among women business owners, setting the stage for new opportunities and joint ventures, and promoting social dialog among women entrepreneurs and business leaders.
ON A PROFESSIONAL NOTE – tell us about what you do.
My occupation is CEO and founder of the Camelot Group since 1985 and this experience brings strengths of a highly specialized skills set to the Wellness industry.
Camelot International Health and Skin Care Education with 9 branches located in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A registered Higher Education provider offering National and International Health and Skin Care Diploma and Certificate courses.
Camelot Spa located in 4 & 5 star Hotels and Corporate wellness facilities have 20 branches in South Africa as well as Botswana, Malawi and Nigeria.
Marine Spa Distributors supplies professional Skin, Body and Nutrition products to the industry. Brands include distribution of prestigious French brand Thalgo Marine Spa Products and South African CSpa Aroma Wellness Brand.
Our emphasis is on developing Health and Wellness Schools in Africa, concentrating on the vitally important foundation of education thereafter job creation, expansion of our Franchise footprint and exporting our brands beyond South African borders.
The special interests in my area of business/expertise are new business development, brand development, marketing, advertising, management, business coahing, staff development and problem solving.
What I love most about my field of interest is working within the Wellness industry creating beautiful Spa spaces making an impact on our client’s experiences offering professional treatments that achieve excellent results improving health and wellness.
In my training school business it is wonderful to watch the growth, development and success of students when they graduate from Camelot.
Some of the defining moments of my career was starting my business with R1700, having a clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish and not stopping until I had achieved my goals. After establishing Camelot International training school I identified a need for offering Spa Management and was the first company in South Africa to offer these services. Thereafter I opened my own Spa’s and when the demand exceeded the rate of new spa development I started my Franchise division. I secured distribution rights for the exclusive top International professional marine skin and body care brand called Thalgo as well as developing our own South African Aromatherapy Skin and Body care brand called Cspa.
YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL
The things I love / have keen interest in are linked to nature, wellness and creativity. I love animals – own my own horse and enjoy riding, jumping and dressage. I love fashion, travel, flowers, food and décor.
It is important for me that my personal time includes time with my family.
YOUR PERSONAL INSPIRATION
I am passionate about life
My favorite quote is by Nelson Mandela
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”
I am inspired by people – attending numerous business conferences, attending courses as well as registering on an International business coaching course has helped me to further my business skills and connected me to my purpose
The female role model who I believe inspires others in my field of interest is Jane Wurwand.
The male role model who I believe inspires others in my field of interest is Monsieur Sirop from Thalgo
LIVING A LEGACY
My personal message to the world is about Wellness and balance finding internal and external harmony in all that we do. I try to lead by example empowering and uplifting all who I work with. Professionalism and excellence is my motto.
Mentorship is important to me because we never stop learning and learning from others experiences is valuable for business and personal growth.
I believe support/giving back to the community is important as there are so many less fortunate people in the world and one needs to be aware and grateful for all the wonderful things in our lives.
I strongly believe in the universal law of gratitude that the more you give, the more you will receive. The more you assist others, the more you will assist yourself.
SOME OPTIONAL QUESTIONS AND OTHER THOUGHTS
The best piece of advice I ever received was “inspect what you expect”
The secret to my success is hard work , commitment, having a vision and then speed of implementation.
The literature that has influenced my profession includes – regular internet web research
The literature that has influenced my life includes
“The Monk who sold his Ferrari “ by Robin Sharma
Talk like TED by Carmine Gallo
My views on living a life of balance are to find a place of inner peace, integrity and authenticity. This needs to be coupled with mental stimulation, love, happiness, regular exercise, healthy diet, sleep, rest and relaxation.
To make our world a better place, I believe the key ingredient would be
helping people, animals and the environment.