AFTER working 55 years at the KZNSA, Gloria Hoff’s labour of love is coming to an end as she retires and moves on to her next adventure at the Phansi Museum.

“I always thought that I would be here till the end of my days,” laughs Hoff. “I am sad to be going. I’ve made good friends here and lasting friendships, but this is not the end for me.”

Hoff, who takes her leave at the end of January, established the KZNSA shop in 1989. “It was a long time ago, I was still a radiographer when I was asked to join the KZNSA committee in the ’70s. I was there once a week and it increased over time, leading to me working there full-time and establishing the shop which has been doing well for KZNSA.”

Her passion for arts and craft led Hoff down a path that would influence generations to come. Many artists have passed through her hands while she helped to shape their careers.

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KZNSA said Hoff has been a driving force behind the KZNSA’s sustainability and spirit. “Her vision, entrepreneurial acumen and deep belief in handcrafted work transformed the shop into a vital income stream and a much-loved destination with an international reputation.

“Gloria has witnessed and shaped multiple eras of the KZNSA, leaving an indelible mark on the institution we know and are today. We thank her, and the Hoff family, for their decades of service, passion and care,” added KZNSA.

“I am truly lucky, blessed to have met fascinating people through my career. It has been a privilege and I have loved every single part of my journey here at KZNSA,” said Hoff. “It is unfortunately time to say goodbye and move on. I’ll be keeping busy though, there’s still too much energy in me.”

Beyond her achievements, Hoff is known and cherished for her generosity, kindness and unwavering commitment to people – nurturing artists, mentoring colleagues and building lasting relationships with suppliers and customers alike. She is a mother of four boys and loving grandmother.

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“It will be emotional when I leave KZNSA at the end of the month. I’ve worked with some of the people here for over 10 years, we have become family. Customers too tell me all the time that they love my energy. My family is happy for me, I have good kids that want me to rest but I still have a lot to do,” said Hoff, smiling.

As she bids farewell, KZNSA has a dedicated tribute book available to write in at the gallery desk where you can add memories and experiences you’ve shared, plus any images, or words of thanks and good wishes for Hoff.

For those that can’t contribute in person there is a Google Form via this link: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScVFEEbquo…/viewform.

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