Meet Shaina-Rae Bauwens, an energetic and inspiring East Coast Radio presenter, and all-round go-getter with a wicked sense of humour.
A natural on the mic, Shaina-Rae admits her journey into radio wasn’t something she planned. “I never thought I’d ever be on radio, but we organically found each other, and I am so grateful for that!” she says. Having joined the East Coast Radio team earlier this year, it’s clear this is a role she was meant to fill, and her passion for connecting with listeners shines through.
- She’s a coffee aficionado
Radio isn’t the only thing keeping her busy. Alongside her husband Pascal, Shaina-Rae co-owns Now Coffee, a thriving business that fuels both her entrepreneurial spirit and her caffeine needs. “Between the radio and our coffee business, life’s pretty full, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!” The husband-and-wife team own two coffee shops – one in Glenashley and a newly-opened space in Umhlanga, as well as a few drive-throughs
in Durban. - She loves to get cosy
When she’s not on-air or brewing up something special, Shaina-Rae loves to kick back and relax with a cheesy rom-com, a blanket and a hot cup of tea. And if she has a Colleen Hoover book in hand, even better! “That’s my guilty pleasure—couch, popcorn and a soppy love story. Heaven!” she laughs. - She stays active
Shaina-Rae’s life hasn’t always been about radio and business. She used to be a dancer and still dreams of lacing up her dancing shoes one day. “I’d love to get back into dancing if my body allows me! It’s something I miss a lot.” For now, she’s swapped dancing for running. She ran her first Two Oceans Ultra Marathon this year and has her sights set on doing it again. “I’m aiming to do it next year, and hopefully again and again. It’s such an incredible experience!” - She has a quirky side
Like everyone, she has her quirks too. One of them? A pretty intense pet peeve! “My mom has self-diagnosed me with misophonia,” she admits. “I have crazy reactions to certain sounds, like chewing, swallowing and tapping. My family are brilliant at managing me, though. I just have to laugh at myself sometimes!” - She wants to travel the world
Shaina-Rae dreams of travelling the world and would like to experience as many countries and cultures as possible. But for now, she’s balancing her radio gig, running marathons and keeping her business thriving—all while keeping her sense of humour firmly intact.
WEEKEND ENERGY
Catch Shaina-Rae on East Coast Radio every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-5pm.
Details: @hey_shainarae; @nowcoffee_dbn
Text: Jennifer Campbell
Photograph: SHREN MEDIA
Makeup: Michelle haywood
Dress: lush boutique, ballito