Petite Marché Swanepoel embodies the spirt of the Lowveld as she breezes in on a glorious late Autumn afternoon, comfortable and relaxed, waiting for her husband and children to join her.
Marché, who grew up on the family farm between Pongola and Piet Retief, moved to the Lowveld with her husband Christof when he was offered a job in Mbombela. She has never
looked back, embracing the laid-back lifestyle like a local. “I love the climate here, especially in Winter,” she says, “and of course being so close to the Kruger is amazing. Bushveld living is just different. In my opinion, it’s definitely the best place to raise a family.”
Marché’s face lights up as she chats about her lifelong passion, her work in skincare. A qualified somatologist, she also studied make-up artistry, and in July 2020, Marché Laser & Beauty opened its doors, specialising in laser hair removal and skincare treatments. “It wasn’t the easiest time to start a new venture, but I have never looked back. I can honestly say I have never wanted to do anything else with my life,” she explains.
“There really are no words to describe the feeling you get when you know you have made someone feel amazing. And having the latest technology at our fingertips makes it possible for us to make a difference, whether it’s on a superficial or more meaningful basis.”
The word ‘somatology’ has its roots in the Greek words ‘body’ and ‘study’, and refer to both aesthetic principles as well as holistic health and well-being. “This can be anything from beauty treatments to hair removal or skin concerns such as scarring. Ultimately, we need to remember that each person has amazing qualities that make us who we are. Sometimes, people don’t see beyond the surface, which can lead to ridicule and bullying, especially with children. This in turn can impact the way we view life, and I believe it’s important to know that we shouldn’t change who we are for other people. Everyone who walks out our door leaves feeling more confident and beautiful, inside and out.”
Marché and Christof have been married for nearly nine years, and have two beautiful kids, five-year-old Christo and three-year-old Lila, whom Marché describes as her everything. Christo is a bright and vibrant little boy with a winning smile and plenty of hugs for his mum. Little Lila is the apple of her dad’s eye, and has a very well-defined will of her own. “Christo is soft and sweet, while Lila knows just what she wants and when. They are the reason I get up every morning and do what I love,” smiles Marché. “I definitely wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them. They make me tick in every way. It isn’t always easy to balance everything, but luckily I have the best husband who really supports me and helps me when things get overwhelming. We make a mean team!”
Careful planning obviously plays an important role as well. Preparing for the day and week ahead and all the things that need to be done, helps Marché recognise which tasks need
to get done ASAP, while still leaving adequate personal and family time. “That is what is most important to me, making time for myself and my family,” she adds. Quality family time includes spending time in nature with Christo and Lila, going to the Kruger for the day or the weekend if they get the opportunity, and they also love being on the farm. “Christof and I both grew up on a farm, and we love that lifestyle. We try to get to the family farm as regularly as possible, where we take the kids fishing, driving around to feed the farm animals, and generally making memories they can cherish, just as our parents did with us. This is what I call living our best lives!”
The Swanepoels are very sporty, and like to expose Christo and Lila to sport as much as possible by taking them to events or places where they can play together. Educational activities make up a big part of family time. “We love painting and drawing pictures, building puzzles or reading books, and we also get them to help us cook,” Marché says. She loves to take them somewhere nice for a coffee date, a much-loved pastime for them, too. Having a close relationship with her own mum also means Marché has advice and guidance on hand whenever she needs it. She smiles as she says that in her opinion, there is nothing her mother cannot do.
Being on her toes all the time with work and family endeavours means Marché doesn’t have too much spare time, especially as she regularly works weekends. When asked what her favourite activity is, she says that sleeping is quite high on her popularity list. She would also like to get back into playing tennis, which she loved when she was younger, but doesn’t have much time for anymore.
Inspired by her own parents, Marché explains that her parenting is based on the solid foundation on which she was raised. “The example they set and my husband’s values motivate me to always be the best I can be for my children. The best advice I have ever
received, and in turn can give my family, is to always be true to yourself and remember to never stop chasing your dreams.”
Photographers: BELINDA ERASMUS OF BELLE-GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY, LIZ PHOTOGRAPHY
