My Story
dare to dream
I was born on the 19th December… (many years ago) into the most incredible loving family. Growing up I was fortunate to live in a beautiful, secure home, play in a garden and have regular holidays within this diverse country of ours. It was a protected childhood and we lived by a strong value system.
I was a shy little girl, who loved to dance. Ballet became my life and at that young age I aspired to be the next ‘Margot Fonteyn’. I never did become a prima ballerina but I did dance for fifteen years which taught me discipline, perseverance and how to interpret a creative vision.
After matriculating, I went on to study interior design at the Natal Technikon. Diploma in hand, I ventured overseas to learn about people, their culture and the real world. I traveled to England, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Greece, the east to the west coast of America and the tip of Mexico. This was a cathartic time in my life as it nurtured my love for people, their diversity and importantly, their food and distinctive style.
On my return to South Africa I worked for a decorating company for 3 years and later established my own interior design business. For thirteen years I had a wonderful time decorating homes and businesses in and around Durban. Additionally, I ran art and craft classes from my home on the Berea.
In February 1999, I relocated to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands converting a derelict property into a guest lodge and conference centre whilst restoring the listed homestead to its full Victorian/Edwardian splendor.
I was surrounded by friendly neighbors, enthusiastic clients, generous friends, farm to table food and the beautiful countryside. The guest lodge was alive with a continuous flow of happy visitors.
With my love for people, experience with food, interior design, whacky creativity, strict discipline and great organisational skills, I ventured with gusto into hosting weddings and celebrations of any kind! This soon developed into the main source of my business.
Eventing grew to the point where I was hosting functions for up to 140 people, a lot for a small guest lodge sleeping 22 people. The countryside was my canvas and each event personally styled to incorporate different themes – from picnics to high teas, cocktail parties, breakfasts, brunches, elaborate or intimate weddings and much more.
Responsible for the décor, accommodation, quoting, setup, breakdown, invoicing, menu planning, guest relations and everything in-between……. I thrived!
Thirty years on,I am as steadfast as ever. My passion for turning a client’s dream event or home interior make over into a reality is as fresh today as when I first embarked on this creative journey.
Each personal touch, whether a curated design element or choreographing a spectacular event, my promise is to personally walk this journey with you each step of the way.
Love
