I was born and raised in Vereeniging. After matriculating at HoërskoolDrie Riviere, I went to the University of the Northwest, previously known as PU vir CHO. I started my career at the Department of Labour, working at the UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) in Pretoria for several years.
During the late 90’s I moved to Harrismith, in the Eastern Free State where my career path took a 360º turnaround, and I found myself in the Hospitality Industry, specifically the Timeshare Industry. This, I realised, was where I wanted to be and where I continued to pursue my passion.
I managed two Timeshare resorts, the first in Harrismith and the second, in Golden Gate, Clarens. During my term as manager, I received a number of awards, including the Best RCI Silver Crown Resort Award as well as the RCI Special Recognition Award for excellent and consistent service extended to RCI and RCI members. I was also the Chairperson of the Greater Harrismith Informal Business Sector Association (GHIBSA).
In 2013 my colleague (and best friend) and I bought a bookings agency in Clarens. I am currently still a partner of this agency.I was always very closely involved with the community of Clarens and served on the committee of ClarensTourism Forum, a body that was formed with the purpose of collectively marketing and showcasing the tourism experience of Clarens and surrounding areas and its members.
2016 saw the start of a new chapter in my life when I came to Shamba Yetu. It had always been the dream of my maternal aunt, Aunty Ann Marcandonatos, to start a guest lodge on the farm and that I become involved in the family business and manage the lodge. Fiona, my cousin, approached me to help realize this dream.
And so it came to be that I moved to Shamba Yetu and made it my new home. Fiona, Heather and I have been running Shamba Yetu Mountain Lodge since 2018 and I have been responsible for the management of the farm.