When a woman puts her mind to it, there’s nothing she can’t do. Hot on the heels of Women’s Month, we chat to six inspirational inner-city career women who are making their mark.
RONEL STRAUGHAN
Director, Straughan Inc Property Attorneys
You practise property law in town? Tell us more.
I am a property law attorney. The property market in Cape Town has defied negative trends, so we benefit from that. Many of my clients are non-residents and investors in the country, so we’re preparing for how our city’s international popularity impacts on our society and its levels of commerce.
Any key career highlights?
Starting my own law firm has been the most exciting thing I’ve done thus far.
Best CBD restaurant to visit?
Anything new, otherwise our go-to is FYN Restaurant in Parliament Street.
Describe yourself in a couple of words?
Direct. Ready to laugh. Dark humour. Impatient.
What do you do in your hard-earned downtime?
Family. Friends. Knysna. Bush visits. Love my boys.
How does your work allow you to give back?
Through our firm, we’ve sponsored a paralegal to start her LLB. She’ll finish up this year while working at one of Joburg's larger law firms. One of our support staff recently attended a cheffing course sponsored by the firm and has left to start her own business. We strongly support staff upskilling, and encourage young attorneys to spread their wings and start their own practices when they are ready.
Last words on Women's Month?
I love what young adults bring to the table. Their views on the sliding scale of gender and gender roles are new and uncompromising. We are learning fast to embrace these.
ISCA STOLTZ
Head chef, Galjoen
How does the CBD and awesome cuisine come together?
This is the perfect place for cultures, arts, and cuisines to merge. Most eateries are within walking distance of one another – and each has a different style, idea, and atmosphere.
Name a few career highlights.
I studied at Prue Leith Culinary Institute and completed my practical at The Pot Luck Club. Next came the learning curve of The Test Kitchen. I was head pastry chef at The Skotnes Restaurant (at the Norval Foundation), then sous-chef at Belly of the Beast in town. When owners Neil Swart and Anouchka Horn offered me the head-chef position at Galjoen, I couldn’t refuse. They leave the entire menu in my hands and I’m grateful for their trust in me.
Tell us more?
I manage an entire front of house and back of house team – and enjoy every second. I relish the chance to create unique dishes. It is lovely to see Neil and Anouchka’s dream come true, while cooking with love in the role about which I’ve always dreamed.
What places do you frequent in your time off?
My fiancé and I are busy planning our wedding, so we prefer to fill a flask and go hiking with our puppy, Murphy, than frequenting popular haunts. That said, in town I enjoy New York Bagels – and a quick chai latte at Simple Bru.
Describe yourself in a short sentence.
I’m a strong, independent woman, with an old soul and a great love for food.
Anything else to add?
I started my career here, moved away, and now I’m back. There is something about the fresh ocean breeze and sensational views ... There is something extra special about this city, and how alive it makes me feel.
EMMA KING
Founder and MD of The Friday Street Club
What is the secret of your success?
I’m obsessed with craftsmanship and quality; and passionate about our clients and their businesses. Most importantly, I want to create a place where people are happy and valued, and where they’re treated with kindness and respect.
What has it taken to get to where you are now?
I have been in the PR business for 20+ years, having worked my way up from reception. It’s taken determination, hard work, and the drive to succeed. Women are strong, and we can also make compassionate and driven business leaders.
What do you love most about the Mother City?
Cape Town is where I was born and grew up. I love that we have such a close connection to nature and that there is so much to do. But the very best part is the people – their joy, diversity, resilience, and sense of humour.
Describe yourself in brief.
Creative, fiery, empathetic, and driven.
Where do you let your hair down?
House of Machines is great for an after-work catch-up; Butter Café is a favourite for breakfasts and lunches; and Culture Wine Bar has an incredible variety of local wines. My favourite spot where I unwind is The Loft Yoga Studio.
What do like about seeing other people succeed?
My team is made up of incredible people who are clever, creative, kind, funny, and brave. Seeing them develop their skills inspires me daily.
Describe a typical working day.
On any given day I might be fleshing out the launch plans for a global food-market concept; conceptualising the event logistics for a brand tie-up; drafting a narrative about the work a local business is doing in growing the economy sustainably; and working with social media influencers.
