Meet Laura: The Budding African Events Planner

One of my favorite topics to discuss, write about, follow, support etc., is that of Entrepreneurship. I have great admiration for anyone who can carve a niche for themselves, come up with a plan on how to execute it, and subsequently give birth to a great business. Thus, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, meet my friend Laura – The budding African Events Planner.

The Events Planning industry in Africa is increasingly becoming a sort after skilled profession. As Africans become more financial affluent, so have their style pallets for interior decoration, excellent gourmets, and all other intangibles that beget a great ambience. Furthermore, people on the Continent are renowned for having an insatiable appetite for weddings, birthdays, housewarmings, christening ceremonies, funerals, or whatever else can be turned into an “event”, and this has led to the Events Planning business in Africa being at an all-time high.

The Set- Up

Groomed in South Africa, and hailing originally from DR Congo, Laura – our budding Events Planner, had one of the most exciting days of her up and coming career, a few weeks ago. She had been contracted to put together an “African – Themed Brunch”, to be held at a guest lodge, in the popular resort town of Magaliesig, South Africa.

I have never been privy to the pre-set up action of any event planning activity before, so beaming from ear to ear, I had the great pleasure of tagging along side Laura the evening before the event, as we made our way to the Lodge, and set up shop.

At the Lodge – about to set up shop in the kitchen

Let the Cooking begin…………….

Chef on Duty……………..

The hand written copy of the food menu for the event ( Chef’s copy)

The Venue

The word “breathtaking” alone cannot capture the utter beauty that defines the South African landscape. With rolling hills, gorgeous moutain peaks, lush vegetation, clear blue skies – I am convinced the creator took extra time, when he put South Africa together. So as expected our venue for the day’s festivities was nothing short of divine. Welcome to the Hebron Lodge, in Magaliesig, SA.

The stunning scenery at the Lodge

Laura and the Lodge Manager – going over the schedule of events…..

The official brunch menu……….(I think the hand written version by the chef was way cooler 🙂

Each bedroom in the lodge had a themed decor to it……………

I was so taken by the place ………….. even snapped pictures of myself without realizing it 🙂

Lunch Is Served“On Mange” – as is said in French, let’s eat. And that we sure did. With an array of deliciously prepared foods, the African Themed Brunch kicked off with a wide assortment of goodies such as butternut soup, cassava leaves, okra soup, les haricots,…aka beans stew, ndobolo, chakalaka, potato salad (which I helped the Chef make :), spinach soup, and many other mouth watering dishes.

All in all, the lunch was a huge success. My greatest admiration goes to my friend Laura, who took up the challenge of planning, catering, and hosting the event with great success. It is indeed commendable that young girls in Africa today, are striking out on their own and creating niche industries for themselves, such as events planning. There is nothing sexier….(yes, I believe so) than a girl who is confident enough to start her own business – and do it well. In totality, young people starting their own businesses ROCK!!, and today, extra cool points go to Laura Kaj – The Budding African Events Planner.

The Menu………….