Building a business with purpose and grace
Empowering women and her community
Driven by passion and God-ordained purpose, Liezel Ndjaronguru displays an incredible work ethic when it comes to the running of her business – Divas and Gents Fitness Centre in Khomasdal.Ndjaronguru has always had a knack for business and management, and she decided to register her business in 2013 before working at Virgin Active.
"Working at Virgin Active was a strategic move for me, as I went there with the purpose and the intention of acquiring skills and knowledge about the health and fitness industry. I ended up learning more than I anticipated, which I am grateful for," she said.
She began her career as a pharmacist's assistant, not knowing where the road would lead her eventually – but she said she has always been extremely ambitious and confident in her ability to succeed, and that the health and fitness industry has always been her passion.
Her gym started off as an all-female fitness facility. However, it subsequently opened its doors to all genders and was named the Divas and Gents Fitness Centre.
While using natural means to help individuals attain their dream bodies, the gym also caters to athletes and helps them train and prepare for upcoming competitions.
Although running her own business can be stressful at times, Ndjaronguru is still very positive about her path and finds owning her own business to be rewarding.
More than just body goals
By incorporating elements of emotional and psychological wellness, the Divas and Gents Fitness approach to exercise promises a transformative experience for women that will alter how they view themselves on the inside and the outside.
"It's about your mind, soul, and body, not just your physical goals. Finding the right balance as women is important.
"It's about improving our sense of self-worth, and most importantly, it's about women empowering women. It doesn't help to just imagine it; you need to put in the effort to make it a reality. That is what makes Diva and Gents unique, in addition to the fact that we don’t let our clients train alone; regardless of the package they sign up for, there will always be a trainer to assist and guide them," she explained.
Inspired childhood
Ndjaronguru, who was raised by her grandmother in Khomasdal, said she has always drawn inspiration from her upbringing and that this is why she is so passionate about women's empowerment, physical fitness, and overall health.
Her grandmother has had a significant impact on her life; she describes her as a strong, hardworking woman with a big heart.
"There were times when I second-guessed my decision to start my own business and quit my full-time job, but the results helped me remember why I did it. It's essential to leave your comfort zone, extend your wings, and have faith," she said.
Improving lives
Apart from inspiring clients to achieve their fitness objectives, Ndjaronguru also influences those who work for her and live in her community. One of her personal trainers said she is an interesting and inspirational person when asked to describe her. Her work ethics and standards are high, and she encourages the team to put in hard work all the time.
"Liezel is a straight shooter; you don't have to wonder what she expects of you. Every team member is aware of their responsibilities, and they all pitch in with suggestions to help the gym succeed," the coach said.
Furthermore, Ndjaronguru not only invests in those in her immediate surroundings but also ploughs back into the community in which she was raised.
She manages community projects such as sanitary pad campaigns for less fortunate high school girls and others in need of support.
Divas and Gents Fitness recently partnered with E-merge Coaching Academy and the Community Action Committee to distribute dignity toiletry kits to 122 inmates at the Windhoek Female Correctional Facility.
Divas and Gents Fitness provided inmates with entertainment and exercise instructions.
Love for simplicity
Ndjaronguru describes herself as a plain Jane who finds joy in the simple things.
"I am a very straightforward, simple person who finds joy in spending time with my family in my free time," she said.
During her free time, Ndjaronguru goes on tea dates with her grandmother or spends time with her twin god-daughters, who bring her immense joy.