Immigration Boutique Team
Johan Lubbe
Managing Director
I was born in Nelspruit 1969, grew up in Port Elizabeth and matriculated at Cilliers High School in 1987.
I felt the need to actively be involved in helping my fellow man and my country, and so I enrolled in the police academy in Pretoria. I proudly served my country to the best of my ability for 4 years. Discipline became a big part of my life. I saw an opportunity to be even more involved as a public servant and resigned from the Police in 1991 to join the Fire Department in Pretoria. Again, discipline played a massive role in forming my character regarding who and what I am today.
In 2006, I started my own Immigration business from scratch. The fact that I was venturing out of my comfort zone was a very big and difficult decision but I have never been afraid of taking risks. I worked alone for the first year, gaining valuable experience and knowledge. Going forward in my second year, I employed a Personal Assistant to help me with administraive duties and qualified myself as an Immigration Practitioner.
I enjoyed this new line of work immensely and saw it as a huge challenge. My focus on providing the best service imaginable to all my clients is rock solid and by being transparent in my business ethics, I was able to expand my business and employ more and more people, year by year.
Today, Immigration Boutique can hold its own against any of the large brand names, go head to head and emerge victorious. I am proud of the company I have created with the help of a stunning team and loads of hard work, dedication and perseverance.
My vision is not to stay in business, but to reach the absolute peak, shatter all limits, exceed all expectations but retain one very important element: To remain humble and continue to treat my clients – corporate or individual – with respect and dignity. After all, my clients – each and every one of them – are my business, my foundation, my strength.
Retha Lubbe
Manager
Who or what inspires you and why?
Oprah Winfrey – “American television personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose syndicated daily talk show was among the most popular of the genre. She became one of the richest and most influential women in the United States”. Enough said, despite what she experienced as a child, she chose to talk about it and help other in similar situations. I plan to read her biography to enable me to learn more from her, as well as about her. She is very energetic and always finds new ideas for inspiration.
I too had difficult things that I experienced as a child and I worked very hard to be the person I am today. Motivation must be done every day.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
One of my favourite places in the world is Bali in Indonesia, however there are many places in South Africa that I also will add on my list of favourite places, as South Africa has many options to choose from - we have the bush, the beach, braai vleis, milk tart and koeksisters.
What are you passionate about?
I have many things I am passionate about which I gladly list below:
i) I am passionate about my values which is my Faith, my Family, my Career and my Health (the health part was added recently and due to the ageing factor).
ii) I am passionate about always doing the right thing. Integrity means always doing the right thing, even if you are alone (I stole this from an unknown person).
iii) I am passionate about positivity. I am of the opinion that life is already tough and full of painful punches and we need to see the positivity in everything we say, think and do.
iv) I also love people that are passionate about their careers and people that are hard workers (does not matter what work you do). I feel being in a comfort zone is a dangerous place.
What are some of your pet peeves?
Again, I have many pet peeves, however I will only list the top two on my list:
i) The pet peeve that is always on top of my list is negative people. I cannot function around negative people. It is extremely suffocating and it leads nowhere. In other words, it is a lonely path.
ii) The pet peeve that is next on my list is people that judge others. Only God can judge you. Everyone has to fights his/her own “demons”.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
Honestly I am one of the people who does not have any talents. Although I feel that I am one of God’s Kings, I also feel that he ran out of talents 😊 Nevertheless, I think I am very good at giving positive advice. Maybe not always what the other person wants to hear at that stage, but a spade should be called a spade, no sugar coating (maybe this is a pet peeve to someone). Hopefully giving positive advice is seen as a talent.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
I am a very boring person and my general knowledge is very poor, so the people I choose to have dinner with must be extremely fascinating. I will not tell the people about my general knowledge being poor, as they will tell me anything and I will believe it.
i) Elton John – I would want to know how he can just look at the lyrics of a song and start the melody. Watching the movie Rocket man was very fascinating to me and I can only imagine how fascinating it will be to meet him in person.
ii) Madonna – I have always been a big fan of Madonna and I would like to know how her life changed from being a rebel to being a mother of a girl.
iii) My mother – my mother passed away in 1997 and I would like to know what she thinks about me as a person today. Not that her opinion will change how I feel about myself, but it will still be good to know.
iv) Channing Tatum – for some eye candy and just because.
