When people talk about business success, the conversation often turns to profits, growth and expansion. For Charmaine Brewis, owner of Lady Jane, the conversation starts somewhere else entirely – with people.
“One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is watching someone discover what they’re capable of,” she says. “I love mentoring my team, helping them grow in confidence and seeing them realise their own potential.” That philosophy has shaped the way she leads the business.
Growing up in Umhlanga, Charmaine attended Danville Park Girls’ High School before spending time living in Johannesburg and later between New York and London. Travelling opened her eyes to new ideas, different ways of doing business and the possibilities that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Today she lives in La Lucia with her son, but her curiosity hasn’t faded.
“I’ve always loved exploring new places and finding opportunities where others might not look. Whether it’s travel, interior design, property or discovering something unusual at an auction, I’m always learning.”
While she enjoys the creative side of business, it was one of its toughest chapters that taught her the most. “Keeping our team together during Covid is something I’ll always be proud of. There was so much uncertainty, but making sure our staff kept their jobs and could continue supporting their families was incredibly important to me.”
Ask Charmaine what advice she would give other women and her answer is refreshingly honest. “Pick your battles. You don’t have to fight every fight. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is protect your energy and focus on what really matters.”
Looking ahead, she’s excited about expanding Lady Jane into Johannesburg and Cape Town, while also exploring opportunities in the United States and introducing new wellness offerings, including lymphatic drainage, ozone therapy and red light therapy. There’s another dream quietly waiting in the wings too. “I’d love to write a book one day – not just about the successes, but about the challenges, the lessons and everything in between.”
For Charmaine, success isn’t measured only by how far a business grows, but by the people who grow alongside it.
Visit Lady Jane stores at: 254 Lilian Ngoyi Road, Windermere; Gillitts Shopping Centre, 1 Clifton Road, Clifton Park; Unit 16, Outlet Park, 59 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga; Unit 17, Platinum Park, Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito; 3111 Winnie Mandela Drive, Fourways, Sandton; 28 St Austell Street, Alberton, Johannesburg
Details: Tel: 081 050 6675, email info@ladyjane.co.za or visit website ladyjane.co.za
