What started as a deeply personal journey of healing has grown into a rising wellness brand. SJ Massages, founded in 2024 by Atlantis-based entrepreneur Shanise Jeniker, is steadily earning a reputation for compassionate care, professionalism and athlete-focused recovery services.
Operating as a mobile and home-based massage therapy business, they offer personalised treatments ranging from Swedish and deep tissue massage to sports recovery and stress relief. The business regularly services clients across Cape Town and has even worked at an event in the Eastern Cape, extending its reach well beyond its Atlantis roots.
Shanise’s passion for sports massage is shaped by lived experience. A committed sportswoman who has been playing soccer since the age of 11 and continues to compete at 23, she understands first-hand the physical demands athletes face and the frustration that comes with injury. “I’ve always dreamed of working in sports massage and sports physiotherapy. As an athlete myself, I understand the drive athletes have and the setbacks injuries bring,” she said.
Despite her skill and dedication, one of her biggest challenges was being taken seriously because of her age. “I constantly had to prove myself, my professionalism, and my skill. There were moments of self-doubt, limited resources, and learning how to balance running a business while still growing personally and professionally. But those challenges pushed me to work harder and stay consistent,” she said. “I learned that age does not define capability – commitment and passion do.”
Her credibility has also been strengthened through professional development, including training with the Tourism and Trade Business Incubation South Africa( TTBISA), a national organisation that supports entrepreneurs through business incubation and mentorship. Shanise has also been selected as a speaker at an international Women Empowerment and Youth Entrepreneurship Summit and has provided recovery support at major sporting events such as the SA Telkom Netball Championships and provincial indoor netball tournaments. Behind the business is a strong support system. Shanise credits her parents as her greatest pillars of strength and carries the memory of her late brother, Tyler, as a constant source of motivation. “Although he is no longer here, his presence and love continue to push me to build something meaningful,” she said.
For Shanise, wellness goes far beyond physical treatment. “It’s about balance – body, mind and spirit. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching a client’s energy change from when they arrive to when they leave. The smiles, the relief – that’s when I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.” Her message to young women in Atlantis with entrepreneurial dreams is simple but powerful: “Don’t throw away your dream. Taking that risk may be the best decision you ever make.”
Looking ahead, Shanise envisions growing far beyond Atlantis, opening her own wellness studio, expanding her team, and creating a space where healing, empowerment and professional care are accessible to all. SJ Massages can be reached on 074 327 3744, on Facebook and Instagram or e-mail shanisejeniker@gmail.com.
