The Beauty Maker

Erika Harding, 41, is a mum of two with a life shaped by movement. Originally from Durban, South  Africa, she has lived in the U.K, the middle East and Spain, and cruised the seven seas. She runs Comfort Zone Concepts and SPArty Algarve, both rooted in health, wellness and self-care.

Why choose The Algarve?

I chose the Algarve because I wanted my children to experience a childhood similar to my own. Close to the beach, immersed in nature and surrounded by a multicultural community. It places us closer to family members scattered across Europe, making connection and shared experiences easier.  With my children being fully immersed in the community this beautiful corner of the world is where we belong.

What’s your daily routine? 
My mornings start early and intentionally, I begin the day with a vitamin c and collagen drink, a cup of tea and a smoothie, using the quiet time to reply to clients, clear emails and plan the day ahead. My morning skincare routine is minimal, saving the deeper routine for evenings. I alternate between a vitamin c or retinol day cream and always double up on a SPF50 first a photo aging one and then a tinted one, keeping my make up routine very simple.

After an early school drop off, it’s straight to my treatment room. Between my skincare and massage clients, I manage mobile and team schedules,retreat bookings and SPArty events. Late Afternoons are a juggle of school pick ups and sports activities, where I fit in calls, messages and online meetings. Evenings are all about homework, throwing together dinner and the familiar rhythms of a mum life with an 8 and nearly 10 year old. 

Any key turning points in your career?
A key turning point in my career came from a challenging period in my life. I´ve always believed that negative situations can push you into taking risks. Being a mum while facing difficulties really propelled me to elevate my career, embrace bold choices and grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. 

“Hustle with intention, shine with integrity.”

How did the concept of ComfortZone Concepts and Sparty take off? 

Sparty Algarve was created with a mission to make self-care feel fun, social and accessible, rather than something done only in a traditional spa setting.The idea grew out of a desire to bring relaxation and luxury to people wherever they are . It’s mobile and adaptable. I wanted to reframe wellness from a private experience to a celebratory event. position wellness as something to share and enjoy socially.

Comfort Zone Concepts’ greatest strength is its team , the largest coordinated group of therapists in the Algarve. This allows the business to deliver wellness services on a scale and level that simply didn’t exist in the region before. By working with a diverse, highly skilled team, we can cater for large groups of up to 25 people at one time. This structure makes us unique in that we can deliver simultaneous, high-quality treatments for retreats, events, celebrations, and group bookings, something traditional spas or solo mobile therapists cannot realistically offer. In essence, Comfort Zone Concepts created a new category of service in the Algarve.

Are you a pro at multitasking? 

I would consider myself a pro at multitasking but honestly I think most women have that superpower! I’m also a lover of list creation. There’s something deeply satisfying about pen to paper and ticking each item off my to do list. I can be an overthinker, which I once saw as a curse, but I´ve learned it can be used as a superpower.

Life Motto?

Hustle with intention, shine with integrity.

“The Algarve is home for me. Surrounded by a supportive network and friends who feel like family, I feel incredibly fortunate to live here.” 

Any role models?

My biggest role model was/is my grandmother who was from Rotterdam in the Netherlands. She had an innate strength, an incredible work ethic and a deep unwavering care for her family. I was very close to her, her values and resilience continue to inspire the way I live and work today. 

Favourite emoji?

I have two favourite emojis, the laugh out loud and the lotus flower. a pretty good reflection of my gemini self. 

“Comfort Zone Concepts created a new category of service in the Algarve.”

Plans for 2026? 

My goal in 2026 is to focus on balance, giving my all to my clients and team, strengthening my businesses and carving out meaningful time for the most important people in my life. trying to thrive not just do….