It all began in the quiet corners of a bustling Johannesburg hospital in South Africa, where Abigail Swarts first felt the weight of inefficiency—patients waiting too long, staff overwhelmed, and the relentless pressure to make it all work. Abigail had no idea that what she saw in the places where she worked would one day become her purpose.
“I started my career in a hospital, where I gained firsthand insight into healthcare operations. Over the years, I played key roles in improving efficiency, recovering lost revenue, and helping medical professionals grow their practices,” she recalls.
Today, nearly two decades later, that spark has ignited a thriving healthcare consulting empire, helping practices across South Africa not only survive but thrive in an increasingly digital world. This is a story about more than business—it’s about the heart of healthcare, the resilience to face setbacks, and the passion to bring real change.
The Birth of Deo Gloria
Abigail’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t born from a singular moment of inspiration but rather a series of revelations formed through years of working within a hospital and a medical aid scheme company. Her expertise grew alongside her passion for solving inefficiencies in medical practice management. “I saw the struggle,” she recalls, “the missed opportunities, the lost revenue—too many businesses and healthcare professionals were being held back by avoidable issues. That’s when I knew I could make a difference.”
To create tailored solutions to address these challenges, Abigail co-founded Deo Gloria Medical Practice Consulting in 2023. “We were inspired to start the company after seeing how inefficiencies in healthcare administration affected businesses and professionals,” Abigail explains.
“Many struggled with lost revenue, poor communication, and a lack of strategic growth. We saw an opportunity to provide tailored solutions to help businesses streamline operations and maximize profitability.”
Deo Gloria’s mission goes beyond just improving business practices. It is rooted in faith and values, with a focus on holistic solutions for healthcare providers. “At Deo Gloria, healthcare excellence meets innovation,” Abigail says proudly. “We are your trusted partners in navigating the complex landscape of modern medicine.” Their services include business consulting, medical staffing solutions, practice management, and administrative billing services.
“Our team is dedicated to empowering healthcare providers, streamlining operations, and delivering the highest quality care to patients,” she adds.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
Her entrepreneurial journey, however, has not been without its challenges. “One of the toughest things was transitioning from a structured work environment to building a business from the ground up,” Abigail admits. “The security of a salary was gone, and we had to learn resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning on the fly.” The early days were difficult, but her background in healthcare administration provided the skills necessary to navigate those tricky waters.
When reflecting on the early days of Deo Gloria, Abigail recounts a pivotal moment: “One of the biggest challenges we faced was ensuring our offerings truly met the needs of our audience while managing resources effectively. We also faced setbacks, like marketing strategies that didn’t work as expected or projects that took longer to gain traction. However, through these experiences, we learned the importance of persistence, flexibility, and continuously refining strategies. Challenges are part of the journey, but they also bring valuable lessons that shape long-term success.”
Transforming Healthcare Practices
Despite these obstacles, Abigail’s hard work paid off. One of the company’s most notable successes was helping a group of dietitians recover R1.3 million (a little over US$70 thousand) in claims that were at risk due to poor follow-up and administrative inefficiencies. “We implemented better systems, trained their staff, and watched their financial stability return,” she reflects.
Another significant success involved a rheumatologist whose practice expanded from operating just one day a week to multiple days, significantly increasing her patient reach and revenue. “These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do,” Abigail smiles. “They show the tangible impact of our work.”
“Beyond healthcare, our entrepreneurial strategies have empowered women through business consulting, book publishing, and faith-based initiatives, helping them turn their ideas into sustainable ventures. Through our online platform, we continue to create impact by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.”
Abigail’s belief in the importance of continual growth and innovation drives her to stay ahead of changing trends. “The business landscape has become more digital and competitive, with a greater emphasis on automation, online presence, and personalized customer experiences,” she observes. “The rise of social media, e-commerce, and AI-driven solutions has transformed how businesses operate and engage with their audiences. To stay ahead, we continuously adapt by leveraging digital marketing, staying updated on industry trends, and creating valuable content that resonates with our audience.”
Commitment to Community and Faith-Based Initiatives
Abigail’s commitment to faith and community empowerment is reflected not only in her work but in the projects she’s passionate about outside of the company. “I’ve always believed in the power of community,” she explains. “Whether through my work at Deo Gloria or my involvement in my church, I’m passionate about uplifting others—especially young people.”
Her mentorship extends to helping tweens, teens, and youth grow spiritually and personally, empowering them to build resilience and find their purpose. “I contribute my time and skills to mentor these individuals within my church,” Abigail shares, “helping them grow both personally and spiritually.”
A Passion for Writing and Empowerment
Her commitment to empowering others extends beyond healthcare. Abigail is passionate about writing and creating resources that empower people from all walks of life. “I’m currently working on a self-help book focused on emotional restoration from a biblical perspective,” she shares. “I believe emotional healing is essential for spiritual growth, and I want to provide tools that help others through their struggles.” She’s also working on a book series for pastors’ kids, addressing their unique challenges, and books for single mothers and Christian parenting, guiding raising children with faith, resilience, and purpose.
In addition, Abigail is developing a Christian singles ministry to help individuals connect and grow spiritually. “I plan to launch a YouTube channel featuring short movies for tweens, teens, and single mothers to support their spiritual growth,” she reveals. These initiatives align with Abigail’s passion for faith-based empowerment, personal development, and community building.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Abigail’s advice to entrepreneurs—especially those with limited resources—is clear: “Start small but think big. Focus on solving real problems and providing value rather than trying to do everything at once.” She also encourages entrepreneurs to leverage digital tools to expand their reach. “There are so many free and low-cost digital tools for marketing, automation, and networking. Building a strong online presence through social media, content creation, and strategic collaborations can help grow your business without huge upfront costs,” she advises.
A Vision for the Future
Gazing ahead, Abigail is excited about the potential of digital platforms, automation, and AI-driven solutions in business consulting, publishing, and faith-based empowerment. “These innovations are making it easier to reach and impact a global audience efficiently,” she says. While specific details about upcoming projects remain under wraps, Abigail assures that more initiatives are in the works. “We are continuously developing new ways to empower businesses and individuals through our platform, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.”
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Abigail notes that adaptability and resilience have been the most significant lessons learned. “Business is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable, but being flexible and willing to adjust strategies has been key to growth,” she says. “Success isn’t just about great ideas—it’s about execution, consistency, and surrounding yourself with the right people. That’s what has shaped our approach to business and leadership.”
Abigail Swarts is not just an entrepreneur; she is a force of change, driven by a deep commitment to service, faith, and community empowerment. Her work at Deo Gloria is just the beginning of a much larger vision—one that will continue to inspire and impact lives for years to come.
