Small traders cash in as business boosts thanks to LIV Golf crowds
Amanda Couvaras, who turned a lockdown idea into a thriving drinks business, and former teacher, and now biltong guru, Pret Janse van Vuuren are booming in business at the global event, serving golf fanatics while building new careers beyond their old lives.
Amanda Couvaras and Pret Janse van Vuuren are among the many small business owners who turned the LIV Golf Tournament, at Steyn City, into an opportunity to thrive in their business ventures and support their families.
Couvaras (56), who runs Bubble Freak and sells cold, refreshing drinks, said the event stood out from others she has worked at. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, she worked as a wellness coach, focusing on health and fitness. When the pandemic hit, she began experimenting with drinks as a way to keep busy and support her family. Because she understood that people eat and drink with their eyes first, she made her drinks colourful, often adding toppings and small decorative touches that made them stand out and draw attention. “After Covid, we decided that we needed some extra income at home, and that’s when I focused more on Bubble Freak. It’s been an absolutely incredible journey. I’ve been able to support my family and children, while having fun as well.”
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Couvaras said the LIV Golf event brought in a different kind of energy she wasn’t expecting. “I’ve been telling everyone, LIV Golf is the kind of event where people are going to say this is the best fun Joburg’s had in months. People visiting our stand are really enjoying it.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Pret Janse van Vuuren gives insight about a hobby that turned into business at LIV Golf. Video: Reitumetse Gugushe #Fourways #LIVGolf ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
On the other hand, Janse van Vuuren (40), another local trader, said he never thought he would mingle with such a large crowd, as an introverted person, but his love for biltong got the better of him. So much so, he started a business. “I was teaching for 14 years, and started this as a hobby. Then I got into events and really love the vibes, the excitement, and seeing new venues.”
He said his interest in biltong came from his love for hunting and the taste of beef. He started selling at the school where he was teaching, with just one trailer selling next to the road, before getting into events.
Janse Van Vuuren did not think he’d end up selling at big events, such as LIV Golf. “It’s funny how I used to avoid crowds, cause I’m a shy person, only for me to be in crowds every single weekend.”
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His hobby became a source of income that worked out for him, and he started to focus more on it. He said his work now gives him more time with his family, something his teaching career didn’t always allow.
As a high school teacher, his schedule often kept him busy, while his children were still in primary school, leaving little time to be present in their daily lives. “It’s really amazing that I can see their lives, be a lot more a part of them, see their sports activities, and enjoy new places and the outdoors.”
Although this was his first time working at a golf tournament, he said he came prepared for the crowds, by setting up a mobile vending system. “I think being next to a bar helps. Beer and biltong go really well together. As people walk out with a beer, they grab a packet of biltong.”
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