Butterfly Dreams
Five years ago, a shy young woman entered my life. I never realized how much our journey together could change the very nature of the work I do now and my why.
Five years ago, when I met Jean at a church in the inner city, I could see her remarkable talent as a graphic designer. And how much her creativity was not being given the wings it deserves, the wings it was meant for, the wings that were meant to fly.
Having felt her remarkable energy whilst running a coaching program alongside my dear friend Jabu Zwane, I was drawn to her passion to make a difference.
I phoned her one weekend and said, "I don't know where this journey is going to, Jean, but I sense you are meant to walk this journey of faith with me".
At the time, I was still working mainly in our manufacturing and design company. Speaking was still very much a hobby.
So for two years, Jean worked in our main company and assisted me part time. Without that assistance, we would never have been able to form our own personal development company called Soul Voice Journeys, where she has become my brand strategist. Jean literally became an extension of who I am and this somewhat crazy life I lead. Working late at night with me on podcasts, relentless deadlines, giving it 120% in everything we do.
It was through her foundation that we were able to employ another staff member Monique, who has become a brilliant content creator over this past year. Together we are walking a journey of speaking and mentoring in communities which are often forgotten. Coaching in quiet places often unseen. And living a life of courage and contribution that none of us foresaw in quite this shape and form.
It is a journey of joy to go to my office. And week after week, be part of the incredible work my team are doing.
Last weekend at Emerald Casino, I saw a butterfly walk onto the catwalk.
She was no longer that broken young woman I had met those years ago. A woman whose light had been dimmed, almost extinguished.
Onto the catwalk burst a vision in orange. The daughter who had adopted me, who had saved me in so many ways. My God-given daughter, alongside my beautiful daughter living in Australia. With both of our children living overseas she has brought so much joy and meaning to my life. Her faith - fullness makes me strive to be a better leader.
Jean only started modeling in January this year. I knew what it would do for her career. I knew what it would do for her family. I knew what it would do for me. I knew what it would do for her. Because I knew what it would do for her confidence.
After taking part in Speaker Factor at the start of this year, her voice burst out of that young body with a message of hope to other young girls who felt broken, unseen, misunderstood, and very alone.
This past weekend, Jean was surrounded by a new family. She had become part of the Creative Stone family over the past 4 years. She co-founded with me Soul Voice Journeys.
But that weekend, I saw her embraced by another family. The family of Ace Modeling Academy.
Ace has come to represent so much for me. Their passion to develop young women is astounding. The coaching Jean received from Shevon Perreira and Sasha Taylor was extraordinary. Ace is beyond a modelling academy. It was birthed in love and compassion. It is a school of Confidence.
Jean represented herself with so much poise and magnificence. She was chosen to represent the Westrand Branch at the 20th anniversary of Ace.
She got crowned the Adult Miss Ace International 2025 and was a top 5 finalist of Model of the Year, as well as being scouted by a global modelling brand. To have Jeaniie's fiancé by her side for the duration of the competition was a testament to the great man he is. To have our dear soulsister Nomalanga Sitole MC this event with such charismatic energy was divine orchestration.
It's taken some time for me to even process the enormity of this journey. For myself, and for my team. A special thank you to Jean's mom Orlean for allowing me to share this remarkable moment in time.
What I believe Jean's journey represents, is that when somebody believes in you, that's where you grow exponentially. You grow wings, and those wings represent the courage of a muscle you never knew you had.
Jean represents the story of so many young women in South Africa, who never get given a chance to emerge from the caterpillar cocoon of their past.
Jean you are beyond a model. You are a role model to me, to our team and to all those young women who watch you stride into the future.
This is what happens when you have the faith to believe in butterflies.