Mushi Fourie
Accounts
Who or what inspires you and why?
Who or what inspires you and why?
Will Rogers - "Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today." Enough said.
If I’m working on something that I really care about and enjoy, I don’t need to be inspired - it gives me the drive. But if I absolutely have to mention something – fresh cut flowers and sunshine. The smell and beauty of nature at peace.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Barra Beach, Mozambique – white sandy beaches and not a soul in sight. It’s a perfect beach for long walks. The only sounds you hear are birds and the waves.
What are you passionate about?
Children – seeing their innocent minds looking at this world from different perspectives, seeing them enjoy simple things in life. My family and friends – sharing, caring and having good memories to look back on. Helping people and making them smile gives me the excitement and satisfaction of a child in a candy store.
What are some of your pet peeves?
When people say they are going to call back and they never do. Breaking promises. Dishonesty. Deceitfulness. On a bad day, just a look can make me explode – thanfully, it's not too often.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
I can iron clothes and wash dishes like a pro, but I just don’t want to...
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Laurel & Hardy, Mr Bean (Rowan Atkinson) and Jim Carrey – I just want to laugh until I can't laugh anymore.
Joe Lubbe
Consultant - General
Who or what inspires you and why?
My son, JD, is my entire inspiration in life. Whenever he is close by, his presence alone gives that calming effect. Through his body language, he unknowingly has the ability to right everything that is wrong. My child's sense of vunerability goes further than anyone can ever imagine. I love him to bits.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Hawaii. The tropical beach is beyond anyone's expectations. For most of us, Hawaii will stay a figment of our imaginations. I would love to go there, if possible. It is said that the cuisine, culture and climate is like no other. Imagine being swept off your feet with only thoughts about neverending palm trees, as far as the eye can see. The pina colada's imbedded in the hand palms, stretched out lazily on the luscious white sands.
What are you passionate about?
My driving passion will most certainly be animals. These individuals were given to us, intended to be loved and looked after. If everyone will just open their eyes to animal abuse. Animal abusers have no character and were most probably abused as children. I will always support this neverending challenge with everything I've got.
What are some of your pet peeves?
Slowness and sluggishness. More can be obtained from life, to fast forward. People are created to dwell the earth, not combine in slow activity and lazyness. Life is a tremendous gift, which should be cherished and be thankful for. By hard work alone, will you reach your goals. Please fasten your pace in life. For the lazy people, buy lighter shoes if you have to.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
I have a depressed talent that nobody knows about. I like doing oil paintings of nature. Because it is so time consuming, I have very little time to paint. Life's fast pace does not allow me the time to paint. Painting should be an only profession, if you want it to be perfected. Painting and my love for animals walk hand-in-hand.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Dinner with Sylvester Stallone - I would ask him, how he started out in the movie business. His failures and endeavours. After all, we are all people who make mistakes and learn from of it.
Dinner with Bruce Willis - I would ask him if he is a sarcastic person by nature, or only in his movies. His determination in solving a matter and his selfless acts make him one of a kind.
Dinner with Jean Claude van Damme - I would ask him why he took up ballet and how he wound up in the movie business by doing splits. His kickboxing took him from pink belt to black belt, which I think makes him appear more manly.
Dinner with Steven Seagal - I would ask him if all the quick slaps really hurt when he's fighting. His lion heart and ruthlessness makes him one of the best fighting actors.
Eloise Lubbe
Assistant Manager - Civics
Who or what inspires you and why?
