SMW Models, Lumivida Wellness & The Growth Hub
SARAH WALKER
Sarah is a wife to Alan Walker, proud mother of three daughters, entrepreneur, and business leader. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management, singing and piano qualifications from Trinity College in Dublin, and has recorded her own song. As founder of SMW Models, Lumivida Wellness and The Growth Hub, she inspires others through leadership, purpose and empowerment.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
A defining moment in my journey has been realising that I don’t have to choose between the different hats that I wear; being a mother, a wife, an entrepreneur, a friend, and a leader, I can embrace all of them. Being selected as a Top 30 finalist in Mrs South Africa was an incredible honour, as it recognised not only who I am, but the purpose I stand for. Soon after, being named one of the Top 30 Most Influential People in KwaZulu-Natal reinforced that the work I’ve dedicated myself to – empowering others through business, wellness, modelling, and community impact – is making a real difference.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt is that you don’t need to wait until you feel completely ready to pursue your dreams. Start today. Start now.
Details: IG: @sarah_walker1986; FB: Sarah Morgan Walker
The Gold Bar and Sensational Hair, Nails & Beauty Salon
SHOLAIN PERUMAL
Sholain, a devoted mum, philanthropist, and CEO of The Gold Bar and Sensational Hair, Nails & Beauty Salon, embodies the modern woman. Balancing family, business, and community impact, she leads with determination, compassion, and vision. Her inspiring journey proves that success comes from embracing multiple roles while empowering others along the way.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
A defining moment in my life was the birth of my son. Raising a baby and running multiple businesses proved very challenging.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that I didn’t have to choose between having a family and building a successful business. My son is the most treasured and fulfilling part of my life, and becoming his mum has been my greatest achievement.
Details: 072 985 9754; IG: @thegoldbar_sa; FB: thegoldbar
Love Laugh Floral and Décor
CINDY RYNHOUD
Cindy is the founder and creative director of Love Laugh Floral and Décor, an award winning floral and event design company, based in Kwa Zulu Natal. With more than 20 years in the wedding and events industry, she is passionate about creating unforgettable celebrations, supporting local artisans, mentoring others, and providing that resilience and creativity to flourish.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Continuing to grow Love Laugh through significant businesses challenges reminded me that resilience, purpose and passion are stronger than difficult seasons.
Q: What is one lesson you have learned that you wish you knew earlier?
Running your own business is never easy. Some of the most valuable lessons in leadership, resilience and perseverance can only be learned by living them.
Details: www.lovelaugh.co.za; cindy@lovelaugh.co.za; 032 648 0039;
IG: @Lovelaughproteas; FB: LoveLaughSA
Optom by the Sea & Vision Lounge
MARISKA MARAIS
For the past 20 years, Mariska has had the privilege of helping people see the world more clearly. As the owner of two optometry practices, she believes eye care is about far more than vision. It’s about confidence, connection, and walking alongside every patient on their unique journey of sight, one pair of eyes at a time.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Opening my Zimbali practice brought tears to my eyes. It transformed a dream I had carried for years into reality.
Q: What is one lesson you have learned that you wish you had known earlier?
Stay authentic. Everything else tends to grow from that. Being authentically yourself builds trust, creates genuine connections, fuels word of mouth, attracts the right people, and makes your business feel uniquely yours. In healthcare, especially optometry, people often remember how you made them feel long after they’ve forgotten the prescription you gave them.
Details: IG: @optom_by_the_sea; @thevisionlounge_zimbali
Drnk Matcha
CHEY GOODERSON
At 23, Chey is an entrepreneur, creative and a dreamer who believes in the power of bold ideas and meaningful connections. Being adopted at 14 years old and raised by her grandparents shaped her resilience, ambition and outlook on life. Alongside her fiancé and business partner, she is building a life centred on creativity, purpose and turning possibility into reality, proving that risking it for a bold idea can become something extraordinary.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Being adopted by my grandparents and seeing firsthand what sacrifice and unconditional support looked like which then in turn shaped my ambitions, gratitude and the deep desire to create my own opportunities. Also, making the decision to not follow a traditional path and choose entrepreneurship at a young age; and of course, meeting my fiancée who also supported and built every idea with me.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
That you don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin, and that asking for help is not a weakness.
