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.
Janna Strang, PRomote Communication
Owner and director of the dynamic PRomote Communication, Janna Strang accepted a Crisis Communication PRISM award in 2020 for their exceptional efforts for Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic’s 2019 race. This year they received a special mention for their outstanding PR campaign to launch the new Salome range of products. Durban-born Janna’s 19-year love affair with PR and communications started while she was studying at UCT and she now leads a team with experience in reputation management, marketing, crisis management, advertising and design. Working with clients and media around SA and abroad, Janna believes the key to success lies in connecting people to brands with passion and authenticity when telling a brand’s story. 031 825 1244
www.promotecommunication.co.za
Dr Michelle Blom
Dr Michelle Blom may be new to the North Coast, but she is not new in experience. She is a medical doctor, who worked in government sector for eight years, mainly in anaesthetics in which she obtained her diploma in 2012 and started specialising in Chemical Pathology but her calling as a mom and wife drew her into her passion as a doctor specialising in aesthetic medicine, which she has done for the past six years. She recently joined forces with Dr Frances Prinsloo at Lasersure in Ballito. As a women-owned business, they strive to bring out the best in all women and give them confidence in themselves. Details: [email protected], 032 586 1100, www.drfp.co.za
Bonita Cherry, Outlook Orange
When asked the question ‘what drives you to succeed?’, Bonita Cherry simply says, “people”. My passion is people and my desire is to, through strategic brand development and marketing, articulate vision, inspire hope, breathe creativity, ignite destiny and propel growth. Growth for businesses and, more importantly, the individuals those businesses serve.
Growing brands and empowering people by helping them find both clarity and a clear path to success is what drives my calling to create.”
Details: Bonita Cherry 072 369 1796, [email protected], www.outlookorange.com
Anna-Louise, Anna-Louise Sleepwear
Anna-Louise started Anna-Louise Sleepwear nine years ago. Having gained experience in retail, media and styling, she saw how people’s lives were becoming faster, more demanding and leaving less time for luxury and relaxing … and so her idea for a sleepwear brand was born. Over the years, Anna-Louise has grown from being just a women sleepwear brand to adding men’s, kid’s, maternity and bridal collections. Anna-Louise Sleepwear creates a calm in the evening and a balance in the chaos of life that helps leave the stresses of your day behind. Details: Anna-Louise Sleepwear, [email protected], @alsleepwear, Mount Edgecombe
Jacqui, Hydro Wash & Retro Smoothie Bar
Jacqui is the epitome of what a strong and successful woman looks like. After losing her husband 7 years ago and pouring herself in to being a mom of four, it is now her ‘time to shine’. Jacqui recently opened Hydro Wash and Retro Smoothie Bar in Ballito Village and it’s become an overnight hit! Drop your car off at Hydro for a wash and polish and grab a smoothie or coffee from the Retro smoothie bar – or get your workout done at HIITMANN next door. A space for the whole family, there is even a Kids Zone, complete with colouring-in books, building blocks and PlayStation, and you can even bring your dog along for a wash and dry! Open Monday to Sunday 5:30am to 5pm.
Details: 27 Sandra Road, Ballito, 082 888 1243, IG: @hydroballito @retro_ballito
Debbie Jean, make-up artist
Top make-up artist Debbie Jean specialises in eyebrow makeovers, giving her clients a more desirable eyebrow shape and colour using cosmetic tattoo techniques. Most of us could do with better brows, and with Debbie’s make-up background, she has the skill to transform your face. Your new brows won’t simply wipe off in the heat or while swimming in the ocean or pool like makeup does. Debbie offers hair stroke brows, ombre, and powder brows (shaded brows) and she guarantees sterile equipment, medical-grade aesthetic, stable pigment colours, and follows a ‘no mask, no entry’ protocol. Debbie operates in Ballito, Durban North, and Hillcrest.