My father inspires me, without a doubt. A man with demons of his own, as can be expected from every human being in existence, but I have yet to meet a person with a heart as big and brave as that of my father… Discipline & structure built him and his life experiences shaped him. Blow after blow was delivered and he somehow used the momentum of each shot to his advantage. He built a life from nothing. His will and determination to serve and provide for his family is unmatched. Therefore, I devote my energy and my days to building and driving his legacy forward, into uncharted territory.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Sri Lanka. Known as the land of serendipity, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Teardrop of India, Sri Lanka is an island country based off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean. Due to its proximity to India, there have been close cultural exchanges since ancient times. It’s roots trace as far back as the 6th century BCE. Over the centuries, Sri Lanka had to endure Portuguese, British and Dutch colonialism, all of which contributed to its rich cultural diversity. Buddhism and Hinduism have remained prominent throughout the turmoil Sri Lanka faced – poverty being the most prolific. The nation worked together over generations to morph the land into a major tool for the self-sufficiency of the nation, whilst still producing rice, cinnamon, tea, coconut and rubber.
Their resource potential in minerals from gemstones to iron to industrial clays and salt is rich. The majority of Sri Lanka is rural – a whopping 81,5%, which allows for a vast variety of plant and animal life. Forests are free to develop without intervention – tropical, wet evergreen forests dominate the lowlands, sub-montane and montane evergreen forests cover the highlands and even their “dry zone” is covered with evergreen and moist deciduous forests, giving way to stunted, shrubby and drought-tolerant plants. At the highest regions, forests are sparse or interspersed with grasslands. The majority of their power is hydropower, thanks to their abundance of rivers and waterfalls.
Probably my favourite thing about Sri Lanka, is their love and respect for their elephant population. The killing of an elephant is met with a death penalty. They also have an elephant orphanage, which annually serves as the venue for an elephant pageant. Oh, my heart! As if they aren’t already the coolest country on Earth, they have the highest literacy rate of South Asia, have the oldest flag in the world, they are the first country in the world to have a female Prime Minister, they have the world’s oldest human-planted tree AND they have an actual tooth relic of Lord Buddha, brought from India in the 4th century BCE, which is kept in, you guessed it, The Temple of the Tooth.
Shake your head from side to side if your agree that this place is just the ultimate place to set up camp indefinitely – there you go, now you know how you’ll be able to agree with the locals in Sri Lanka.
Pineapples, anyone?
What are you passionate about?
This question has many answers – I am a very passionate person, which manifests as both a weakness and a strength, depending on the direction in which I cast my energy. But taking this right down to the bone – I am passionate about animals, art, my profession, self-development and reminding my fellow human beings that we are not caged – we are bound by the chains of our own minds, and it’s time to wake up.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I’ll answer this question real quick, before I get too riled up:
Ignorance. Insensitivity. Abuse of animals and children. Food chunks in the dish water. A dirty kitchen floor. Being interrupted whilst articulating a series of events. A blank screen accompanied by “Not Responding”
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
I doubt whether this is a secret among my peers, but I’ve never openly declared this as a hidden talent before now – I am a master at taking the long way around. Driving, telling a story, hiking, learning my lesson… A master. That and anatomical or general scientific sketches.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Frida Kahlo – Her tenacity and indifference are a fascinating oxymoron. After her husband cheated on her with another woman, she went ahead and slept with the same woman to prove a point. What a woman! Her entire life was a work of art and I would absolutely love to have a modern self-portrait taken with the queen of self-portraits herself.
Vladimir Tretchikoff – One of my favourite artists – he was self-taught and known as the “King of Kitsch” – for those who don’t know, “kitsch” is considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way. I identify with the latter. Anyone can paint – it is a skill that can be acquired and perfected, but to be an artist, a creator is something that you’re are born with. I would love to hear Vladimir’s accounts of WWII, how his love affair with painting came to be and why he decided to have his very first art exhibition in South Africa.
