Innovative & Inspiring

The UmhlangaAugust 30, 2024
Culinary Creativity

Tell us about who you are.

I’m Micky Munn, a self-taught chef spreading smiles through delicious food with my business, Kitchen Confident. Originally from the Karoo, I grew up with wholesome meals being constantly prepared. I cook because it’s what I love, and I think I do it quite well if I say so myself. I’m a mother to one son who is currently studying in Cape Town.

 

Getting into the business

I used to be in the corporate world and cooking was how I spent my downtime and I found that it just worked better for me. I never say “no” to clients, if it’s humanly possible, I will find a way to make it happen for them. My motto is “when it comes to food, the world’s your oyster”, there’s no limit to what you can do. What inspires me to keep going financially, however, is funding my son and his studies at the moment.

 

Inspiration and influences

I don’t really have any role models or anything like that. I am very confident in my own abilities and follow my own path. The way I live has always been authentic and stayed true to what I believe in; being strong and independent. Giving back to the people is something I am passionate about, even if it’s a smile or a helping hand in the community. 

 

Ways to disconnect from work

The honest answer is that I don’t. As soon as one function is over, there’s ingredients to buy for the next one, not to mention the admin I have to catch up with. If I do happen to get a few free moments, I’m in my most comfortable pyjamas on my couch, watching the crime channel. 

 

Getting the ideas to create

Everyone knows my word for where the food ideas come from, I always say “it just pinged me”. Inspiration comes to me from anywhere and any time, really. It could be while watching T.V., cooking, or even getting a glass of water at 03:00. I enjoy making and eating healthy food so creating healthy dishes with fruits and vegetables comes to me naturally. 

 

Instagram: @kitchenconfident2_durban

 

Leading Legal Lady 

Tell us about who you are 

My name is Lea Wimble–founder and owner of Wimble Attorneys, specialist conveyancing practice. I identify as a woman, wife, mom of three, runner, reader, sister, friend, and sometimes (depending on the time of day) a ringmaster to our circus (it gets wild!).

 

Getting into the business

I am the original academically inclined front row student. I love learning and improving myself, and that transpired into (almost) 10 years of studying three law degrees, and a career in teaching Law to LL.B and B Commerce students. In 2016, we moved to the beautiful uMhlanga Village, and in 2019, Wimble attorneys was born with the motto, “How can we help?”. My team and I love this city and we look for opportunities to serve our clients and community. 

 

Overcoming challenges 

The biggest challenge I faced was to overcome the limitations I placed on myself. I used to think that “bigger is better” and that I had to reach a certain level of success before I could make a contribution to my society. Now I know that even as a small business, I can have a big impact on my community if I simply love and live my purpose every day. I think people can improve the legal industry when they stop seeing themselves as people who show up to work every day and start thinking of themselves as people with a purpose to build a better city and be a blessing.

 

Ways to disconnect from work

Before dawn, you will find me in my running kit. And after sunset, you will find me with my reading glasses and a book. In both instances, with a large cappuccino in hand, sourced from Daily Dose, my favourite spot.

 

Advice and inspiration

All my life and business decisions need to align with my faith and values. I intentionally continue to grow as a person and as a business. A woman who has inspired me is my mom, Carol Theron. She made headlines in the 1970s as Kimberley’s first female pharmacist and business owner. She and my dad worked as a team in her pharmacy and she raised my sisters and me in the dispensary. From a young age, we were raised in an environment where my parents worked well together and harder than anyone else we knew (which became our benchmark) and the principle that “every customer is a king.”

 

Website: www.wimble-attorneys.co.za

 

Medical Expertise 

Tell us about who you are 

I’m Dr Salome Booth, a devoted wife, mother of two young boys, and a passionate medical doctor. I have multiple certifications in aesthetic medicine to complement my medical degrees(Medical Science, Medicine, and Surgery) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This allows me to blend my passion for helping people with my expertise, in skin and body treatments, to improve patients’ mental and physical well-being. My practice, Dr Salome Booth Aesthetics and Medical, aims to help patients achieve their goals and regain confidence, one session at a time.

 

Getting into the business

My career in aesthetic medicine began as a general practitioner. Seeing the profound impact of skin and body issues on mental health has inspired my focus on aesthetic medicine. My goal is to produce natural results that leave patients feeling confident. Energised by results, my patient-centred approach ensures everyone feels valued and has their needs addressed.

 

Overcoming challenges

As a woman in this industry, balancing professional and personal life posed many challenges, my determination and faith have helped me overcome them. By fostering a supportive community and showcasing the transformative power of aesthetic medicine, we can shift perceptions, and emphasise its role in boosting confidence and mental health.

 

Ways to disconnect from work 

Unwinding for me means spending quality time with my family, especially my two boys. My Christian faith plays a crucial role in keeping me grounded as I find solace in prayer and meditation. This balance between family, faith, and relaxation helps me recharge and stay focused.

 

Advice and inspiration

The best advice I’ve received is to always stay true to your values and never stop learning. My inspiration comes from my mother, who was a nurse, and taught me the power of perseverance and kindness. Her example drives me to continually strive for excellence and compassion in my work.

 

Website: www.drsalomebooth.co.za

 

Beauty and Precision 

Tell us about who you are 

My name is Dr Parushinee Naidoo. I am a medical doctor with over two decades of experience and have a special interest in aesthetic medicine. I have founded Skin Solutions aesthetic medical clinics with branches in Umhlanga and Ballito, and I’m the African based key opinion leader for market leading medical aesthetic devices, and products. In a personal capacity, I am a wife, and a mom of two teenagers. I have a profound passion for travelling and have been lucky enough to have visited over 26 countries. I enjoy culinary experiences, both cooking and tasting. I love outdoor adventures with my family. 

 

Getting into the business

I feel that my ability to adapt to change and to use every experience as a learning point is my strength. I respect the power of people, and strive to build meaningful relationships with my patients, and colleagues within my industry.

Overcoming challenges

I go back to the basics. I reaffirm what my core values are and what my goals are and remind myself of why I started my business. I lean into the support of my family as well. Sometimes I take a proper time out and this usually gives me a good perspective and the energy to address the challenges with vigour. 

 

Ways to disconnect from work

I love getting lost in the world of words. On average, I read two books a week. Everything from non-fiction to sci-fi and romance. I also love being active and trying new experiences. Travelling is one of my greatest passions; it allows me to disconnect and become reinspired. 

 

Advice and inspiration

I find inspiration in all women. Literally every one of my patients has inspired something in me. There are ordinary women accomplishing extraordinary things through their imagination and hard work. Working moms juggling a million balls, stay-at-home moms making meaningful impact in their homes and communities, my staff members who have such great work ethic, and my own daughter navigating this world with her special grace and creativity. 

Website: www.skinsolutionssa.co.za