She has more than half of the English language alphabets to indicate the qualifications acquired over the years but suffice it to say that a growing number of people say Dr Mehfuza Millwala has the Midas touch to cure their ailments and enable them to lead a better life.
Her academic qualifications range from Homoeopathy, Acupuncture, Cosmetic Acupuncture and Bio-Magnetism to Radionics, Aroma Therapy and Beauty Therapy and 30 years of experience make her one of the foremost experts in the health and beauty industry.
She also obtained a Diploma from CIDESCO (the World’s major International Beauty Therapy Association London) and qualified as Danne Skin Revision Therapist (New Zealand).
Hearty deal
Health and Beauty Therapy may be a profitable business but Dr Millwala brings her heart to the profession as a Homoeopathic Physician, Cosmetic and Homoeo Acupuncturist and Beauty Therapist.
Launching her career as a Homeopath Physician and Acupuncturist in her native Mumbai in 1981, she began applying the nuances of these disciplines for beauty and skin treatment. A stint in London helped her to gain insight into Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology.
Migrating to New Zealand with her husband Anis and their children (daughter and son) in 1997, Dr Millwala worked at a firm in the Manukau suburb of Manurewa before launching her own enterprise called, ‘Ellipse Health & Beauty’ in the upmarket district of Remuera.
Two years later, she moved to Eden Valley.
Increasing demand encouraged opening of another branch on Beach Road in Auckland’s Central Business District in 2006.
Her list of customers is impressive, as it includes teammates of New Zealand Warriors, film and television actors, producers, models, doctors, lawyers, accountants and students.
“Business throws up new challenges at every step. These challenges were greater in New Zealand, with its environment and cultural sensitivity. I also had the good fortune of meeting many people who offered comfort and support,” she said.
Career Highlights
Dr Millwala considers her appearance on the Marie Lambie ‘Good Morning Show’ on TV One in 2000, a profile in Indian Newslink in 2001 and Viva magazine in 2003 and 2006 among the highlights of her career.
“It is also a matter of pride that Localist (a new Business Directory) selected Ellipse as ‘The Most Favourite Local Business’ in 2010,” she said.
According to her, the dilemma of balancing staff strength with the number of clients and introducing new treatment methods is always challenging.
“It is the chicken and egg game. But I always remain appropriately informed of the research and developments in the beauty industry,” she said.
Dr Millwala said she is grateful to her husband Anis for his continuous support and encouragement. “He is now a member of our team and his suggestions to improve the practice are invaluable.”
She said even well established companies like Ellipse have to meet the new challenges posed by mushrooming beauty salons, ‘daily deal websites’ and the economic downturn.
“Innovation in products, solutions and marketing are the key to survival and success in this business,” she said.
Dr Millwala is also conscious of her social responsibilities. As well as supporting the local community and schools, she is involved with a number of charitable projects including the Auckland City Mission, Daffodil day, Breast Cancer Awareness programmes and the College Rifles Netball Club.
Her goal is to replicate and franchise the business model and retire with a mortgage free home.
She is proud of her two grownup children and spends her leisure time doting over two granddaughters.
