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I was born in Durban, South
Africa. Since a very young age, I enjoyed dressing up and posing in front
of the camera while Mom snapped away capturing memories. I got involved in
a modeling school in South Africa run by Bonita Boyle. The school was small but
quickly mushroomed and eventually students who had gone through her training
program, started their own modeling schools. She inspired a lot of competition,
granting us awards at the end of the year to boost our confidence and help
develop a love for the creativity that was allowed! Often we would model for
various department stores which gave us a chance to promote the store's apparel,
accessories, etc. What a sense of achievement that gave me!
After moving away from my city of birth (Durban - approximately 300 miles) to a
more metropolitan area (Johannesburg) with more scope, I decided to begin my own
modeling business having achieved my certificate of completion. One of the
reasons for me starting my own modeling school was to help develop confidence
and growth in young students. My younger brother and sister had also gone
through Bonita Boyle's School of Modeling & Deportment with me. It became
clearly visible that my younger brother, who was pretty shy, had developed a new
found confidence as he learned to pose and model on the catwalk. It was amazing
to see the transformation in not only my sibling, but also in the many students
in such a short space of time.
Upon opening my school in Johannesburg, I began with approximately 8
students which quickly grew and more than doubled in a short period of time.
The children and teenagers alike were eager to express themselves and
venture into a new fun, and enjoyable interest! |
In November 1995, I moved to the United States with my family where I decided to
pursue a degree in fashion merchandising at the California Academy of Fashion
Merchandising, Art & Design. I was the president of the Fashion Club and
organized several fashion events for the college. This was a great networking
opportunity which allowed for outside stores to become interested in what I was
doing! These businesses still work with me in sponsoring some of the events I
coordinate to this day.
Once I graduated, I began working with various stores, churches and non-profit
organizations as a fashion show coordinator, assisting them in coordinating
their various fashion show promotional & fundraising events. Because of my
passion for fashion and modeling, I decided to begin teaching modeling classes
once again through the Elk Grove Parks and Recreation Department. In
December 2006 I handed my classes over to my sister since I got married and
moved away. It's always good to 'keep it in the family' after all right?
My classes covered a wide
variety of topics; from learning to develop self-confidence, table manners and
etiquette, makeup and skincare, to runway modeling tips and techniques.
After 4 years of growth within the Elk Grove area starting with 6 students and
quickly mushrooming to approximately 20 students per 8 week session, I decided
to open "Models NSync Modeling Training Facility" in Sacramento California. We
opened in November 2005 and closed in November 2006.
In my 'spare time' I worked
independently as a Director and Spa & Image Consultant and gave women makeovers,
taught them how to relax, destress, and unwind while pampering them with an in
home/in office spa treatment. I started this business in 2004 and became
a Director in a matter of one year, earning myself and my family an all expenses
paid trip to Walt Disney world in Florida. In 2005 I completed my second year
of sales (a minimum had to be met each month) to earn myself an all expenses
paid company vehicle, and in Feb 2006 I took delivery of my 2006 Convertible
Mustang from the company. It was amazing to walk into a dealership - sign my
name and walk out with the keys!
I have also worked as a "Promotional Model" for various agencies in Sacramento
and surrounding areas. It all has been a super experience thus far! My other
involvement’s with the local Sacramento community was teaching children how to
develop their confidence. The children went through about 8-10 weeks of
training, after which they had the opportunity to participate in a fashion show
in front of fellow roommates, staff, friends and family. What a fun experience!
What a difference!
About ten years ago, I
became a certified fitness instructor (I would never have thought I would be
one) what an exciting and challenging new career to add to my passion with
fashion! I decided to become an instructor after losing a great deal of weight,
which I’d, gained over 6 years, due to my lack of self-control and love of food!
Thank goodness I have learned when 'enough is enough' and love being able to
encourage other people out there that 'yes you can do it too' - I'm a walking
testimony!
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My certifications include:
Macumba - Land of Dance,
Step Aerobics, Hi Lo Impact Aerobics, Pilates, Pre-Natal Fitness, Mat Science I, Mat
Science II, Personal Training, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Jeannie Fit Hip Hop U and Masala Bhangra.
My Zumba classes have been a hit! I
started out with approximately 3 or 4 students in June 2006 right after my
certification, but class sizes increased rapidly to about 40-45 people per class
in a short space of time. Dance fitness is such a great workout and you burn double the
calories you would in your typical cardio class. Since I got Zumba certified, it became a
passion of mine to increase the number of instructors in Sacramento as I
couldn't keep up with the class demands and offers. I then decided to help
Zumba Corporate make Zumba a well known fitness 'name' in Sacramento and
assisted them with hosting workshops and certifying more than 165 new
instructors. What a fun and rewarding 'job' at that time.
On February 17th, 2007, I got married
and moved to Florida. Life changed drastically and that was the most
difficult decision I've ever had to make. I am very family oriented
and leaving the only family I have here in the US was one of the most heart
wrenching things I had to do. I struggled daily being torn away from
those I hold so near and dear to my heart.
On March 3rd, 2008 I gave
birth to our precious baby boy and life changed all over again. Motherhood
is a whole new world, exciting and frightening all at the same time. I am
absolutely in love with our new little blessing! He is of course adored by
his family members worldwide too!
In December 2008 I moved back to
Elk Grove, California and am now the proud owner of "Dance 2D Rhythm" Studio in Elk Grove.
I started out sub leasing a small space in a children's play center and had 2
people to start with. In about 1 week we had 14 people, then the next week 25
and the next it just grew... I knew we had to find space to have a permanent
home - a studio. I began searching and found a warehouse - not ideal as it
had no air conditioning but just enough for us to be able to hold about 50
people. We stayed there for 5 months and then it was time to move again...
The heat was unbearable as we approached the beginning of Summer near the end of
June 09 even with 4 industrial fans!
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My precious baby boy...
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In July 2009 we moved to our
new air conditioned home and it's simply beautiful! God has truly blessed me and
I am so thankful for the way everything has fallen into place in time. Our
Studio has a warm group of instructors and students alike. They truly
enjoy being a part of the Studio and they are so supportive - I adore each and
every one of them!
In July 2009 I also took the
position of "Master Trainer" and "President" of Macumba Sport USA. I am very excited about this
new venture and look forward to seeing the growth of Macumba Sport both
nationally and internationally. We already have invitations to take
Macumba to several different States and countries - it is amazing just how
receptive people are and have been.
I am grateful to both my Mom and
Dad for being such an inspiration and encouragement in my life and because of
them; I am what I am today! My parents have always stood by me, encouraged me to
go for nothing but the best, accept nothing but the best, and have integrity in
all that I do. For this I am eternally thankful!
I would encourage anyone with dreams and aspirations to: "Follow your heart and
your dreams and give them every chance to become a reality!" "Don't let go of
hope, hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up.
Don't ever quit believing in yourself; as long as you believe you can, you will
have reason for trying!"
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