2 Sisters, 1 Company, A Single Dream
Alyshah Vishram-Lalani and Aziza Vishram of Spa Theory take the meaning of American Business Women’s Day to new lengths with their commitment to health, wellness, beauty, and self-love in Atlanta. When Alyshah founded Spa Theory in 2020 she was a sole-preneur working to bring her dream of a 5-star mobile spa to reality. With exponential growth comes the need to expand the team, and Alyshah didn’t have to look far to find the right person to manage the company’s extensive daily operations. Her sister Aziza shares her passion for the wellness industry and is also a mobile beauty provider traveling around the Atlanta area as one of the most sought-after henna artists. Together the two sisters have found the perfect balance between sisterhood, friendship, and business. We caught up with them to celebrate American Business Women’s’ Day.
Q: What is it about the wellness industry that drives you?
Alyshah: In today’s fast paced world, everyone – especially women – are all about “let’s run the world,” and “I can do it all.” I created Spa Theory so people can feel comfortable with taking a pause to relax and rest – then get back to doing it all. My goal with Spa Theory, and what drives me, is to make wellness accessible at the time and location of the client’s choice so they can keep up with their fast-paced world, while also taking care of themselves.
Aziza: I’m incredibly passionate about self-love and self-care. We need to make ourselves a priority to nurture our physical and mental health. It’s powerful to work with client’s and providers on a daily basis and see how they’re positively affected by wellness – even something as easy as getting a manicure.
Q: What’s it like working together?
Alyshah: It can be a roller coaster at times. Our parents raised us to be strong headed, so at times our personalities can be in the way of each other. But we recognize that we have different learning styles and different strengths which greatly complement each other. No employee will make things happen like your family can! Aziza goes above and beyond every day with exceptional customer service and making sure everything is done in a timely and organized manner. She’s the backbone of Spa Theory. I personally think if this was any other employee doing operations, we wouldn’t have a 5-star Google rating with 70 reviews!
Aziza: As Alyshah said, it can be a roller coaster ride. We argue, we fight, but through those debates we’re able to make Spa Theory better every day and at the same time grow our relationship and ourselves.
Q: How are you able to separate your relationship as sister with your relationship as colleagues?
Alyshah: This has been a huge learning experience for both of us. Over time we’ve learned some great things including setting boundaries:
No talking about work at family gatherings and dinners.
Weekly business meetings to make sure things are communicated clearly.
Family meetings to talk about family/emotions as needed.
Respect each other’s personal and professional boundaries.
No talking about work to the other person on their off day.
Aziza: It all boils down to good communication, which is the backbone of a healthy and thriving relationship. Sometimes separating work from sisterhood is hard, and other times it's easy. We’re very good about speaking to each other and expressing where we’re at.
Q: When you hear the title “American Business Women” how does it make you feel?
Alyshah: We’re second-generation immigrants from India, and our parents sacrificed in all areas of life for us to be here - being away from their own families, doing underpaid menial labor, facing gun violence, struggling with the English language. Being able to pursue the American dream and being an American businesswoman definitely makes me feel that I’m making them proud.
Aziza: Our dad always dreamed of living the American Dream. Of working hard and finding meaningful success. I’m sure he’s watching over us like an angel and happily seeing my sister and I living the life he dreamed of and made possible for us through his sacrifices.
Q: How do you seek wellness in your life?
Alyshah: Wellness plays a major role in my life. It's the only way that allows me to have work/life integration. I have to take care of my physical, emotional, and mental wellness to be a successful entrepreneur, a good mom, and a balanced being. I work out twice a week for my personal wellness. I journal, meditate, and pray for my emotional wellness. And I go to therapy once a week to keep my mental wellness in check. I also make sure to get monthly massages from our amazing Spa Theory massage therapists!
Aziza: Like so many people, I struggled after losing a parent and had to find ways to keep my wellness in check. For physical wellness I love to dance and do Zumba 2-3 times a week. For mental health I find journaling, meditation, and therapy to be a great mixture that works well for me.
Q: What advice do you have for young women looking to go into business for themselves?
Alyshah: Rejection is redirection. Never be afraid to hear “NO” and do not give up on your “stupid” idea. It took me a year and a half to get a first paying client when I started Spa Theory. But I knew it was a great idea and was determined to make it a success. Now we have hundreds of customers each week. Believe in yourself and your idea.
Aziza: Just keep going. There will be times in your life when you don’t feel you’re achieving the success you’re after, but eventually you’ll attract that success through your belief, dedication, and perseverance. And enjoy the journey. It’s filled with so many opportunities for growth.
