From salon to med spa: How Studio 7 celebrated a decade by rewarding loyal staff with cars and cash

Studio 7 Clinic & Med Spa has set a notable example of employee recognition by rewarding three staff members with vehicles for their decade-long commitment to the business. The Accra-based beauty and wellness firm presented Delight Ohene and Hannah Addo with brand-new Kia Morning cars each, whilst Samuel Adjetey received a motorbike. The gesture came as the company celebrated reaching its 10-year milestone, with CEO Trudy Arnold personally presenting the awards.

Beyond the headline gifts, the company distributed cash prizes and household appliances including washing machines, microwaves, kettles, blenders and cooking stoves to other team members. Arnold framed the celebration not as mere corporate generosity, but as genuine gratitude for those who had built the business alongside her. "Studio 7 isn't the building. It isn't the equipment or the name on the wall. It's the people," she stated, emphasising that individual contributions had been integral to the company's survival and growth.

From Spintex Road to Dzorwulu: A decade of expansion

Studio 7 began modestly as a beauty salon on Spintex Road ten years ago before expanding significantly over the following decade. The business relocated to Dzorwulu and subsequently to its current premises, evolving from a standalone salon into a full-service clinic and med spa offering beauty, wellness and aesthetic services. This trajectory reflects both market demand and the company's capacity to adapt—something Arnold credited directly to her workforce.

The anniversary event also included a solemn tribute to Nurse Hannah, a staff member who passed away earlier in the year. Arnold asked attendees to observe a minute's silence in recognition of her contributions to the Studio 7 family, acknowledging that the business's story includes both triumphs and losses.

What this means for Ghanaian workplaces

Studio 7's approach to staff recognition offers an interesting contrast to more conventional practices in Ghana's business landscape. Whilst many employers mark anniversaries with tokens or bonuses, presenting vehicles and appliances to loyal workers remains relatively uncommon. This gesture reflects a shift in how some business owners view employee retention and satisfaction—not as an expense to minimise but as an investment in loyalty and institutional knowledge.

For the three beneficiaries, the cars and motorbike represent tangible acknowledgment of their decade of service. In Ghana's context, where reliable transport significantly impacts quality of life and earning potential, such rewards carry practical significance beyond their monetary value. They signal that long-term commitment in the workplace can lead to material improvement in workers' circumstances.

Arnold also extended her gratitude to loyal clients, some of whom have patronised Studio 7 since its early days, reinforcing that business sustainability depends on both employee dedication and customer loyalty. As the company looks ahead, Arnold expressed optimism: "Happy tenth anniversary to us. May the next ten years give us even more reasons to come back here and say thank you."