From international stages to the golden sunsets of Geelklip Middelwater, Suzé Steyl’s journey has always been guided by one simple belief: work hard, be kind and leave people better than you found them. Born and raised in Bloemfontein, Suzé proudly calls herself a Free State girl.
Long before businesses, international travel and entrepreneurship, she was simply a teenager who wanted to work.
At just 14 years old, she started working in a small coffee shop at the old Pick n Pay Centre in Fichardt Park, washing milkshake glasses after school and over weekends. A year later she was selling sweets at Sweets from Africa before she was old enough to become a waitress at Spur, and later at the Hard Rock Café.
Once she earned her driver’s licence, she spent her evenings delivering home cooked meals across Bloemfontein for her aunt’s catering business.
Weekends were spent waitressing, and Sundays behind a beauty counter.
“My parents taught me that if you wanted something in life, you worked for it. That lesson shaped everything I’ve done.”
After qualifying as a beauty therapist, Suzé began travelling across South Africa, offering mobile permanent makeup services in more than 50 salons. Her dream soon grew into Cosmoderm Laser Clinic at Preller Square, one of the Free State’s pioneering laser clinics.
Later, after moving to Bethlehem to be closer to her daughter, she founded Cherry Ink Beauty Group.
It was there that Suzé discovered her true passion.
More than building a successful business, she wanted to build successful women. Through training, education and mentorship, she helped women develop skills, become financially independent and believe in themselves.
“My greatest passion was never simply building a business – it was empowering women.”
Her work eventually took her onto international stages, where she shared her knowledge with audiences from around the world.
Then life changed everything.
Nine years ago, Suzé’s brother was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. It was one of the most difficult seasons of her life, and walking that journey alongside him changed her forever.
“You can have success. You can have everything you’ve ever dreamed of. But without your health, none of those things mean very much.” That experience inspired a new chapter dedicated to helping people live healthier lives, make healthier choices and reclaim their health. Today, she describes it as one of the greatest privileges of her life to walk alongside people as they rediscover hope, confidence and a better quality of life.
As a proud Bloemfontein woman with an enormous passion for her city and its people, a new dream was born. Geelklip Middelwater is more than a farm – it is Suzé’s love letter to Bloemfontein. Just minutes outside the city, families can reconnect, children can experience the outdoors, friends can gather around the Vuur & Vlam Braai Bar, and unforgettable memories can be made.
“Bloemfontein has always been home. If I can help create something that brings people together and gives families a place to make memories, then I’ve achieved something worthwhile.”
As Women’s Month reminds us to celebrate women who inspire others, Suzé hopes her story encourages people never to underestimate humble beginnings.
Success, she believes, is not measured by titles or trophies, but by the difference you make in the lives of others.
The best is yet to come. And no matter what life brings, light will always overcome the darkness.
PHOTOGRAPHS: GYPSEENIA LION