Heath Ledger – I remember crying when I heard of his death on the radio some years ago. His performances as an actor were always of another calibre. And that smile...
Ashley Frangipane – Better known by her stage name, Halsey, she is everything a young woman in this day and age should be. Relentless, fierce and not beating around the bush at all. She addresses issues head-on and she is not afraid to fight for what is right. So young, but such a force of nature.
Brenda Kearney
Senior Consultant - Civics
Who or what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by the people who are going out of their way to make the world a better place to live in. I am inspired by how orphanages grow to make a better life for children who have been abused or abandoned. My heart and deepest empathy goes out to the orphanages that go out of their way to ensure a future these children. I am also inspired by animal rescue centres that take many helpless animals into their care and help them live their best lives.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Namibia – The reason why I like Namibia is because of the weather, friendly people, minimal traffic and clean environment. It is a magical place to go to explore the different scenery of African culture and food varieties. You forget about your reality for a moment when you are in this environment. The laws in Namibia are also very strict so you immediately feel safe when you are there.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about going on new adventures. I like visiting new places, especially in the wilderness like the Kruger National Park, where the big 5 are, or another scenery like a small town such as Pilgrim's Rest in Mpumalanga, which has a lot of heritage and history to its name and location.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I go from zero to 60 when I get interrupted while I am concentrating or when I am busy with a task. I tend forget what I was doing when I am interrupted unnecessarily, which is why this is my biggest pet peeve.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
I can stretch my budget to the money to the max on a budget when shopping.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
1. My brother who did not survive the car accident we were involved in when I was 3 years old. Reason: I would like to see him and get a glimpse of his personality.
2. Ellen DeGeneres – reason: She is the first female comedian who has succeeded and got as far as she did until now. I have always wanted to meet her.
3. Marilyn Monroe – reason: I would want to see her in real life.
4. Oprah Winfrey – reason: she is one of the most influential people in the world. I would really like to meet her.
Shaleen Els
Administrative Assistant - Civics
Who or what inspires you and why?
Pastor David Grobler - He just inspires me because of his joyful and amazing personality and that nothing can get him down. He is always happy and can light up an entire room just with his presence. He is a successful man and inspires a lot of people. I want to be successful like him one day and inspire people the way he does.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Cape town, West Coast - It’s the most beautiful place on this Earth with a crystal blue sea, white little rock houses and the friendliest people you will ever encounter. They have the most interested cuisine for their people, fish, bread and all type of curries, the most delicious food you will ever eat in your life and not even to mention their language “Kaapse Afrikaans” the most interesting language you will ever hear.
What are you passionate about?
Helping people in need - The thing in life I’m most passionate about, is helping others who need something. The best feeling you get is when you know you just made someone’s day and made a difference in someone’s life that can change their whole perspective about life. When I can help someone, my entire day is made, so I choose to help people on a daily basis.
What are some of your pet peeves?
People who don’t respect others – people who don’t respect others can make me change from Cinderella to the Incredible Hulk in just 1 second. We must always respect the elderly no matter what. And always remember if you show respect towards others, they will have respect for you.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
Watching series until the sun comes up and not getting tired or bored. That is not really a talent but I will make it one, because I see it as a secret talent - I could brag about.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Albert Einstein - Just to see if he was really the most genius man to ever live on this planet.
Ryan Reynolds - Just to have the laugh of a lifetime and meet him in person, to see if he is really that funny in real life as in his movies.
George Washington - To ask him questions about how it was to live in the century he lived in and how it was to be the president of America at that time and how he felt about everything that happened to the country at that time.
Isaac Newton - I really want to know how he discovered gravity and how he invented the newton laws. And how it was to live in the 16th and 17th century.
Adri Fourie
Administrative Assistant - Civics
Who or what inspires you and why?
