HomeSPONSOREDStrong and successful businesswomen on our North Coast

Strong and successful businesswomen on our North Coast

There are very few things that can stop a strong, determined, hard working woman. Meet some of the top female businesswomen on the North Coast and find out what drives them to succeed.

Fiona Crago – Fiona Crago Real Estate

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A business owner who believes that she has a responsibility to be the best version of herself,  Fiona Crago is the principal of Fiona Crago Real Estate in Ballito, a leading and progressive property consultancy which was established in 2007 and markets/sells quality real estate. Fiona believes that everything starts with desire – and when you do what you are passionate about you can only excel. “Nothing beats authenticity, transparency and a desire to make a difference in all interactions.”
Details:  082 551 2607, 032 946 1439, www.fionacrago.co.za

Kate Oosthuizen- Shepstone & Wylie

Kate is a Partner at Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys and specialises in family law. She deals with all aspects of family law including divorce, maintenance, domestic violence, relocation and matters of custody and access. Kate studied at Stellenbosch University and completed her articles in Cape Town before moving to Durban. “Family law work can be fraught with tension and emotional upheaval. The key to staying on top of your game is to do what is within your control to the best of your ability, and to re-strategize when life throws a curved ball. Having a creative outlet outside of work is a good way to balance stress. Copious cups of coffee help too.”
Details: 031 575 7542, [email protected]

Colleen Tatz – Helen O Grady Drama Academy

This year marks the 20th year that Colleen Tatz has been running the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Durban. She is still passionate about teaching and received the award for franchisee of the year in South Africa at the annual national conference in Johannesburg in June. “I truly believe that self-confidence and communication skills are two of the key pillars to set children up in life.” The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy offers drama classes throughout the Umhlanga, Ballito and greater Durban areas. Classes are held in the afternoons as an extra-curricular activity and many schools have adopted this international award-winning programme into their school curriculum.
Details: 082 7846115, [email protected], facebook.com/HelenOGradyDurban

Dr Kim BishopOwner of private general medical practice, Active Care Clinics Ballito

Former military captain/medical officer in the South African National Defence Force, fitness athlete and a mom, Dr Bishop says she feels privileged to own a medical practice on the North Coast. “It’s an even greater privilege to have members of this community entrust me with their care. My goal is to always provide quality health care for the entire family.”
Details: Active Care Clinics Ballito 032 586 0949, [email protected], Facebook: Dr Kim Bishop, Instagram: @dr_kim_bish

Robyn Jackson – North Coast Real Estate

A true North Coast local with a passion for people and property in the area, Robyn’s family roots go back to the original farming community that was based on the coast. This, she believes, gives her great insight and perspective on where the property market is heading. With 12 years’ experience and passion in the real estate industry, Robyn says selling property is about forming lasting relationships and offering professional service with an emphasis on fulfilling both the seller and buyer’s expectations. She recently joined North Coast Real Estate, who specialize in the marketing and selling of residential and commercial property on the North Coast.
Details: 072 453 8267, [email protected]

Tash Barnard – Tash B Pilates

The team of women working with founder Tash Barnard at Tash B Pilates are professional, caring and committed to excellence. “Our mission is to encourage every person whose life we touch to become actively responsible and intentional about their health and wellbeing through clear and uplifting teaching methods that are energising, engaging and inspiring.” Led by the enthusiastic and driven leader Tash, the close-knit team dedicated to teaching their clients with kindness, care and compassion and to offer a wellness centre where complete wholeness is achieved, bodies are changed and people inspired.
Details: 079 219 7288, [email protected]

Fiona Moolla – De Wet Leitch Hands Inc.

Fiona is a senior conveyancing paralegal at De Wet Leitch Hands Inc. Fiona started out as a junior conveyancing secretary in 2001, while completing her studies. “I’ve grown from strength to strength with the guidance of Ray, who holds over 30 years’ experience in property transfers and sectional titles and I have been in the conveyancing field for over 18 years.  I am proud to work in a fifty percent female owned-firm, of which over 87% of the employees are female, and delighted to be involved in such an exciting field of law.”
Details: 032 946 0299 / [email protected]

Saras Govender – RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors Ballito

Saras joined the team at Re/Max Dolphin Realtors over a decade ago. “I love people and am intrigued by homes, architecture and interior décor. I also enjoy the fact that I am able to determine my own working hours and grow my business without limits. I have been trained by the best in the industry and have earned the International Hall of Fame award, The Millionaires Club and the Re/Max Dolphin Realtors Perseverance Award 2018.  I’m grateful to my clients, family and friend who have helped build my business over the years.”
Details: 032 9460881, 083 5484686, [email protected]

Marlene Arnold – Principal of MAP Marlene Arnold Properties

Marlene Arnold, who found her niche in life in the year 2000, since then, she has never looked back. “I created Map Properties three years ago and I now work with five, top hand-picked and experienced agents who are as passionate about property and people as I am. We all work as traditional agents, but for ourselves, from our own spaces. I truly believe women are the heart of the home. Matt Elliott is my North Coast Agent waiting to give you “world class” service.
Details: Marlene Arnold Master Practioner/Principal: 076 218 4754, Matt Elliott: 078 552 2400

Samantha Smit – Curro Mount Richmore Executive Head

Curro Mount Richmore executive head Samantha Smit is a woman on the rise. Placing one hundred percent of her soul into everything she does, Samantha is passionate about building on the skillset of her staff and providing state-of-the-art academic facilities through a bouquet of training programmes, advanced tools and courses, ensuring learners have the best chance for a career that may not exist just yet. She is driven and competent, with a family-first mentality and is a solutions-driven leader who acts decisively in the interest of the school, learners and staff. She will build an empire and leave a legacy wherever she goes.
Details: 087 285 1671