MERCIA HORN
General manager, Hotel Sky
What do you love about managing a big city-centre hotel?
I feel blessed that I lead a group of passionate individuals who understand my vision to the extent that they complement me as a leader. Cape Town, and the CBD, is diverse. Capetonians are proud of their city and that is difficult to replicate.
What is the secret to your success?
I attribute part of my success to my background on the Cape Flats where I learned the importance of hard work, honing my skills, developing tenacity, and surviving on little sleep to succeed. It also relates to my need to make a difference.
What are the challenges you’ve had to face, being in your field?
About 54 % of the global tourism workforce is female – which certainly correlates with Cape Town where tourism is such a huge industry for us. While there are less women in senior positions in hospitality than in other sectors, I feel that significant progress is being made to create an egalitarian workplace. The lack of work-life balance in hospitality is challenging, and harder on women due to the caring role they play across three generations.
How do you juggle your career and your personal commitments?
My daughter is 15, and I’m always telling her that we need to put ourselves first – mentally, emotionally, and physically. I can’t give fully to my team, my daughter, my partner, if my own cup isn’t full. More women, especially those working their way up in business, need to make this a priority.
How do you relax?
I’m fortunate that both my parents are still with me … I love being at home with my immediate family.
SENAIT MEKONNEN
Owner of Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant
How do you unleash your creativity?
Addis in Cape has given me the opportunity to connect with so many different people, and the opportunity to be creative in designing a restaurant space to fit the new, post-pandemic world.
Tell us about your passions for Addis.
My passion for being a restaurateur runs deep. After starting Addis in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, I wanted South Africa to be my new home so that I could bring the traditional cuisine of Ethiopia to diners here.
Is having peace of mind important to you?
To have peace of mind you need to create a peaceful space. At Addis in Cape, we have been an harmonious team for many years. We treat each other like family. Our team of chefs has worked hard to learn the detailed preparation of Ethiopian cuisine, and constant communication results in the quality of service and food the establishment demands.
Any advice to share with aspirant female restaurateurs?
Notice the beauty around you and cling to what makes you who you are – while respecting everyone else. When you have that approach, everything falls into place.
How does your Dar restaurant compare to Addis in Cape?
The same story – we have a strong team in place. I don’t compare them. My son, Fetsum, runs Addis in Dar. I learnt the industry in Dar but Cape Town is my home now.
What's your best anti-ageing strategy?
Don’t fight it, just go with it. I have always liked walking, especially in nature as it feeds the mind and spirit.
Anything to add as a female mover and shaker?
When I walk through the city centre of the “mother” city, the energy feels feminine and young, even though the buildings are old. And if you watch the many women walking to and from Cape Town Station to earn a living, they are all movers and shakers.
NICOLA CARTER-HENDRIKS
Guide at Cape Running Tours
Describe your work in the CBD.
I’m a qualified tour guide, hiking guide, and Athletics South Africa (ASA) coach, and love showcasing our beautiful city and CBD to visiting athletes.
What ranks highly in your work with inner-city hotels?
Each time I do a tour, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to enjoy an active lifestyle here. It’s wonderful to meet people, hear about their experiences, and connect back to the places I have travelled – or dream of visiting one day. It is also fulfilling to see my clients appreciating Cape Town.
Favourite places in town?
The Blue Room jazz venue in Bree St, and the street-party vibe of First Thursdays, amongst others. And, through it all, Table Mountain, with its incredible yet reassuring presence.
Tell us a few highlights of your eclectic career.
Like a cat, I've had many lives. I’ve represented South Africa in the Triathlon and Dualthlon World Championships and was awarded Western Province colours for both disciplines. As a fitness professional in the tourism sector, the pandemic taught me to have a Plan B. In my earlier years, I was a successful fashion designer, showcasing my designs at Cape Town Fashion Week..
Advice for other woman entrepreneurs?
Having my son, Troy, at a much older age than most (I’m 47, he’s 8) – I’m reminded daily of the ability of children to see the world through fresh eyes. Women entrepreneurs need to hone different talents, because you never know what’s going to be the next big thing.
IMAGES: Supplied, CCID