Tell us more about yourself? I was born in George and grew up in Kareedouw, a small town in the Eastern Cape. This is also where I was married almost 20 years ago, after which we relocated to Cape Town. After almost 17 years in the city, we grabbed the opportunity to relocate to Hermanus with both hands and have been residing in Onrus for the last three years. We recently purchased our little dream house in Vermont and are extremely happy there.
Tell us more about your family and why they play an important role in your life? I am extremely close to my parents; they mean the world to me. Kareedouw was their home for almost 42 years. It took some convincing, but they relocated to Vermont in 2019, and I am blessed now to be able to see them as much and as often as I can. I am one of two children, and with my brother living in New Zealand it was very important to me to have them closer. My mother in-law also lives with us in Vermont. We do not have children of our own, but do have two beautiful fur babies; Vida and Jackson are the loves of our lives. I need to be quite an extrovert in my line of work, yet I am quite the opposite, and although I enjoy spending time with friends every now and then I am an introvert by heart and, if given the choice, would always choose a day with my husband and dogs, whether it is enjoying walks on the coastal paths or just lounging around at home.
Tell us about your work/project and why you love to do this? I am a junior portfolio manager for the Broll Property Group working on a specific portfolio. I have a dual role within the company seeing I am general manager of the Whale Coast Mall, but also oversee and assist with aspects of other buildings (retail centres) in the portfolio. My job encapsulates various aspects, including financial, communication, tenant and customer liaison. We have an amazing retail industry and I get to work with exceptional tenants and industry leaders.
How long have you been involved in this project/work? I have been in the mall-management industry for 15 years in total and have been situated at Whale Coast Mall for the last three years.
Tell us about your motto in life? Find the spirit of excellence within yourself. I believe you have to strive to be the best “you” that you can be. Always treat other people as you would like to be treated.
To whom do you look up and why? My dad. I learnt from my dad that no matter how difficult the road gets, to persevere and run the race with endurance. He also taught me by example that to give is much better than to receive.
What do you do in your spare time? I mostly spend any spare time available with my dogs and my family. I am content to spend quality time at home, however a leisurely breakfast at one of the beautiful Hermanus restaurants is always a winner.
What do you love about your town?Hermanus is a town filled with diversity. I love the arty vibe created within our community and also the fact that businesses invest in upliftment opportunities and support one another when it is required.
What are your future plans? I have worked hard to grow into my current position for a number of years and am now quite content to focus on the mall, my team and my family at home.