Daniela Boonzaier -Attorney and Director at Araujo Attorneys

After qualifying at UKZN Daniela spent a few years practicing commercial law before pursing her passion for property law at Araujo Attorneys. “The property market is fast-paced and growing rapidly. Araujo Attorneys is different from other conveyancing firms in that we only have attorneys working on the files, ensuring our clients get personal and professional service.” Daniela loves people and networking with clients and partners in the industry. She is married with an 8-month-old daughter.
Details: 031 819 7834, 082 487 1770, [email protected], www.araujoattorneys.co.za

Chantel Venter – Owner at Clubventure

Clubventure, situated 15 minutes inland from Ballito, offers a variety of fun experiences for families and corporates. As one of the owners Chantel says she feels privileged to live and work in a beautiful environment, nestled in a valley and surrounded by forest. “My job allows me to add value to people’s (families and corporates) lives on a daily basis. Seeing happy, excited people enjoy their experiences and facing their fears motivates me to share these adventures with others. I am very blessed to be in a position where I can influence people’s lives in a positive manner through adventure.
Details: 032 942 8014, 082 414 2448, [email protected], www.clubventure.co.za

Anisa Govender – Senior Associate, Livingston Leandy

In 1999, Anisa was offered the opportunity to join the shipping department of her then law firm. Her first week included an urgent ship arrest after hours and taking statements on board a vessel following an incident in the Durban harbour – what an adventure!
She embraced this area of law and has not looked back – ‘’I went on to obtain my Master’s Degree in maritime law, joined the Maritime Law Association (I am currently vice-chairman of the Durban Chapter), and today, I am one of the few black females in the country practising maritime law’.
Details: 031 536 7566, [email protected].

Naomi Williams – Director, Livingston Leandy

Naomi started her career at Livingston Leandy in 2002 as a candidate attorney. “I knew then that I wanted a seat at Board level. I became a director in 2006. I specialise in commercial litigation and lead the litigation and personal injury departments. I am a Fellow of the Association of Arbitrators. I believe success begins with the courage to do things differently, which means looking for opportunities to innovate and approach problems in unprecedented ways. Through my love of legal education, mentorship and career mapping, I hope to pave the way for others to do the same’’
Details: 031 536 7511, [email protected].\

Michelle Davidson – Owner at EYE 4 ART


Michelle Davidson is a young creative who has grown up in Durban, with degrees in Brand Communication and Honors in Fine Art. Michelle and her mother Zelda are now the proud owners of Eye4Art gallery and art store in Sunningdale Shopping Centre. They focus on inspiring and expressing creativity in their community with new and innovative teaching styles running throughout the week as well as art exhibitions and workshops. Michelle has now also taken up lecturing part time at Vega La Lucia where she hopes to inspire creativity in the new generations entering the working world.
Details: 083 951 3747, [email protected], www.eye4artsa.com or check out their social media pages.

Cindy Tribe – PRINCIPAL, CRAWFORD PRE-PRIMARY LA LUCIA

Having always wanted to be a teacher Cindy says she started her ‘career’ at eight years old, playing school with her dolls. “While studying, I realised I have the power to initiate change in society and the world by equipping children with the knowledge to make a difference.
As a teacher for 19 years at Crawford Pre-Primary La Lucia and now the principal, I am living the dream I had for my future. I am delighted to be part of Crawford’s first year of the IB PYP Programme, developing active, compassionate and internationally minded learners.”
Details: 031 562 0057, www.crawfordschools.co.za

Geertje Wadsworth -PRINCIPAL, CRAWFORD PRE-PRIMARY NORTH COAST


After teaching at Crawford Schools for 20 years Geertje says she has reached one of her long-term goals of becoming a principal. “Teaching children has always been my passion. At Crawford Pre-Primary North Coast, we pride ourselves on providing a caring and inspiring environment for our children. As a leader I aim to encourage all to become leaders and to assist and guide in the learning process in an ever-changing world.” “Education needs not only to develop our intelligence but also to support the basic human values of warm-heartedness and compassion.” Dalai Lama.
Details: 032 943 3684, www.crawfordschools.co.za

Cal Warwick -PRINCIPAL, CRAWFORD COLLEGE LA LUCIA

As one of the 1999 pioneer teachers of Crawford College La Lucia, Cal Warwick’s dedication and commitment to excellence has seen her rise through the ranks to her appointment as principal of the school. She has fulfilled this role with pride and integrity and is an embodiment of Crawford’s culture and pride.“Supported by a wonderful team of staff members, it is my vision that the teenagers in our school know that they are valued and loved and that they are confident to be who they are. I believe in living a well-rounded life, structuring time to read extensively, give generously, play sport and enjoy time with family
and friends.”
Details: 031 5620050, www.crawfordschools.co.za

Sally-Anne Henegan – PRINCIPAL AT CRAWFORD PREPARATORY NORTH COAST


Crawford Preparatory North Coast principal Sally-Anne Henegan believes the secret to a flourishing, innovative and forward-thinking school lies in a strong, modern management team. “As a leader, you have to ensure that you constantly upskill your teachers to keep them up-to-date with the latest teaching trends.
Commitment to education has kept me successfully in the game all these years and I will always see myself entrenched in growing young children’s minds, as I balance my quality down time with my perfect family and friends.”
Details: 032 9433240, www.crawfordschools.co.za

 

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