As an established Social Innovation Leader and Communication, Marketing & Business Manager of 15+ years, integrated marketing solutions, transformative connections and top-notch communication, content and creative are what I get up for in the morning – well that and to pack my children’s lunch boxes for school!
The skinny, tall girl on the right is me +-15 years ago! I started out as a Marketing Executive at Banks Love, a full-service marketing agency in Dublin, Ireland. On the far left is Sarah Love, presently MD at Goosebumps and one of my Mentors.
I am a well-published creative, strategist and philanthropist and have served non-profits, educational institutions, healthcare groups, FMCG brands, publishing houses, blue chip companies, public organisations, properties, retail groups, agencies and various other multi-disciplinary teams with a mixture of humanitarian, creative and business acumen. I speak two languages (English and Afrikaans) and understand a fourth and fifth fairly well (Dutch and Xhosa).
My qualifications include:
Currently busy with my MA in Communications and Integrated Media
BA Degree in Public Relations from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (assessed by Toronto University)
Professional Certificate in Medicine and the Arts from the University of Cape Town
International English Language Proficiency Certification from Nottingham
My husband, Johann, and I have been married for 17 years. We have three beautiful children, two boys with a princess in the middle, and (flexibly) live in Cape Town, South Africa. Being a mom has had a profound influence on my work and the person I’m growing into. I have come to know both the vulnerability and strength that parenthood and motherhood in particular holds. It has also made me a more purpose- and meaningful communicator and professional.
When I am not working or being a mom you will find me reading, browsing a book or stationary store, cooking, painting, watching a movie, playing with my camera or nursing a broken-winged bird back to life.
I’m not particular fond of small-talk, but I do appreciate its necessity in business. I have particular kind of cup I prefer when it comes to coffee (or tea) and (much to my husband’s annoyance and probably the environment’s detriment), it needs to be clean – I’ve really tried, but I don’t like re-using a dirty cup! I am truer to nature in other ways though. From make-up to domestic cleaning materials – I only use eco-friendly products. And if I can’t find something in the supermarkets, I will make it myself (essential oil geek alert). I also bake fresh bread on a daily basis – no store-bought bread for the kids (can’t say they love me for it)!
I have attended over 100 births and I once photograph a 13 hour long kidney transplant. Other than that I’m a fairly ordinary person. My family has crowned me most enthusiastic gift-wrapper and children’s project / party planner – I crown I wear proudly.