Details: cheyennegooderson@gmail.com; IG: @chey_gooderson
AD Lifestyle Co.
ABI DOWNS
Abi is a Durban-based lifestyle curator who loves fashion and all things luxe. She’s a wellness community builder and the ultimate host. Founder of AD Lifestyle Co., she creates elevated experiences through her platforms @abidowns, @reset_withabi, and @girlswhodinner_, bringing together women who want to live, feel and celebrate life in the most fabulous ways. With 500+ WhatsApp community members and a large online following across Instagram (22k) and TikTok (38k), she is KZN’s go-to voice for intentional, beautiful living – proudly Durban but with a global taste.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Leaving the safety of a 10-year corporate career in Fashion Buying for Mr Price in January 2026 to back myself fully; and becoming a mother.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
Never be afraid to put your hand up for help! And, that your community is your greatest asset. When you show up consistently and with intention, the right people find you and stay.
Details: IG: @_abidowns_ , @reset_withabi , @girlswhodinner_
Dermatologist
DR CEBI SIBISI
Dr Cebi is a dermatologist, entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional skin health. Alongside her private practice, she serves as a sessional lecturer in the public sector, mentoring future dermatologists and expanding access to care. She believes leadership is measured by compassion, education, service and the lives we uplift.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Building a career where clinical excellence, education, entrepreneurship, and community service come together to create lasting impact beyond the consulting room.
Q: What is one lesson you have learned that you wish you had known earlier?
Success is not about doing everything alone, purpose grows through collaboration, consistency and lifting others as you rise.
Details: Suite 2, Medigate Medical Centre 2, Umhlanga; 031 566 4748
Stray Store
CANDICE BRITS & SIMONE HIRSCH
STRAY was born from an unexpected friendship at a boxing studio and a shared vision to create bold, premium activewear we couldn’t find locally. Every fabric, fit and detail was thoughtfully crafted to help women feel confident, stylish and unapologetically themselves. Designed with heart. Made in South Africa.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Watching our latest range sell out within two weeks was an unforgettable milestone, proving our community truly believes in STRAY.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
Start before you feel ready. We wish we had started sooner. Confidence grows through action, not waiting for perfect timing.
Details: Candice: 066 457 4194, Candice@straystore.com; Simone: 082 7056882, Simone@straystore.com; www.straystore.com; IG: @s.t.r.a.y.za
Flowers on Chartwell
ASHAANA BAIJNATH
Ashaana is the owner of Flowers on Chartwell, where she combines creativity with entrepreneurship to build a premium gifting brand. Passionate about people, innovation, and meaningful experiences, she leads with resilience, authenticity, and purpose, believing that great businesses are built through consistency, genuine relationships, and a commitment to continuous growth.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Realising I wasn’t simply selling flowers but helping people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments completely changed how I built my business.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
Protect your vision. Not everyone will understand it, and they don’t have to for it to become something extraordinary.
Details: www.flowersonchartwell.co.za; IG: @flowersonchartwell; FB: Flowers on Chartwell
Johnston & Partners
BRIGHTNESS NTOMBELA
Slindokuhle Brightness Ntombela is a Partner at Johnston & Partners, having completed her LLB at UNISA before joining the firm in 2017. Admitted as a Legal Practitioner in 2019, she specialises in deceased estates, conveyancing, and matters involving municipalities and the Master’s Office.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Achieving my LLB degree, despite coming from a difficult background, has changed my life. Balancing my studies and work taught me discipline and commitment, which I apply in my legal profession every day.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
The practical side of law is very different from theory. Every day brings new opportunities to develop your listening skills, pay attention to detail and grow through hands-on experience. The profession also allows you to build relationships across many sectors. Things won’t always go as planned, but every challenge is a chance to learn, do more research and become a better attorney. The key is to keep going and never stop learning.