Details: 082 804 2748, [email protected] www.eyebrowmakeovers.com IG: @makeupartistdebbiejean, FB: @Eyebrows With Debbie Jean
Megan Cilliers, Jane Last & Philippa Last, lil’moo
Meet the women behind lil’moo – a family-run baby apparel business in Ballito. Founder Megan and her business partners, Jane and Philippa, are passionate about sewing baby items that make parenthood easier. They’ve drawn from their own experiences as mothers to create high quality products that they’ve tried and tested on their own children. The trio’s varied skill sets complement one another and, as a team, they handle everything from product design and packaging to social media management. Interacting with customers forms a big part of the lil’moo ethos. “We love being part of their journeys and sharing their stories” Details: www.lilmoo.co.za, FB: lil’moo, IG: lil.moo13, [email protected]
Tash Barnard, TashB Pilates
Tash Barnard is a BASI Pilates principle instructor and owner of the successful and inspiring TashB Pilates. She believes that what is most important in life is to live with a clear and strong ‘WHY?’. Knowing this keeps us present and encourages us to keep showing up even when the circumstances around us are completely out of our control. Tash is privileged to work with a dynamic group of women who live with an inner conviction that our lives are to be lived for something greater than ourselves and this compels her to bring her best to people every day. To serve, educate and align people within their mind, body and soul. She lives with a bright message for us all: be yourself, stay true, don’t compare and pursue your fullest potential. She is a wife to Andre and together they are raising game changing children as they build beautiful lives together. Details: www.tashbpilates.co.za | @pilatestash
Fiona Crago, Fiona Crago Real Estate
Fiona Crago is the founding owner and Principal of Fiona Crago Real Estate. With 26 years’ of real estate experience and many accolades behind her, Fiona has established herself as one of the top, most successful real estate agents on the North Coast. Fiona’s key to success is attributed to her extensive market knowledge, sales expertise and unmatched devotion to her clients. “Finding a new home for a client takes skill and expertise. My connection and knowledge of the area and all major developments enables me to guide and assist buyers and sellers alike.” Fiona maintains an authentic and personal approach to Real Estate and is familiar with the ebbs and flows of the market. Details: 032 946 1439/082 551 2607, [email protected]
Stacy Shea, Crop Hair
Having grown up in a family of female entrepreneurs, Stacy followed in the footsteps of her late grandmother and hair salon owner, when she made the decision to become a hair stylist. “I opened my first salon, Crop Hair, seven years ago and what an incredible journey it’s been. This past year has been the most challenging but from that comes resilience and growth.” She will be opening her second branch in Salt Rock in August. “My biggest driving force today is my beautiful daughter. I’ve had to find balance in being a single mom and running my businesses, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My goal is to inspire her and other young women to follow their dreams.” Details: Sage Centre, Salt Rock and 36 Newport Ave, Glen Ashley, 031 572 4595 (or Whatsapp 067 228 8683)
Tanya, Sew It Seams Academy Bernina
Sew it Seams Bernina has grown from being just a sewing academy in 2017 to now being a full-on haberdashery, machine service centre and seller of sewing patterns. Not to mention the Bernina dealership in Ballito. Owner Tanya is passionate about everything pertaining to the world of sewing and what it can bring to people’s lives. She lives and breathes what some might see as a ‘dying skill’ and wants to share and revive it with all who walk through the doors of her new shop. She has even started her own coffee shop inside the store to make it more sociable and relaxing!
Details: 074 516 4378, [email protected], @SewitSeamsAcademy
Sholain Perumal, Gold Bar & Sensational Hair
Businesswoman and philanthropist Sholain Perumal is proof that anyone can make it, irrespective of your background. Her relentless passion to succeed has taken her from cashier to CEO. The proud owner of The Gold Bar (a company that buys old, unwanted gold jewelry) and Sensational Hair salon in Umhlanga, she has created more than just a business, but rather a company with heart. Her businesses serve as a driving force to fund her charitable initiatives, from distributing grocery hampers to jerseys and care packs to schools. Sholain is a voice for woman empowerment and believes in “changing the world, one act of kindness at a time.” Details: www.goldbar.co.za, www.sensationalhair.co.za, [email protected]
Boitumelo Sebambo, 3Sixty Biomedicine – CEO
Boitumelo Sebambo is the CEO of one of South Africa’s most exciting and dynamic companies in the healthcare sector, 3Sixty Biomedicine. Apart from continuing the legacy of positioning the business as experts in herbal-based and natural medicinal products, this accomplished businesswoman also has aspirations to put African traditional medicine on the global map.
Boitumelo has risen through the ranks and has seen the company transform from a purely financial group into the powerhouse that it is today. She is proud of the work 3Sixty Biomedicine has achieved to date, providing more natural solutions to the SA market with one of their ranges; Salome, focusing on management of common women’s health issues. Details: www.3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za, [email protected]
Simone, Aurelia Photography
Photographer Simone’s drive for success is derived from a creative vision as well as a determination to bring that vision to life. It is this powerful synergy between creativity and perseverance, she says, which has got her to where she is today. Having recently left the corporate world to focus on her photography career, Simone says just two months after taking the plunge, her dream career has taken off. And the positive praise has been phenomenal. “Most significantly, my ambition stems from my love for my daughter. She inspires daily, reminding me that the closest thing we have to magic is love. Aurelia Photography endeavours to capture those evanescent moments.” Details: 078 215 0511, [email protected]
Payal Ramghial, The Healthy Plate
Payal Ramdhial, stay at home Mom to 2 young boys and founder of The Healthy Plate is a dynamic, lifestyle-oriented start-up blogger, dedicated to promoting healthy eating and creating recipes for wholesome, balanced meals and sugar free treats (and some fully-loaded desserts!). She has launched her own spice range (freshly ground spices made on order) . Payal collaborates with top brands like Le Cresuet, Futurelife and even did a one-on-one interview with Margaret Hirsch. Her mission is to inspire people to be the best version of themselves and encourage them to use ingredients from around the world to make mouthwatering dishes. Look out for her recipe book, launching soon! For her spice range, please contact Payal on 066 229 7380.
