Marisa laughingly explains that growing up in a small Free State town was somewhat different to what she is used to now. She left the Free State to study speech therapy and audiology at Tukkies, and after completing her degree, moved to the rolling green hills of Mbombela. “This is where I met my husband, Jaques, who grew up here. He took it upon himself to make me fall in love not only with him, but also with the beautiful Lowveld, and I’ve never looked back,” she smiles.
Marisa and her gentle giant Jaques have been married for 18 years and have three gorgeous children, Christiaan (15), Malan (13) and Anebel (10). “They have amazingly diverse personalities; it’s sometimes hard to believe they are raised in the same household,” Marisa says. “What they do have in common is their love of sport, and that they are all active, balanced children. We try to raise them to know that our home will always be a place where they truly belong, and where they will always be valued.”
Keeping busy is important to Marisa, who says she really loves to keep moving and be outdoors. “Any movement outside in the sunshine fills my tank,” she smiles, “I love to run, cycle, swim and hike. I am always keen to go on a new adventure and I have a deep love of endurance sport. The feeling when you complete something you trained hard for, the pain and tears, the camaraderie of sport … it is indescribable!”
A few years ago, while on a hiking trip in the Fish River Canyon, Marisa and a friend decided their next challenge would be to complete an Ironman. “This meant I had to start cycling, which is a funny story. My first road cycle experience was a little catastrophic – I was on a second-hand bike I bought without knowing it was about two sizes too big for me! Fortunately, my teammates were very supportive and helpful. I also had another small problem before I could conquer a triathlon – I couldn’t swim. I couldn’t even put my face in the water … I’m from the Free State, remember! I started taking swimming lessons at the ripe age of 37, and now I am proud to say I have successfully completed three Ironman 70.3s. You really can do anything you put your mind to! And it just goes to show we are never too old to learn new skills. My advice would always be to just start. Take one small step at a time and before you know it, you have conquered the giant.”
I really, really love what I do! Oh, and by the way, I am also a certified image consultant – I did the course purely because I love dressing up (I am one of those people who gets excited about getting dressed every morning!) I believe that all women have beauty inside of them
Marisa smiles as she explains that she fell in love with the audiology part of her speech therapy and audiology degree, and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. “I worked for a large corporate ‘hearing’ company for 17 years, and recently opened my own practice. I always knew I wanted to work with people, and I love the freedom I have to really spend time with the people who walk through my door, to get to know each one. I don’t feel like this is a job, to me it is my calling. I really, really love what I do! Oh, and by the way, I am also a certified image consultant – I did the course purely because I love dressing up (I am one of those people who gets excited about getting dressed every morning!) I believe that all women have beauty inside of them – you only have to know yourself and your body and stop comparing yourself to others. Comparison truly is the thief of joy.”
While being bubbly and outgoing is very much a part of her nature, Marisa is quick to add that although she loves spending time around others, she really needs time by herself to recharge her batteries. “I think I am an introvert who has learnt how to behave like an extrovert,” she laughs, adding that she gets up at 4am every day while the rest of the family is still asleep to spend time praying. “Any other time when I am alone, I grab a book and read.”
That’s not to say that alone time is something that happens often. Being a mum and wife, and running your own business and a side hustle (Marisa and a friend are the local distributors of Funky Pants) can be very challenging indeed. “I fail very often – as they say in Afrikaans: … val die pap op die grond … I find it helpful when there is something to work towards (like a race), or there is something to look forward to. This year, the highlight was the Two Oceans Ultramarathon, and next year we are planning to hike the Camino in Spain.
It’s a wonderful time to look back and reflect on the year that passed and to just give thanks for every little thing. Although it is hard, this time of year is when we have to push through and finish strong
Having strong boundaries also helps me to switch between all the different roles,” she adds. “The older I get, the better I am at saying no. I am so lucky that Jaques is such a hands-on husband and father, I could never do any of this without his unfailing support.”
With the holidays just around the corner, the De Klerks are gearing up for their annual trip to the coast. “. Jaques has been going there since he was a young boy, and we have so many beautiful memories there,” smiles the bubbly mum of three. “It is a magical place where we can spend time with one another without any other commitments. Our time there consists of doing everything and doing nothing! This time of the year just feels festive, and there is excitement in the air. It’s a wonderful time to look back and reflect on the year that passed and to just give thanks for every little thing. Although it is hard, this time of year is when we have to push through and finish strong.”
The family don’t do lavish Christmas presents, but instead always do a Secret Santa, drawing names and then buying a gift for one person. “We wake up on Christmas morning, open our presents, go to church (preferably a beach service) and then braai prawns on our stoep. The day usually ends with all the neighbours in our street having bubbly at someone’s house. It’s very festive and a lot of fun, but not very traditional.”
After all is said and done, and the last of the Christmas pudding has been eaten, it is time for reflection and resolve. Marisa explains that her New Year resolutions hardly ever change. “The most important one is to always be consistent – my kids will tell you how much I love to say ‘consistency is key’ to them. Be consistent in your authenticity and in showing up, whether for yourself or others, and be consistent in always giving it your all, no matter what you are doing. And remember, the key to a happy and contented life is to spend time in the sunshine, with loved ones, good food and good wine!”
Details: Marisa on 068 647 9049