Details: brightness@johnstonkzn.co.za
Johnston & Partners
REBECCA JOHNSTON
Rebecca Johnston is a Partner at Johnston & Partners, where she heads a team within the litigation department. She specialises in banking recoveries, matrimonial law, corporate law, and general litigation, leading a diverse practice that enables her to provide strategic, practical legal solutions tailored to her clients’ commercial and personal needs.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Being admitted as an attorney in 2021 fulfilled a lifelong dream, transforming my passion for helping people in situations into a meaningful career.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
You can do anything you put your mind to if you believe in yourself.
Details: 031 536 9700; rebecca@johnstonkzn.co.za; IG: @becksg.johnston
Johnston & Partners
THABISA NGCOBO
Thabisa is an attorney and partner at Johnston & Partners with extensive experience in civil litigation, debt recovery, banking law, and insurance-related matters. She provides strategic, commercially focused legal advice and practical solutions while building trusted client relationships. She is committed to delivering exceptional service and achieving efficient, results-driven outcomes for every client.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Becoming a partner as a young African woman from a rural area at one of the leading law firms in KZN has been the defining moment of my career. It affirmed that where you come from does not determine where you can go. Through hard work and determination, barriers can be broken, and opportunities can be created.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
Trust your abilities and take up space with confidence. Growth begins when you stop doubting yourself and embrace your potential.
Details: 031 536 9700; IG: @thabisangcoboo; Thabisa@johnstonkzn.co.za
The Juice Pro
MAYURI RAMKISSOON-PILLAY
Mayuri is the founder of The Juice Pro, a Durban-based wellness brand dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles through fresh, preservative-free juices. Passionate about health and entrepreneurship, committed to helping individuals make better nutritional choices while building a business that inspires wellness, balance, and community.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
A defining moment was turning my passion for wellness into The Juice Pro. Seeing lives positively impacted by healthier choices reaffirmed my purpose and entrepreneurial journey.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
I wish I had learned earlier that progress matters more than perfection. Growth comes from taking action, learning from mistakes, staying consistent, and trusting the process, even when challenges arise.
Details: IG: @_thejuicepro
Simply Summer
RENÉ NAIDOO AND MIONA NAICKER
Simply Summer began with a 10-year friendship and one belief: South African women deserve local lip care done right. We handcraft peptide treatments in small batches, made for you, not imported. It’s love, friendship, and exquisite care – in every tube.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Seeing our growth and realising we were building something with the potential to become a truly significant brand was our defining moment.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
To trust our pace, no comparisons. Growth is quiet, messy, and personal and it’s important to give ourselves grace while we’re building.
Details: www.simplysummer.co.za; IG: @simplysummerbrand; TikTok: @simplysummerbrand
Actioncoach iNala
SHIRLEY PEARSON
Shirley is an award-winning business and executive coach and owner of ActionCOACH iNala. She believes successful businesses create far more than profit – they create freedom and the opportunity to build meaningful lives. For more than 30 years, she has helped business owners and leaders build stronger businesses, better teams and lasting wealth.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Realising that hard work and specialist knowledge create experts, but leadership and systems create successful businesses.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
I wish I’d learned earlier that clarity comes from asking better questions, not finding quicker answers.
Details: www. INala.actioncoach.com; shirleypearson@actioncoach.com
Sunkist Lifesaving Club
SINDISIWE BLOSE
Sindi is an operation focused coffee shop manager with 18 years of experience streamlining cafe workflows. She has a background in multi-unit retail management and specialises in staff training and labour optimisation, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and ensuring every meal is a memorable experience.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
I kept going even when I wanted to walk away. I pushed through because my future self deserves to see what is on the other side of pain and adversity.
Q: What is one lesson you have learned that you wish you had known earlier?
Action cures anxiety. Taking a small, imperfect step almost always builds more confidence than overthinking or waiting for the right time.
