TFN Talks with Irvaan Dolley
TFN caught up with Irvaan Dolley, private physiotherapist to some of the world’s brightest stars to find out what life is like for the self made man who has become a go to wellness secret for the rich and famous.
If one peruses your social media on any given day, you are often seen jetting off to remote luxurious locations all over the globe, from Dubai to Miami, to the Maldives. Tell us a little bit about what you do and how long you have lived as a Fearless Nomad?
I specialize in a combination of different types of bodywork ranging from chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy, fascial stretch therapy, osteopathy, naprapathy, to name a few. I am blessed to work with an array of different clients all over the world for the past decade.
You are that rare breed of individual who instantaneously finds a common language with everyone you meet. Are your extraordinary people skills something you were born with or that you have acquired with experience?
I was a little shy and maybe not to too confident growing up in South Africa but had to adapt very quickly when I moved to London, England in my early 20’s during the noughties. I somehow managed to blab my way into one of London’s hottest VIP members clubs in town at the time. I was jobless and I quickly hustled my way around and got a position as promoter for this club. Having literally just arrived to the country I had to quickly build a network and become somewhat of a socialite which meant that I had to adapt and evolve in a very proactive manner. I think this phase in my life played a big part in my personal development.
So you could say that I’m an extroverted introvert if possible. I do love to socialize but also like to observe and have learned how preserve my energy when I’m around people nowadays.
What inspired you to go into your line of work?
I’ve always been a bit obsessed with health and fitness and have always been curious about the biomechanics of the body for a long time. So I’ve always been wanting to help people live a fuller and healthier lifestyle, as health is the most valuable thing that we have.
Your clients include some of the most well known players in the world of business and the entertainment industry. We will not mention names to retain you clients’ privacy, but you’ve worked with A list Academy Award and Grammy winning actors and musicians. What do you think makes you the go-to therapist for high octane celebrity clientele?
I believe it all comes down to one’s energy and contentment. I have always believed that you have to calming and relaxed approach to the everything you do. Most importantly if you’re passionate and love what you do, people will see that and immediately gain confidence in you, through that.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I’m still coming to terms with people calling me a “healer” but I also believe that a lot of it starts within. This is why it’s so important to work on oneself and learn to love yourself.
So to answer your question is the favorite part of my job is to heal others and make them feel whole again.
What qualities do you think make a good therapist?
Being grounded, meditating and knowing how to cleanse your energy. Most importantly to constantly be focusing on learning and evolving.
Do you ever envision yourself settling in one place and opening a stationary practice, or do you prefer travelling with clients?
I’ve been on a plane an average of 220+ days per year for the last 5 or 6 years now before the pandemic happening. I think a big part of me wants to now focus on having a base and occasionally travel. I am currently toying around with the idea of setting up a wellness spa in Bali that will be based on my therapy practice and learnings.
I should mention that we have known each other for almost 8 years. I connected with you through an Instagram video where you were cuddling baby lions at a South African wildlife reserve. Can you tell us a little bit about your work with wildlife in Cape Town?
It feels like almost forever since I’ve been home in South Africa. I used to make it a point of spending time at the reserve just on the outskirts of Johannesburg when I had some free time, volunteering by helping with feeding and cleaning the house enclosures for the rescued cats. The owner of the facility is the chairman of a private rhino association and worked on eradicating rhino poaching & canned hunting.
What are your passions outside of work?
I love the great outdoors and exploring off the beaten track places around the world. I love photographing some of the most beautiful landscapes and beaches. Apart from that I’m also a bit of a petrol head and passionate about building and customizing cars & motorcycles.
People who follow your social media accounts have all undoubtedly snorted their drinks out of their noses on more than one occasion upon reading the impeccably witty captions that often accompany your posts. How do you come up with all those dry jokes?
That comes from my alter ego and just having a lot of time on my hands sometimes. I love great sarcasm, witty comments and remarks. Sometimes I try and hold back with all the daily updates I see on social media. Haha
Where were you born and raised? With your demanding international schedule do you miss home?
I was born in South Africa and my family heritage is Malaysian, Dutch, English & African. Unfortunately I don’t visit South Africa as much as I would like to, but strive to spend more time back home in the future.
I am aware of the fact that you are quite the chef. What are your favorite dish and drink?
Private cheffing seems like it has been a lifetime ago and my all favorite cuisine has to be anything Japanese fusion. One of my all time favorites to prepare was black cod or a lovely lobster salad. Drink, I would say - a nice yuzu ginger cocktail.