The person who inspired me the most in my life is my husband. He is the one who cheered me on and believed in me when no one else did, not even me. He motivates me and inspires me to develop myself and become a “better me”. He inspires me to find ways, no matter how many times I fail, because in the end it’s not the success that matters, but what we become during the process.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Rome in Italy would, without a doubt, be my favourite place in the world. Rome is famous for having a country inside the city. While Italy is well-known for its food, art, music and iconic food, it's not exactly a secret Italian men have a reputation for being some of the most romantic in the world. Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful and most spectacular fountain in Rome. Millions of people visit it every year to make a wish.
What are you passionate about?
Contrary to the idea that doing what you love makes work effortless, a passion puts you to work. My passion for Novelty printing simultaneously challenges, intrigues and motivates me. I enjoy every single effort I make to finish my job.
What are some of your pet peeves?
6 Pet Peeves that drive me nuts and get under my skin, firstly is slow drivers and slow internet, I do not have patience. Then there is loud chewing or people chewing with their mouths open, which is so annoying. Having to repeat myself multiple times. When someone yawns and try to speak at the same time…I mean really? And lastly is single socks…where do those missing socks go?
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
My completely useless but secret talent is that I am amazing at hitting targets, like a coffee mug or an unsuspecting co-worker, with a rubber band.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Jason Momoa because he is just so irresistible.
Charlie Hunnam because being in the centre of 2 irresistible men are just better.
Johnny Depp and I would ask him what his self-chosen nickname is.
Tom Hardy would also be on the table and I would definitely want to know what the naughtiest thing is he has ever done.
Bijanka van der Westhuizen
Senior Manager
My life began with having the two best mentors MY PARENTS. They brought me up with the knowledge that hard work and loyalty pays off.
I started working at a young age, however I decided that I wanted to study towards obtaining my N3 in Business Studies.
Within 2 years, I completed my N2 and N3 in Business Studies, with a distinction. It took a lot of self-determination and discipline to study whilst working. I did it and I have the pleasure in hearing my parents say that they are proud of me.
In 2007, I was given the opportunity to become a Trainee Immigration Consultant and study towards becoming a registered Immigration Practitioner. I could not resist the challenge.
Within a year, I became a Registered Immigration Practitioner and cannot imagine being employed in any other field. I love the rush and there is never a dull moment.
I love learning something new every day. I have worked hard and have gone through a lot, but it didn’t get me under. I learnt from my mistakes and it has changed me as a person, in the best way possible. I know what I want, I am a go getter. I don’t take NO for an answer. Perseverance pays off.
I am a happy person, I love to laugh and make people laugh. I am organized and well driven. I am very open minded and easy to talk to. I love to learn new things and I am not scared of a challenge. I believe I am a quick thinker and I am good at resolving issues.
My current position as an assistant manager I am required to be a mentor, a trainer and a leader.
Immigration is not only my job, it’s my career and I love it.
Izette Riekert
Senior Immigration Consultant
Who or what inspires you and why?
Piet Byleveld, because he took on investigations with passion and heartfelt, despite all the elements and challenges he caught the criminals and brought them to justice. This career passion of him cost him his marriage, as well as his health and he still did it every day. He sometimes worked days without sleep. He had a 99% success rate in a career that spanned almost 40 years. “Former Brigadier Piet Byleveld is recognised worldwide as one of the best detectives of our time. If you commit murder and Piet Byl is called in, your place in jail is booked. If you harmed children and he's on your case, you’ve sealed your own fate. And if you’re a serial killer on the loose, he will not stop before you are behind bars.”
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
The Kalahari, in spite of the drought, one can see miracles around every corner, life bursts out of everything that breathes. People are down to earth and friendly, there is no rush in life, it is a hard life and the people appreciate every second of every day. When it rains it is the most beautiful scene on earth, even the sand comes to life.
