Born and raised in the Lowveld, Thea laughingly explains that while she did venture out to explore the bright city lights, her heart always knew where home was – right here in the Slowveld. Growing up in Barberton, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and scenery, helped shape her love for nature.
Like so many, Thea started down one path before she realised that her true passion lay elsewhere. “I initially pursued a Bachelor of Computer Sciences,” she says, “but it didn’t take long for me to realise that sitting behind a desk all day wasn’t for me.” She found herself drawn to the travel industry and then the world of movement and fitness, which is where she discovered her true calling.
“For me, fitness is so much more than just staying in shape,” she explains. “It’s about growth, discipline and pushing boundaries. There’s always a new challenge, a new goal and a new way to test yourself,” she says.
In 2023, Thea had the opportunity to teach Pilates at The Fitness Studio (The Ladies Gym), which later became part of ANEW Sports Resort. From Pilates, she expanded into stretch classes and Gentle Flow, a yoga-inspired practice. And she’s not stopping there. “I just completed a first aid course,” she says proudly. “Knowledge is power, and I believe in lifelong learning. Every skill we gain adds to our personal growth and, sometimes, allows us to help others in crucial moments.
When she’s not teaching, Thea is out exploring. “Hiking with friends, music festivals and photography, these things feed my soul,” she says. Photography, in particular, has been a lifelong passion. “I picked up my first camera when I was 13, and I’ve never put it down since. There’s something magical about capturing a moment in time, seeing the world through a different lens.” Thea is also a devoted ‘bunny mum’ to a cheeky little white rabbit called Gwagie, who Thea says is the real boss of the house. “He keeps me on my toes and makes sure I never forget who’s in charge,” she jokes.
One of the most unique aspects of Thea’s fitness journey is her love for pole dancing and aerial arts. “I started in 2019 out of pure curiosity. I thought it looked so effortless. Turns out, it’s anything but!” she laughs. “It takes an incredible amount of strength, control and discipline. But that’s exactly why I love it.”
When aerial silks and hoops were introduced, she was hooked, even making the impulse decision to buy a Lyra hoop. “There’s something about the combination of grace and power that just captivates me, it’s such a confidence booster. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of!”
Thea has also recently made a name for herself as a bit of a hero. One rainy afternoon, she spotted a stranded mother and child on the roadside, and didn’t hesitate to stop. “Something just told me I had to help,” she recalls. “Luckily, there was only a minor issue with their car, and I got them back on the road. We’ve stayed in touch ever since!” Her knowledge of cars comes from hands-on experience.
“I started with a Toyota Tazz, then a VW Citi Golf. When things went wrong, I learned from my dad and Oom Japie’s Repair Shop,” she explains. Her aunt, a workshop manager, also shared tips. “Eventually, I had to figure things out myself – whether on the roadside or with YouTube tutorials. Basic car repair knowledge is essential for everyone. A simple toolkit in your car – screwdrivers, pliers, insulation tape, a flashlight, jack, cable ties, water and a first aid kit – can make a huge difference. Knowing how to change a tyre or recognise dashboard warnings could save you a lot of trouble and money.”
Thea loves travel. She fell in love with the beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere of Byron Bay in Australia, saying it made her rethink how we experience life.
“It’s all about savouring the moment. My dream destination is Greenland,” she adds, “I follow an Icelandic photographer and his images of the place are surreal. As a Lowvelder, I’ve never experienced snow, and I’d love to see it for myself.”
Thea adds that nothing compares to living close to nature, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, visiting waterfalls and exploring the rich history of the region. She recently took part in a guided walk around Barberton, tracing its history back to its gin-drenched christening over a century ago. The Kruger National Park holds a special place in her heart, as do trips to Kaapsehoop. “Nature is my biggest source of inspiration,” she smiles, “a single flower, a buzzing bee, a roaring waterfall … It reminds me that we’re part of something so much bigger.”
