A very good question and one I have pondered for many days.
The only conclusion I’ve come to is: By the grace and favour of God.
Let’s start at the beginning – School.
I was never a fan. Between bullies, home life, and other challenges, I ended up changing schools and eventually transitioned to homeschooling from Grade 9. (The good news? I got to skip Grade 8!)
The Lord sent a wonderful woman across my path who was homeschooling her own children and felt a calling to open a tutoring centre for kids the mainstream education system had chewed up and spat out. As I sit here today, I can honestly say I would not have made it past matric if it weren’t for her. While she never admitted it, I’m sure my mother would say the same and perhaps is even more grateful to her than I am.
Sadly, this remarkable woman passed away from cancer about two years ago. I can name so many people she helped and healed. Her legacy is a personal standard I aim to live up to especially in how I treat people, friends, and colleagues.
My mother took it upon herself to send both me and my sister for aptitude tests.
Mine recommended hospitality or a career in business studies. I explored options by attending career fairs, shadowing, etc. but I was drawn to law and hospitality. To this day, I still wonder: Would I have made it as a law student? I would most likely be living a much more comfortable life, but would I have a passion for it? Like I do for hospitality…
I completed matric in 2016 and took a gap year in 2017. During that time, I worked at my legendary aunt’s antique shop and also tutored school children. My sister had taken me to a university campus during my matric year, but I remember feeling completely overwhelmed. I knew I wasn’t ready.
I briefly considered becoming a vet but I can’t stand the sight of sick or injured animals. I thought about teaching but realised I didn’t have the patience. I honestly can’t explain why I enquired and eventually enrolled in hotel school… but I did.
My dear mother, with faith in both God and me, enrolled me in one of the most expensive university programmes during a serious financial crisis knowing that I hadn’t survived traditional schooling.
By the generosity and favour of God, I received multiple bursaries during my studies and graduated debt-free.
Let’s backtrack a bit.
I started my first year in 2018 and met some “random” people who have since become not-so-random lifelong friends. In December 2019, we all went on our first practical culinary training at hotels around the country.
Three months in, I contracted Salmonella likely from the staff food. I was hospitalised, and my practical training was cut short. I had to complete the rest back home at the hotel school. That season was filled with deep disappointment, I really struggled to cope and came very close to giving up.
Next came another year of academic training, which ended just as Covid-19 hit. Our final semester of management practicals was delayed, but we eventually returned to industry and earned our diplomas.
Later, I returned to the same company where I’d done my management practicals and worked as Assistant General Manager for three years. Our little group of not-so-random friends also decided to go back and complete our Advanced Diplomas, graduating at the end of 2022.
During 2022, while studying, I worked at a four-star guesthouse in the heart of Bloemfontein. That’s where I realised corporate hospitality is not for me. The heads in beds mentality took the sparkle away. It was not about making memories, meeting different folks from different folks or learning from and about different cultures. No, it was about getting guests in and out, cutting costs and filling the bank only. – All important yes, but not at the expense of staff and guest needs. Looking back, although I never want to re-live that year, I am grateful for the growth, knowledge, and life skills it gave me.
I often dreamed of extending my studies to become a lecturer. Many factors were in play, and ultimately, that path didn’t materialise.
Then came 2023 and a new adventure. I moved and returned to the company where I’d done my management practicals, this time staying on for three years. It was there that I fell in love with the luxury boutique hotel setting and the industry again.
Just a month ago, it was time to leave the role. The decision wasn’t easy and involved many reasons. I won’t share names or locations, but I can say this:
I’ve recently joined a new company and I am happier than ever.
As a bonus, I finally have free time to grow in my personal life. During a long and difficult waiting period, I prayed for a job that would allow me to explore freelancing, start my own business, and be more involved in church life.
And the Lord provided.
Final Thoughts
God’s hand was evident throughout my journey, from schooling to my studies, through sickness and setbacks, all the way to where I am now. I didn’t always understand the plan, but looking back, I see purpose in every step.
Chelmari Hospitality 
Leave a comment