In the Kalahari grows a fungus, the Kalahari truffle (n'abba or sand potato) - it is an important food for local people, as well as a source of income. The truffles grow close to the surface and are tracked by visible cracks formed in the soil by the up-growing fruit. The fruiting season occurs towards the end of the wet season, when the weather conditions are favourable. You can use this delicatessen in soup or meat dishes, almost as you will use mushrooms, but be careful……when you keep it for too long before using it, it will turn back to Kalahari sand.
What are you passionate about?
To help people achieve their goals in life by creating a positive environment for the person to work on his/her goals.
What are some of your pet peeves?
One of my biggest pet peeves on the planet is people being rude. Actually, it’s not a pet peeve. It’s beyond that because it is so incredibly unnecessary. Some people don’t even realize they’re being rude, or just assume that they have the right to be rude. Stress at work or home is not a good reason to be rude to other people, everyone have their own stress and problems.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
I am not sure whether it is a talent, however not many people know about it and therefore can be a secret I guess.
I am passionate about planning events/functions. Regardless of how hard you work, if you’re not passionate – if you don’t positively love what you do, it’s going to be noticeable in pretty much everything you do.
There is nothing more rewarding than the end result of an event: seeing people enjoying themselves; seeing everyone connect and share an experience. Knowing you put this together and made it happen, makes all the hard work worth it, and you know with every event, you create experiences that people will remember.
There is no greater feeling than to take an idea and make it a reality, then watching the results of several days, weeks or even months’ worth of hard work and effort. Events are all about bringing people together.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Deon Meyer - to find out what his next book will be about and if he will keep Bennie Griesel alive.
Jon Bon Jovi – Not because of his music (however, I do love his music) but because of his big heart. He opened two community restaurants, JBJ Soul Kitchen, where anyone can eat for free. The singer’s food venture is one of many projects run by The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a charity that aims to “break the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness.” So far, Bon Jovi and his restaurant team have served over 100,000 meals to both paying and in-need customers. There are no prices on the menu, but those who can afford a meal are encouraged to donate $20. For those who are struggling financially, they can eat for free and are also encouraged to volunteer at the restaurant by helping to serve meals and work in the kitchen. Since the restaurants opened, 54% of meals were paid for with donations and 46% were earned through volunteering.
Christopher Scott Kyle (April 8, 1974 – February 2, 2013) was a United States Navy SEAL sniper. He served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. He became the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history with over 160 kills officially confirmed by the Department of Defense. I would like to know whether he thought it was worth it at the end and if he will do it again.
Dian Fossey – American primatologist and conservationist known for undertaking an extensive study of mountain gorilla groups from 1966 until her 1985 murder. She studied them daily in the mountain forests of Rwanda. I would like to ask her why she was murdered and by whom. Was it only an act of barbarism or did she knew too much...
“When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future.” — “Gorillas in the Mist”
Cailyn Fourie
Administrative Assistant - Immigration
Who or what inspires you and why?
Marilyn Monroe inspires me because she was such a strong and independent woman and I would love to have those qualities one day. One of my favourite quotes of her would be the following: “So keep your head up, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there are so much to smile about.”
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
My favourite place in the world would definitely be Venice (also known as the Queen of the Adriatic) in Italy. It’s gorgeous and I love the fact that it has no roads, just canals. It’s temples and palaces seem like fabrics of enchantment piled to heaven. I've always wanted to go to Venice, it is supposed to be the romance capital of the world. Truman Capote said: “Venice is like eating a entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.”
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about animals and music, it serves as a comforting escape from reality. I am also passionate about friends and family. We need our family and friends as pillars of support, especially in difficult times.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I don’t have pet peeves like some people. I have whole kennels of irritation like movie talkers, bullies, people putting others down, people who throw trash from their window as they drive, and most importantly liars.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
My secret talent is singing with my mouth closed and with this talent, no one will be able to tell me to shut up because technically my mouth isn’t open.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
It would be a great pleasure for me to dine with these 4 amazing individuals: First of all, Marilyn Monroe, I adore her personality and the way she sees women. She is a universal symbol of femininity and I admire her self-confidence. Furthermore, Blake Lively looks like the nicest person and she is unbelievably beautiful, I would love to know the secret behind her success. Kevin Hart would also be at the table because of his hilarious sense of humour. Last in order but not of importance, Jason Momoa - no reason needed, he just needs to be there and he will obviously be sitting next to me.
