Seven local business women share their story and a piece of advice.
Nadia Zietsman
Huizemark Real Estate
Interest in Real Estate
To be honest, MJ went on a hunting trip in 2019 and came home with a Huizemark property franchise! Not the biltong I was expecting!Real estate found me, and not the other way around. I wanted more time with my daughter, Carli.At the time, I was working as a business analyst and travelling often meant missing special moments, especially without family support in KZN. I was not convinced about this real estate journey, but I sat in Linc in December 2019, and the Lord just promised that it would be okay, and we have never looked back since.
Matching the Right Home
I just listen, you don’t need to be a salesperson to be really successful in real estate. People have a need; they just got married and bought their first home, or they are expecting their first child. What a magical experience to be a part of! Imagine families 30 years from now, reminiscing about the home where they grew up, had their Christmas lunches, and planned beautiful birthday parties. If you listen, people will tell you exactly what they need.
Fuelling the Passion
The promise that the Lord has given us and the incredible people you meet, help, and walk a journey with is everything. Most days, I can fetch my girls from school, and the flexibility is great. Working with the best team and beautiful clients, and showing up for them, keeps me motivated.
082 788 2095
nzietsman@huizemark.com
Melanie Clarkson
Collins Residential
Passion for Property
What I love most about my role in marketing property developments is witnessing the transformation – it’s powerful to go from an idea on paper to developing whole neighbourhoods and watching families emotionally connect to a place. Beyond that, I love property as an asset class – you can manage it yourself, see the appreciation in value, and feel genuinely connected to what you’ve invested in.
Building Client Relationships
It’s about sparking a sense of possibility. I aim to ignite the imagination, showing what could be, without overpromising. Authenticity is everything. I don’t believe in overselling or hype. I’d rather let credibility build organically, through real outcomes. This means respecting people’s intelligence and aspirations in order to create something meaningful. Integrity is what allows a relationship to last well after the first transaction has taken place.
Lessons from the Market
The biggest lesson is simple: get in early. The earlier you start, the more value you’ll gain over time. Even if it’s small, just start by buying a property! I’ll never forget my first purchase. I was in my early 20s, and the bank initially declined my bond application. I was devastated, but my mom said, “It’s just numbers. Sit down and make it work.” So I did! I found a flatmate, reshuffled my priorities, and bought the property. I sold it five years later just as the property market was heading into a boom. That first leap of faith gave me financial momentum with a valuable learning from an early age.
Advice to My Younger Self Starting Out
In Marketing, you need to be flexible and always look for variety (that USP)! The industry evolves rapidly thanks to progressive technology, new communication platforms, and dynamic approaches to marketing. Staying ahead means embracing continuous learning, tapping into different platforms, and being curious. It also means staying tuned in to the environments around you.
It takes action to achieve. Initiative matters. Believe in the possible.
031 536 8005
Kita Veale
Homestead Décor
Design Journey
The bug really bit when I started decorating our first home in Mount Edgecombe. I battled to find what I loved and what was authentic to me, so I went out and found what I was looking for. I was a lot more into colour and bolder prints back then. I prefer to work with neutrals now as they will never be outdated, and they create a solid foundation that you can build from. I would say I have a classic style now.
Key Business Lesson
Experience and years in the industry play a pivotal role. I am passionate and love what I have created. Nothing happens overnight. I have been running Homestead for over 12 years and havelearned many lessons along the way. My goals are big, and I still feel like I have a long way to go.
Balancing Vision & Client Needs
I deal a lot with decorators nationally, so they already have a clear vision of what they are looking for when they come to me,and I guide them on which rug would be suitable for each area. When dealing with the end client, not everyone’s style is the same, and that is okay. When clients ask for advice, I give them two or three options that they can work with. You need to make your home, your home.Choose art or decor because you love it – not because it’s on trend. If it resonates with you, it will always have a place in your home, because it reflects who you are.
Design Trends
I love all the natural pieces that are being used, raw wood pieces, textured natural fibre rugs, and woven baskets. It’s authentic and feels homely and real.
Advice for Women
If you are passionate and willing to put in the long hours, you’ll fly. Find your own design niche that you become known for, and clients will love you for that.
