Vivian Nyaga remembers the days she carried her portable massage bed through Nairobi’s crowded streets, moving from one appointment to the next with nothing but determination and a handful of essential oils.
That was in 2019, when her workspace was her clients’ living rooms, hotel suites, and office spaces. Each day took her to a different location, building her confidence in delivering quality service in unfamiliar environments while keeping pace with the city’s demands.
“Operating on the go requires discipline, organisation, and a keen understanding of clients’ needs. It is also an education in business management, learning about supply chains, service consistency, and building trust without the infrastructure of a physical location,” she says.
Six years later, Viv’s In-Houz Spa has expanded to include a permanent space in Kitisuru. The decision followed a steady stream of direct messages and social media inquiries from potential clients asking whether the business had a physical location. It became clear that while many Nairobians appreciate the convenience of home-based service, others prefer a calm, neutral space outside their homes.
“While many clients love the convenience of a home visit, others are uncomfortable inviting the outside world into their personal living spaces,” she says, adding that the physical spa allows them to serve those seeking an escape from their daily environment. At the same time, the mobile team continues to serve those who want to save time.
What started as a home-to-home operation has evolved into a professional facility where clients can access a full range of beauty and wellness services, including facials, massages, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and waxing, all under one serene roof.
Viv’s in-Houz Spa founder Vivian Nyaga gives a Swedish massage to a client at her spa in West Mall, Nairobi, on January 21, 2026.
Photo credit: Boncafe Bogita | Nation Media Group
The mobile venture began with a Sh40,000 investment in a portable massage bed, wax heater, UV nail machine, essential oils, and basic skincare products.
“My entry into the beauty and wellness sector combined formal training with entrepreneurial drive. After completing a Diploma in Business Management at the Kenya Institute of Management, I pursued a Diploma in Beauty Therapy at Vera Beauty College,” she says.
She honed her skills through hands-on experience in Nairobi’s health clubs and salons. Those early roles, she says, taught her how to anticipate client expectations, deliver under pressure, and maintain consistency, qualities that became essential once she began working directly with clients in private spaces.
From the beginning, she knew that delivering quality service was only part of the work. She also needed visibility, clear communication, and a professional way for clients to find her, trust her, and book with ease. She remained active on social media, leaned on word-of-mouth referrals, and invested in a professionally managed website to keep her mobile appointments organised and accessible.
She also created a blog offering wellness advice and do-it-yourself treatments using readily available products, encouraging clients to integrate self-care into their daily routines regardless of time or budget, and keeping the conversation going even between appointments.
The mobile spa requires a high degree of professionalism and trust, as treatments are delivered in clients’ homes.
“That also means setting clear boundaries to protect my team and the integrity of the service,” Vivian explains, pointing out that mobile appointments are offered to women or couples, while sessions for male clients are accepted only when booked by a woman who will be present.”
At the Kitisuru spa, however, both men and women are welcome. With a secure, controlled setting and safety measures in place, the team can maintain the same professional standard of care in an environment where everyone feels comfortable.
“The mobile service works because clients trust us. Punctuality, professionalism, and consistency are essential when working in someone’s personal space,”she adds.
The pricing structure strikes a balance between accessibility and quality. Sugar waxing starts from Sh1,000, massage sessions start at Sh2,000 per hour, while facials and body scrubs are priced between Sh2,000 and Sh4,000. Manicures and pedicures begin at Sh1,500, with the travel fee within Nairobi County included in the price. Clients in surrounding areas pay an additional travel fee.
At the Kitisuru spa, prices are slightly higher, depending on the treatment, due to the overhead costs of operating a physical facility. Products for treatments are mostly sourced locally, including massage oils, essential oils, and hygiene essentials, while specialised items such as Dead Sea facials and body scrubs are imported from Europe, giving her offerings a distinctive edge.
Financially, the growth from a mobile operation to a full spa has required significant investment. Vivian has reinvested capital into upgrading the facility, sourcing high-quality products, and expanding the team.
Today, Viv’s In-Houz Spa employs therapists, receptionists, and support staff, providing employment opportunities and professional development in Nairobi’s beauty and wellness sector. Recognising the need to deepen her clinical knowledge and stay aligned with industry advancements, she has studied cosmetic science and skincare advancement at a beauty therapy institute. This has enabled the business to offer results-driven solutions for different skin conditions, elevating both the in-spa and mobile service offerings.
Viv’s In-Houz Spa founder Vivian Nyaga performs a reflexology session on a client at her spa in West Mall, Nairobi, on January 21, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Beyond business, Viv’s In-Houz Spa prioritises social impact, particularly empowering women to care for themselves. Vivian, a mother herself, understands the daily pressure of balancing work, family, and personal wellness.
Having lost her mother to cancer, she is particularly committed to supporting women facing serious health issues, therefore the spa also provides specialised treatments for clients with health challenges, including the differently-abled and those recovering from illness, with options such as recovery and lymphatic drainage massages that offer comfort and relief.
Vivian emphasises education and empowerment in her approach. Workshops, wellness seminars, and customised treatment plans are on the horizon, designed to help clients incorporate self-care into their routines without feeling overwhelmed. Looking ahead, Vivian is exploring ways to expand her offerings. Her plans include wellness workshops, specialised treatments for clients with unique health needs, and community engagement initiatives to encourage women to prioritise self-care. Small ventures, she believes, can grow into reputable, sustainable businesses with the right mix of skill and consistency.
“If you live by the praise of others, you will die by their criticism. The best advice is to make a plan, stick to it, and keep working towards it. Eventually, it will work. Focus on your ideals and why you do what you do,” she advises.
The spa has become a sanctuary for treatments, reflection, and rejuvenation in a city that rarely pauses.