Gert Coetzee
Manager - Immigration
Like most people, you sometimes stumble upon something you fell in love with, without really planning on doing so. Well, this is what happened to me after I finished my High School year in 2005 and didn’t know how I was going to merge my passion for working with people and the electrical background I had from school.
Working as a junior administration assistant at an immigration firm, I immediately fell in love with Immigration.
Throughout my career in immigration, my passion grew stronger day by day. I have the opportunity to meet new people, expand my networking skills and learn something new about myself each day. Luckily, shyness wasn’t one of the characteristics I received. Patience, positivity and being outspoken defines me.
I believe that the glass is half full, rather than half empty, and perfection is my aim. Accuracy, Efficiency and Excellency is what I strive for!
I am confident in what I do and have the capacity to work successfully under pressure. I believe each challenge is an opportunity to learn something new. I regard myself as a hard working individual that takes pride in my work. Although the professional side sometimes get the better of me, I am spontaneous and outgoing as well.
My motivation in life, is my two daughters. I will strive to be the best that I can be, in order for them to be able to follow my example.
My aim in life, to become the best that there is…
Nadine Hewson
Immigration Consultant
Who or what inspires you and why?
People who are not afraid to be themselves. The weird, colourful, wonderful individuals who are absolutely 100% living their authentic lives inspire me to not take myself so seriously. Whether it’s wearing novelty socks just because I like them or standing up for something I feel strongly about, it’s seeing these individuals (style icons, activists, etc) do the same that encourages me to brush off negativity and just keep being my authentic self.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Growing up, I never thought I would move overseas, away from my friends, my school, away from the traditions and habits that are so unique to our South African way of living. My favourite place in the world is Prague in the Czech Republic. The city looks like something out of a fairy tale with all its gothic buildings and architecture, the city itself is also steeped in history making it a tourists dream destination. Traditional Czech food is very much derived off of Slavic cuisine, so lots of stews, known as goulash, and multitudes of hearty bread. Winter in Europe is like nothing any born and bred South African has experienced, the days become ridiculously short and horribly frigid, but once the snow blankets the rooftops and driveways creating a picturesque scene of tranquillity, the frozen eyelashes all become worth it.
What are you passionate about?
ART, just one word, but it invokes a different image for everyone. It’s subjective and not everyone understands it or likes it, but for some reason everyone has an opinion about it. It can be absolutely ridiculous or magnificent, all depending on the person looking at it and taking it in. To see what creative individuals are capable of producing, the entire process from conception to completion fascinates me to no end.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I am a big advocate for getting slow walkers off of side-walks and banned from casually strolling through mall hallways. Why do they walk so slowly? Is it some kind of competition to see who can annoy the speed-walkers the most? I don’t know, but it needs to stop.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
George RR Martin - I’d love to know why he allowed the show runners of Game of Thrones to butcher the series finale the way they did, maybe he was tired of getting paid or being adored by fans, I need to know!
