My “career journey” has been quite a roller coaster, I have worked in design showrooms, in corporate, at an online magazine and only now have I finally found my place in a design company. Although this adventure has been filled with highs and lows, it’s been a journey of self-discovery. Let me tell you a bit about where I started and how I ended up as a Group Visual Merchandiser at Weylandts.

 

Before becoming part of the Weylandts team I was previously employed as a furniture design at a local design company, I thought I had finally made it. After all I loved furniture design, I excelled in it. As time went by the company reorganized and I was then required to fill a duty that was completely foreign to me… that duty was sales! Although I was terrified, I decided to take on this new responsibility hoping to learn something I could use in the future.

 

 

Anyone in sales knows that the uniform requirements for sales is the usual corporate attire, formal pants, or skirt with a shirt. You get the picture…  This was something completely new to me, I was always a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl, with the occasional dressing up when my mood strikes.

At the very start I conformed to the standard workplace practice, I’m all for new challenges because with all new challenges comes growth. I soon realised that I was stuck in a job that wasn’t for me. I dreaded getting ready for work, waking up to my “uniform” laid out, it felt like I was back on school again. I knew at once, it was time to move on. I took a year off freelancing and working at an online magazine as decor stylist, on occasion I also did some fashion styling for some well-known celebs. It was fun, and I never looked back!

 

 

After my so called “gap year”, I felt ready to enter the 9 to 5 work force again. That’s when I landed a job as Spatial Designer at Weylandts, although it wasn’t what I had initially planned, I knew it was a foot in the door at one of the most prominent South African furniture brands. The environment in a design company is very different to corporate, I think it’s because they understand how creatives work.

 

 

At this moment in time I am happy with where I am and looking back I see how my journey has prepared me for what I’m doing today. And as for style, I can express myself through my clothes, and not feel like a complete misfit anymore. This may not apply to everyone reading this post, but if there is one thing you can take from this, let it be to follow your own path.

Do what makes you happy, even if it takes you a few roller coaster rides to get you there, it’s well worth the journey.

 

 

 

Side note: What I love about fashion is that it allows you to express your personal style and personality. You don’t have to be completely out there, or be wearing crazy expensive brands, it’s about taking your favourite trends and personalising it. For me comfort and confidence are the secret ingredient to great style, and in the end its not about what you wear but instead about how it makes you feel.

About this look:

This is a perfect example of a Collectic look; each item carries its own story and falls into a different style but together it speaks the same language. The look was influenced by the monochromatic trend I was completely gaga over, using solid blue with patterned accents to create interest. It’s all about the statement piece right!?

Bag – bought at a local market on my recent trip to Mozambique
Shoes – bought at a thrift store in Paris
Jeans – Mr Price
Shirt – one of my favourite thrift purchases I bought almost 3 years ago, and today it’s still relevant!

Photography:

KB Photography