Recipes: www.thehealthyplate.co.za
Details: IG: @thehealthyplateza, FB: thehealthyplateza, Collaborations: [email protected]
Candice Elliott, RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors
After returning to KZN 6 years ago from JHB with her two sons, Candice looked for an industry that allowed her to be flexible as a mom, and pursue a career. Studying photography and interior design brings in a key eye for detail and a passion for homes. Having worked in sales and marketing in SA and overseas for several years, thus acquiring many transferable skills, has allowed this motivated achiever to bring all that she loves together and offer a valuable service. Candice is a fully accredited gated estates sales and rental specialist, servicing the North Coast gated estates. She prides herself on giving straightforward, useful advice and local area expertise, along with demonstrating genuine empathy and building trusting relationships with her clients. Details: 082 778 4639, [email protected] (KZN no 1 Rental Agent, Nationally placed No 4 Rental Agent, Chairman’s Award)
Bianca Warren
Behind her kind and caring heart lies a true business woman. Bianca is the proud owner and creative director of a proudly South African womenswear brand. Specialising in semi-finished or customised evening wear, bridal wear, matric dances, commercial (day-to-day) wear, and has recently expanded and moved her collection online. After many years of being in the forefront of design, B’s true passion lies with her matric dance girls. “I love seeing ideas come to life. The excitement on a girl’s face, having her dream become a reality, is really something magical.” Bianca now has her own bespoke, scented candle and room spray collection. Meet Bianca, by appointment only, in her studio.
Details: 250 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, the Square, 031 566 3570, www.biancawarren.com
Karien Hunter, AMC Hunter & PropDirect
If there is one person who knows the ‘ins and outs’ of the real estate space, it is property lawyer and expert Karien Hunter. Successfully running her property law firm, AMC Hunter Inc, for more than 30 years, Karien has taken her passion for property to new heights with the launch of her new online real estate company PropDirect. “PropDirect is a property company by property professionals for property professionals. We aim to break the mould of traditional real estate and provide our agents with the tools and platforms they need to develop and grow their own careers.”
Details: 083 449 2969, [email protected] www.prop-direct.com
IG: @prop_direct FB: @propdirect.sa
Sarah Swainson, Sarah Elizabeth & Pawfect
‘5 dogs and a G-string’ was a phrase coined by her husband, which, Sarah says, wonderfully summarises the metaphor of her crazy life. “I juggle two businesses, Pawfect and Sarah Elizabeth as well as five big dogs, home life, marriage etc. I am passionate about seeing women owning, risking and leading in the small business sphere and I believe business is a team sport, an exciting experiment and a power engine for change. It is incredible to see how the team of ladies has developed and grown within our businesses. This inspires me daily to carry on pushing onwards. Another antidote to life’s problems that underpins my life is living an active lifestyle. I love bringing people together to actively achieve through adventure and challenges.” Details: www.pawfect.co.za, www.sarahelizabeth.co.za
Professor Noleen Turner, Zulu Zonke
A retired African languages professor (after 32 years of teaching) and current Honorary Research Professor for UKZN, Noleen Turner is also a published author and owner of a successful business – Zulu Zonke. In 2020 her business took to digital platforms, offering interactive online Zulu courses, teaching conversational Zulu and providing insights into Zulu culture for the business sector and society in general. She also offers translation services from English into Zulu for businesses. Her most recent book, Zulu Bird Names, published in August 2020, is based on ground-breaking research in the ornithological and linguistics fields. The book, deemed “the first project of its kind globally” by past Chairman of Birdlife International, John Fanshawe was published by the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund and has already made a significant impact on the tourism and environmental sectors in South Africa. Details: www.ZuluZonke.co.za / [email protected] / 082 451 4334
Lynette Van Nieuwenhizen, Austral Accounting
Hi, I am Lynette your local professional accountant and registered tax practitioner from Austral Accounting. I have had the privilege to work with entrepreneurs across various fields and love seeing how they and their business adapt and change, and how with the correct systems, advice and grit, an idea turns into a business. In the business environment, it is so important to do what you love rather than chasing a dream of financial success. Doing what you love to do will open the path to success financially, as what you do will show in your product / service. “Turnover is vanity, Cash Flow is sanity” is a quote that has been proven many times over, as having cash flow for a business cannot ever be underestimated. Details: 031 536 8222 or 0845831321 or [email protected] or www.australaccounting.co.za
Marlene Powell, Action Coach
Some 13 years ago I left my role in the financial sector of the corporate world to become Action Coach’s first woman business coach in South Africa. Having come to a crossroads after 27 years in corporate, I realised that what was important in my life was spending more time with my family. Since making the decision to become a business coach, I help people enjoy THEIR quality of life as well as run successful businesses and I have never looked back. The best piece of business advice I ever received is: It’s got nothing to do with me what other people think.
My business tip: Listen to one voice. Stay focussed on the end result and avoid distractions by concentrating on what is in your control. Know who you are and what you want. Pick your lane and stick to it!
Details: [email protected]
083 479 4471 www.marlenepowell.actioncoach.com
