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You go, mama!

Meet Cherise van der Vyver, who’s all about hard work, entrepreneurship and lifting others up. But more than anything, she’s a mom on a mission … raising her little Miss Mae to take on the world.

Anyone who’s met Cherise van der Vyver will tell you she just beams with love, life and laughter. And exactly that is what she hopes to pass on to her daughter, Jenna-Mae. But, she and her husband, Johan are taking a slightly different (if you want to call it that) approach to parenthood.

Around two years ago, they started teaching Jenna-Mae some financial and entrepreneurial skills. She was three. So now, if she wants something, she’ll be savvy enough to know how to get it all by herself. Like, for instance, her horse-riding lessons. With mommy’s help, she opened up her own business called Jenna-Mae’s Workshop and started out by making and selling her own slime to pay for her horse-riding.

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‘Recently she had her eye on a beautiful hair clip, and I told her that if she wants it badly enough – because she already has a zillion others,’ Cherise chuckles, ‘she needs to find a way to make money to buy it. And so, we started making and selling the prettiest earrings together … and she was over the moon when she was finally able to buy her treasured hair clip as a result of new skills and hard work.’

Cherise believes that when you have a skill and some confidence, you can make money. That’s why she and her family are giving little Jenna-Mae a head start on life … teaching her all the grown-up stuff she won’t necessarily be learning in the classroom. Oh, and little Miss Mae already has a retirement annuity for when she is older too, so – in her own words – she doesn’t have to work one day, just like Ouma.

In their free time, you’ll find this mommy and daughter duo crafting, dancing, baking, and enjoying the outdoors. They also love music and dancing. But shopping … well, that’s all Jenna-Mae. Cherise is less enthusiastic about that one.

But, here’s the twist. Jenna-Mae also has Type 1 diabetes. It’s not reversible and it doesn’t get better. For those who are not doctors or sufferers, Type 1 diabetes is not purely genetics and you cannot bring it about with sweeties. And so, Cherise urges parents to take their child or loved one for a simple HbA1c test at any lab, GP or clinic if they have any concerns.

Jenna-Mae also has a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) named Isla. A qualified, registered and very well-trained medical assistant to sense when Jenna-Mae’s blood sugar drops. When a type 1 diabetic goes low, it is very dangerous as they can have seizures or fall into a coma. Isla is a superhero in the van der Vyver household, often detecting lows long before any device can.

‘It’s so sad because she is often not allowed in places or treated very poorly even though legislation permits these life-changing service dogs,’ Cherise added.

Luckily, the Krugersdorp community is getting to know Isla, and people are becoming more aware of the incredible role service dogs play … not just for the blind, but for those with diabetes or epilepsy, to name just a few.

Even though it’s not always easy keeping an eye on a four-year-old diabetic … it has brought their family a lot of gratitude over the past few years. And, it’s never stopped them from living their best lives, either. In fact, Cherise is big on not passing down fears or doubts to her daughter. She wants Jenna-Mae to face the world confidently. And, she leads by example!

She spent years in tourism, then became a photographer, and now she’s a financial adviser. She loves helping people understand their finances because, let’s face it, many of us feel overwhelmed by it all. Cherise can relate. She’s been there, and now she enjoys giving back and guiding others through the financial maze.

‘I finally feel like I am where I should be. So, to everyone out there, it is never too late to change careers or study again. Yes, it is harder as you get older, but don’t give up on finding your place in this world.’

Her photography business, which she started a decade ago, has become more of a hobby these days, but it still brings her immense joy. She still loves capturing moments and editing photos. And if she’s being honest, she doesn’t think she’ll ever stop taking photos.
When she’s not spending time with her family, working or taking pics, she runs. And she’s taken up some serious marathons too. Including the Kaapshehoop Marathon, her most challenging yet most beloved race. She recalls one year when she wasn’t fully prepared, but with the help of her friend Lelani, she managed to finish, just two minutes too late to qualify for the Comrades Marathon. Tough, but totally worth it.

How does she do it all? Like many mommies … Cherise often wonders the same thing.
‘I do believe that God gives me the time and energy I need to complete what’s important, and when life gets overwhelming, I know it’s time to refill my own cup before carrying on.’
This is exactly why she founded Ladies in Business just over two years ago … a community to empower other women juggling careers, motherhood, and everything else. She wanted to create a safe space to learn, share, and support each other, and of course, to pray together, whether it’s in their business or personal capacity.

So, what’s next for Cherise? Well, for now, she’s got her hands full juggling family life, running marathons, empowering women, and helping people make sense of their finances … but she wouldn’t want it any other way.

She’s on a mission to live fully and authentically, and her journey is a reminder that with a bit of hard work, a lot of love, and a dash of faith, we can truly shape the life, and children we want … one step and one day at a time.

Details: Follow @Cherise Brady Photography and @Freckles & Co. on Facebook

6 Things she wants Mae to know
1. You are good enough.
2. Life isn’t perfect. Nothing is. It’s not supposed to be.
3. Save. Save for now, save for emergencies and save for old age.
4. Take care of your body. You only have one.
5. Trust that little voice in your head.
6. Nothing you do, can change God’s love for you.

3 Ingredient cloud dough recipe
If you like making homemade playdough with your little one, Cherise highly recommends this recipe. It’s super silky, fluffy and scented … and has a nice stretch, too. Perfect for school holidays.
You’ll need: ½ cup conditioner of your choice, 1 cup cornstarch and a drop of colourant.
To make: Mix it together well and you will have fluffy nice smelling playdough in no time. Enjoy!

Quick and easy, sugar-free low-carb brownies
Perfect for T1 and T2 diabetics!
You’ll need: 1 cup melted butter; ½ cup cocoa powder; 1.5 cups Xylitol (2 if you like it sweet); 4 large eggs; 1 cup of flour; whipped cream.
To make: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Mix butter with cocoa powder. Add Xylitol and eggs and mix well.
Gently fold in flour or flour alternative. Bake into a lined or greased 20cm dish for 20-25 minutes.
And, voila! Serve with whipped cream.

Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. Photographer: ROELIEN MALAN. Venue: STUDIO WORTHIT.

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