Details: 069 114 7286; IG: @sunkistlifesaving; FB: sunkistclub
Bike & Bean
VIKI FERREIRA
Viki is a born entrepreneur, constantly looking for new opportunities and challenges. She started her journey with Bike & Bean in 2013 after numerous varied jobs including being a barista in London for two years, an agent at a car hire company and finally renting out bicycles along the Durban beachfront.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
I kept going even when losing the original Bike & Bean beachfront venue forced me to create other opportunities and find alternate venues for me and my staff.
Q: What is one lesson you have learned that you wish you had known earlier?
Changes forced upon us are not always a negative. Every step in a different direction has defined my rather windy path.
Details: www.bikebeandurban.com; 082 065 7096; viki@bikebeandurban.com;
IG: @bikeandbean_durban/; FB: BikeandBeanDurban; Tik Tok: @bikebeandbn
Foton SA
CLAUDIA SARVANNA
Claudia is the Marketing Manager at Foton South Africa, where she champions bold ideas, strategic thinking, and authentic storytelling. She believes marketing has the power to inspire, connect and influence, creating lasting relationships between brands and the people they serve.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Stepping into a leadership role has given me liberty to cultivate mindsets within the automotive industry, being able to strengthen minds and the brand.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
I learned to stay in my lane, master my skills, embrace opportunities, and become the best version of myself daily.
Details: 1 Wilton Crescent, Umhlanga; www.fotonsa.co.za; claudias@fotonsa.co.za; 031 001 5649
Foton SA
TARYN JAKOBI
Taryn is the Public Relations Officer at Foton South Africa, leading strategic communications, media relations and brand storytelling. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism and public relations, she is passionate about building meaningful relationships, creating impactful campaigns and helping South African brands earn trust and recognition.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Twenty years of Journalism and Public Relations taught me resilience, curiosity and the confidence to continually reinvent my professional journey.
Q: What is one lesson you have learned that you wish you had known earlier?
Relationships are your greatest professional asset. Invest in people long before you need them.
Details: 1 Wilton Crescent, Umhlanga; www.fotonsa.co.za; tarynj@fotonsa.co.za; 031 001 5649
Strauss Daly
TRISH OFFERMAN
Trish heads the Matrimonial Law department at Strauss Daly attorneys. They have a national footprint in all major cities in the republic and have offices abroad.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
The defining moment in my career was having the courage to start again. After working as a computer programmer and systems analyst, I stepped away from my career to raise my children. Following my divorce, I found myself a single mother with no financial support, and the technology industry had moved on without me. Rather than looking back, I chose to reinvent myself. I studied law part-time while raising my children and graduated cum laude. I was later headhunted by Strauss Daly Attorneys, where I now head the Matrimonial Law Department. Looking back, I realise that the moments which define us are rarely those where we feel confident—they are the moments when we choose courage despite uncertainty.
Q: What’s one lesson you have learnt that you wish you had known earlier?
Confidence doesn’t come before the challenge—it comes because of it. Every significant step in my career involved self-doubt, but I learnt that growth lies outside our comfort zone. My advice to young women is simple: don’t let your circumstances define your future. Keep learning, work hard and never doubt your ability. The greatest opportunities often begin with a leap of faith.
Details: www.straussdaly.co.za; TOffermann@straussdaly.co.za
The Artisan Hair Studio
NIKITA HERSELMAN
Founder of The Artisan Hair Studio, Nikita has created a salon rooted in creativity, connection and quality, empowering clients and stylists alike.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your journey so far?
Opening and growing The Artisan Hair Studio marked the point where I moved beyond simply doing hair and began creating a space that reflects my values. Building a salon with its own identity and welcoming other stylists into that vision has been one of the most rewarding milestones of my career.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier?
I wish I had known that success in the hair industry isn’t about being perfect. It’s about continually learning, building genuine relationships, and believing in your own worth. Early on, I spent too much time comparing myself to others and doubting my abilities. Over time, I realised that every challenge, mistake, and client experience helped shape me into a better stylist. Confidence grows through consistency, not perfection.
Details: Shop 3G, Salt Rock Centre; 069 326 6233; IG: @theartisanhairstudio
