The mum of two Bianca Rennison spent her formative years in the picturesque little town of Sabie, revelling in the idyllic laid-back lifestyle that comes from village life.
Nowadays Bianca calls Mbombela home, and she is quick to say she absolutely loves it. After having worked in recruitment for a few years, she currently works as an executive assistant. Keeping busy is clearly her thing; she has just completed her NQF4 and has also recently completed a microblading course, which she says is something she has always wanted to do. And if that’s not enough, keeping fit and healthy are also high on Bianca’s list of priorities, and she tries to fit in three to four gym sessions a week.
Growing up, she always thought that someday she would study law, get her degree and specialise in family law. “I am passionate about youth empowerment, and I love working with children,” she says. “Giving back my time to make a difference is something that is very important to me.” She adds that she also enjoys being around people, and being part of a team.
With the festive season upon us, Bianca is looking forward to indulging her love of family time, spending the holiday at home with all the family members together. “On Christmas Eve, we start prepping the food, and at 12pm we wake the kids up and start exchanging gifts and giving thanks for another year together. Then, on Christmas Day, we do a big brunch. We also always go for a festive drive around the town, and then end the day with a good old classic Christmas movie,” she smiles.
As a highly motivated and driven individual, Bianca laughingly says that she is constantly challenging herself to be a better person, making a positive change wherever she goes. She adds that she strives to laugh often and win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.
“I always look for the best in others, and hope to leave the world a little better for having been in it, whether it’s by means of a healthy, happy child or a thriving garden patch. To know that even one person has breathed easier because of something I have done, is what drives me the most,” she says. Bianca is involved in a charity organisation called Arms of Hope, in collaboration with Pro Gratia School, which she hopes will someday be successful enough to be able to branch out to other provinces as well as Mpumalanga.
Bianca’s love for children is obvious in the way she relates to her own 10-year-old Charmonique and three-year-old Levi. She lovingly describes their antics, saying that Levi is a typical little boy who loves playing outside. “He takes after his grandfather, always trying to help him fix his cars! Charmonique, on the other hand, is a total girly girl. She loves to dance, do gymnastics, and when she thinks no one is around, is a total drama queen!”
Charmonique has the perfect role model when it comes to dressing up. Bianca recently took part in the Mrs Globe South Africa pageant, and loved every single moment of it. She explains that she never viewed it as a competition, but rather as a learning experience, one she will never forget. “There are a million reasons why you should enter a pageant like this,” she says. “During my journey I have built up self-confidence and forged new friendships. I have found that opportunities open up once you have a platform, and you discover why you have a voice and are given that platform to make a difference.”
Bianca adds that there are so many things you learn, not only about yourself, but also about communication and leadership skills, and how to participate in interviews and discussions with confidence. “And the all-important poise! I see pageantry as a doorway for those who want to give back, to learn more about themselves, but also to be in the limelight.”
She is quick to add that as women, we so often unfairly put ourselves down, sometimes without even realising it. “For example, when someone says, ‘Wow, that’s a beautiful dress!’ how often do we say, ‘What, this old thing?’ instead of graciously smiling and accepting the compliment? We need to build one another up and make ourselves and others feel good about who we are.”
While staying on her toes is important for this young mum, she admits that finding a balance between home, work and herself can be tricky. Though she says it is never easy, she tries to prioritise her days to ensure that she can attend to everyone’s needs. “During the day, work comes first,” she says, “but the evenings and weekends are all about slowing down and spending time with my family. They are the most important thing in my life.”
When at home, Bianca loves to do DIY, and spending time on long nature walks in her home town of Sabie with the kids and hubby Richard, reliving happy memories, is a favourite pastime.
Bianca’s ideal family getaway is Langebaan, where she loves to lounge on the beach with the kids, without any distractions from technology. While she loves travelling – and laughs that she would be packed and ready within five minutes given the chance – she also loves the Lowveld, adding that we stay in one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa. “I love the small city vibes, the friendly community, the mountains, the nature that surrounds us … The Lowveld is very close to my heart,” she smiles.
Inspired by success stories, Bianca loves to watch inspirational videos, especially those of Steve Jobs, and she says that the best place to find peace is to travel somewhere quiet. We have no doubt that with her easy smile and gentle nature, she is well on her way to creating a success story of her very own.
Make-up: Elsabé Steyn – Elsabé Steyn Styling Studio
Photographer: Tanya Erasmus – Something Timeless Photography
Venue: Bel Ombre Restaurant, Mbombela
