She opened the door to IV Zeal, an IV Vitamin Drip Lounge at the richest square mile in Africa, The Mac, yesterday. Rapper, Gigi Lamayne, real name Genesis Manney couldn't be prouder of investing in her future.

HEALTH IS WEALTH

She loves anything involving health and believes that as an artist she always needs to look and feel good. "I have been obsessed with health, fitness, and wellness lately," she says. "I have been exposed to a lot of new knowledge on how to keep healthy. As artists we tend to put a lot of things into our bodies and do not understand the detrimental effects," she says. "I wanted people to learn from me but also have a space where they can get the necessary minerals, stay healthy, and keep changing their dreams."

FUNDED FROM OWN POCKETS

She currently has four staff members as a start. Her mother is the head nurse at the clinic and makes sure all drips are administered, professionally and efficiently. "It's a really exciting time because these are all amazing women. Being able to empower other women while creating jobs brings me joy." Gigi funded the IV clinic from her own pocket. "I was able to fund with money made through my music, which is the powerful part for me," she says. "Years of saving, investing, working smart and not buying that expensive car and waiting for one day to do something this big. This is just the beginning of the fruits of my labour and I am extremely grateful to everyone who supported me in staying disciplined," she says. Unlike many artists who have squandered their money, she tries to save. "It's also an eye opener for other artists that when you get into music, also make sure that you invest in other business ventures to keep you afloat when you're not booked and busy." She says, it's her business-minded mom who also got her off the ground. "She has given me the ability to also look at the bigger picture and plan for the future."

TRIED AND TESTED

Before IV Zeal, she tried her hand at various other business ventures. "I have done e-hailing, agency work that plugs people with work and beauty products. I have been in the shoe business and partnered with companies that I have learned from," she says adding that she plans to venture further into the world of beauty by partnering with other businesses. 

She admits running a business is not easy. "One needs to make sure the staff is happy. The place is clean and presentable, taking stock and making sure that the quality is on par. I think keeping a business running and balancing music, shooting, bookings and travelling is a challenge. But I must trust the people I have left in charge to hold the fort."