Sisters celebrate more than a decade of business

The road to success is usually paved through sacrifice, grit and determination.

For Wilma Ornelas, of Northmead and co-owner of Function Fanatix Catering, her journey to becoming the owner of a thriving family business started from rock bottom.

In her early 20’s, the former Boksburg resident’s life spiralled out of control. However her mother, Nella Leeuwner’s unwavering love, support and rooted faith willed Wilma to take stock of her life and reclaim her destiny.

“I had to look at every decision I had made, all of which led me to a very dark place,” she said.

“I realised that my luck was steadily running out and God would only give me so many chances to turn things around.”

Working as a bookkeeper within the catering industry, the motivated mom of two, quickly learnt the ropes and delicate juggling act of coordinating successful events.

“In 2014, I was eight months pregnant with my second child when I took the leap of faith to start my own company,” she said, casting a radiant smile at her business partner, sister and best friend, Ilze.

“Juggling work while looking after my daughter and newborn son was not easy but I was determined to make it work.”

In 2016, the family was dealt another blow, the patriarch, Wilma and Ilze’s father passed away and Nella’s health took a turn for the worse.

“I was working in Durban at the time. Food and creating delicious meals has always been my passion,” said Ilze.

“I had helped a friend establish a successful take-out facility at the coast. Wilma, however, urged me to come home.”

Dusting the beach sand from her shoes, Ilze joined the company.

“Things just clicked. Wilma is a whizz when it comes to admin and coordination which allowed me to dive head first into the kitchen, developing menus and tinkering with recipes,” said the youngest of the siblings and qualified chef.

“We were growing from strength-to-strength catering for up to 1 000 guests at a time. Our greatest achievement was hosting 21 events in just seven days.”

Seemingly unstoppable the women were riding the wave of success until the Covid-19 restrictions were implemented.

“All sectors were brought to its knees, but I feel the catering and hospitality industry took the hardest knock,” said Wilma.

“We were able to sustain ourselves comfortably throughout 2020 but in the following year, we survived on R300 a week. It was a scary time and I did not know if the business would ever recover.”

Drawing on their faith, the entrepreneurs got creative preparing pre-packed meals and capitalising on radio challenges, putting their burgers through various on-air tastings.

“As a family, we have been through many challenges, endured extreme heartache and overcome traumatic health scares. Together we got through every trial, stronger and more faithful than before,” said Wilma.

“We adopted the motto; knock me down and see what I can do.”

In the catering industry, the dynamic duo said business is stabilising with functions steadily increasing. However, the guest lists are smaller than before.

“To survive, service providers need to be flexible while maintaining high standards in terms of quality and compliance,” said Ilze.

“We pride ourselves in not simply catering. We spend time ensuring that our products are tasty and most importantly suit the dietary needs of each guest.”

Remaining positive of what the future may hold for their business, Wilma said supporting an accredited and reliable small business, is about more than just getting the product you pay for.

“Incomes generated by small businesses ensure that an ageing parent has access to quality medical care, it is helping a matric girl plan her dream matric farewell and a sport-loving young boy to continue running onto the field,” she said.

“Supporting a small business helps a family to realise their dreams.”

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