Most moms will agree that motherhood is the most rewarding job they’ll ever do. But, that’s not to say they don’t hustle hard at other ventures too! From artists and designers, to businesswomen and health practitioners, we meet some of the North Coast’s most inspiring mamas…
KITA VEALE, Homestead Décor
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: I go with the flow and I feel that it works for our family and my business.
Each day is completely different for me. I focus my energy on what needs me more that day. Thank goodness my team at work are incredible and that my hubby helps me out when I can’t be the taxi driver for the kids.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: Definitely Karibu Padel! We absolutely love spending time there as a family. We all love playing padel and the boys are in their element fishing.
Q: What’s on your wish list this Mother’s Day?
A: I just want to have fun and create memories with my family. Details: www.homestead-decor.co.za; [email protected]
RENE VAN DEN HEEVER,
Kijk Optometrist
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: Be present in the moment. Having a very supportive husband who helps juggle the balls obviously makes it much easier.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: The Salt Rock Hotel is such a hidden gem between the palm trees and beautiful view of the ocean, but nothing recharges me like a walk on the beach with my family.
Q: How will you be spending Mother’s Day?
A: This year we will be celebrating Mother’s Day weekend together with my daughter Nina’s birthday. I do, however, expect a handmade card. Details: Shop G5, 59 Basil Hulett Drive, Salt Rock; www.kijkoptom.co.za; 032 815 2911
NIKITA Schmeltzer,
The Artisan Hair Studio
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: Balance is achieved through routine and being fully present in situations at home and the work place; keeping the two separate is very important.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: Beach days are my favourite. With a busy work schedule, I’m always searching for anything to rejuvenate my soul through nature so catching a sunrise or sunset with a delicious coffee while my family surfs has become something I appreciate.
Q: How will you be spending Mother’s Day?
A: For Mother’s Day all I want is a good old-fashioned breakfast in bed, a home-made card and a foot massage.
Details: The Artisan Hair Studio; Salt Rock Centre, Salt Rock; IG: @the_artisan_hairstudio
CAROL REYNOLDS, PRINCIPAL,
Pam Golding Properties
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: I am lucky that my job allows for some flexibility. Networking is a critical part of the job, so supporting school and university events goes hand-in-hand with what I do.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: I absolutely love Christmas Bay! Spending time on the beautiful beaches on the North Coast is at the top of my list.
Q: How will you be spending Mother’s Day?
A: I will be experiencing my dream weekend away at a yoga retreat in the mountains with my husband!
Details: Durban North 031 573 6000 [email protected]
IG @pamgolding_durbannorthumhlanga; FB: pamgolding.durbannorth.umhlanga.umdloti
Umhlanga 031 561 5300, [email protected]
Umdloti 031 568 1299 [email protected]
LESEGO MPYANA, Social Entrepreneur & CSR Strategist, Move Africa
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: I have two young ones (4 and 5). I try to prioritise them and really build my work life around their schedules as much as possible. I am also an ‘all in’ kind of person, so there isn’t really balance. I either throw myself into my work at a given time or spend very intentional time with my kids.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: Okay, priorities! I love to eat. We are weekend regulars at Burnedale. The kids love the animals and play. I also love taking a nice stroll on the promenade with a good coffee in hand.
Q: What’s on your Mother’s Day wish list?
A: Scented candles, chocolates and a good perfume!
Details: www.moveafricaco.com; IG: @move_africa_co; @the_red_movement_
MICHELLE HAYWOOD,
Brush Bridal
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: I am blessed to be able to be a hands-on mom and do what I love. I have a supportive husband who steps in when I need to work, so it’s definitely a team effort.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: We love doing family-oriented things such as going to rugby or grabbing a coffee together at one of the many amazing coffee spots in town.
Q: How will you be spending Mother’s Day?
A: We start the morning off together with the kids jumping in the bed and then spend the day with the moms in our lives. Family is extremely important to me so any time spent together is the best gift.
Details: 061 492 2321; IG: brushb_makeupbymich
NIRVASHNEE NAIDU, Writer
Q: How do you balance life as a mom with your work?
A: My kids don’t live in the same city as I do but I am fortunate in that I am not office bound. I just double up most weeks, so I have extra time off to be with them.
Q: What’s your favourite thing to do on the North Coast?
A: A stop at my favourite coffee shop just downstairs from me, followed by a walk to the beach where I just rewire or find inspiration to write, or both.
Q: What’s on your Mother’s Day wish list?
A: For the first time in 11 years, my kids and my parents live in the same city as each other. Spending my day with my four most precious people will be my wish come true for Mother’s Day.
Details: www.nirvashneenaidu.com; IG: nirvashneenaiduauthor