Walt Disney- I’d like to see if the rumours are true (cryogenically frozen and all)
Chrissy Teigen- She just seems like such a fun person to have at a dinner party and she’ll probably back me up on the Game of Thrones thing
Frida Kahlo- She was a force to be reckoned with in the art world and a bad ass in general, I’d love to hear what she got up to
Bianca Coetzee
Manager - Immigration
Who or what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by the person I have become over the last 5 years and I have my husband to thank for that. I always thought it would be difficult to find someone who will love me when I was always scattered in a thousand pieces. It is like trying to complete a puzzle when you do not even know if you have all the right pieces, but then he showed me that every piece does not have to be in place to create something beautiful. That love can exist in the most imperfect, lost and broken people. My husband has completed me and made me whole again, and I thank him for that every day. He is my pillar of strength, my reasoning board, my peace of mind, my Safe Haven.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Mauritius, thus far…being there soothes the soul and the peacefulness of the ocean just calms you right down. The atmosphere drags you in where you can just be yourself. The culture and history is so captivating and makes you realise that not everyone is the same and that you have to appreciate the things you do have in life, as others may not be that lucky. We spent most of the time of our Honeymoon relaxing on the beach with beer and cocktails. We also did some water sports which included paddle boat, kayaking, snorkeling and then we swam with dolphins in the open ocean. This was the most amazing experience of my life, to be in their territory and trying to keep up with them - such gentle and magnificent animals. We also did the Wild South Tour, which included visiting religious sites, understanding how Mauritius came to be, and visiting the World Famous Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Reserve, Chamarel Waterfall and Giant Tortoise Park. Before heading back to the hotel, we visited Rhumerie de Chamarel (tasting the rums and seeing how it is made). The 7 Coloured Earth is working with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation ("MWF") on programmes to restore, conserve and manage the forests of Chamarel. The project, which began in 2009, aims to preserve endangered Mauritian fauna and flora and to restore the area's unique biodiversity by weeding out exotic plants and planting native species. The MWF is the only non-governmental organization in Mauritius to be exclusively concerned with the conservation of the endangered endemic plants and animals of Mauritius.
What are you passionate about?
My passion for becoming a professional softball player was prominent from a very young age, however, growing up was not easy and I realized that my passions and dreams changed as I matured. I live my life now one day at a time and making sure that my household is supported every day. My husband and animals (children in the future) are the most important to me and I will always choose them first, then my family, friends and work. I am an honest, hardworking individual, who believes that honesty and loyalty is the best policy. I always lead with my best foot, treating everyone as my equal. I feel that poor planning leads to poor performance. With this, I make each and everything I do a reflection of myself by striving to improve in all aspects in my life. I live by the values that accountability and ethics will always prevail allowing me to have open cards in all that I do, from the boardroom to my home life.
What are some of your pet peeves?
At this point of time in my life, I have come to believe that not all people will do the same for you as you do for them, and that is okay, as your heart is different to theirs. With this being said, strength is forgiving people that do not even feel sorry for their actions; strength is putting a smile on your face when you want to cry a river; strength is not hurting those who hurt you; strength is forgiving others. Imagine if we all just loved and supported each other for no reason instead of hating and judging each other for no reason, it would be a pretty good life.
What is your secret talent that nobody knows about?
Now it wouldn’t be a secret talent, if I told you… We have a saying in the office that only the toughest will survive. Those words mean so much to me in so many ways that they have become a badge that I put on each morning before I take on the day. I can without any doubt say that, I am happy where I am and there is always room for growth. During my employment at Immigration Boutique, I have come to understand the meaning of life and appreciating the little things, while I still can. Life happens so fast and with a blink of an eye - everything can change. I have a mostly positive outlook on life and my aim-to-please attitude is a huge contribution to the company. When we look back at where we were to where we are, a few things are undeniable - Together we have made leaps and bounds, grown in ways that only people united with a common goal can achieve. The fulfilment that each day brings to my life has no limits.
Which 4 individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Family members and friends who have left the earth for a better life with no more pain and heartache. It saddens me very much to think that some of my loved ones are no longer amongst the living, however, I know they are in a much better place. I have always imagined being able to have a last dinner with my loved ones that are no longer here, catching up like old times, realising that fighting over the little things are not worth anybody’s time, making memories with them that are no longer possible. Life changes in a blink of an eye, and people have the tendency to only fully realise that when it is too late. Their wings where ready when my heart was not, and my loved ones will always be in my mind and forever in my heart.
