Carina Nel goes from traveller and teacher to boutique owner
Carina Nel, a teacher at Drakensig Primary School, has embraced her love of all things stylish by opening a boutique she calls beet.
Carina, a mother of two, has lived in Hoedspruit for almost nine years. She studied journalism and teaching and has worked in the food industry for seven years. “I have a passion for fashion, art, music, food, literature, exercise, mountain climbing, and, of course, teaching.
“After nearly three years of dreaming and planning, I finally pursued the dream of starting my own business, a clothing boutique with a twist. I enjoy dressing up every day,” she says. She says that wearing something nice makes you feel good and gives you confidence.
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“Life is fast-paced and challenging but also full of fun and joy; it’s too short to wear boring clothes.” According to her beet. is eclectic and has a great atmosphere. It stocks bohemian, retro, vintage, streetwear, and jewellery. Carina loves travelling and has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, hiked to the Everest Base Camp, and has done the Mardi Himal trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
She has also been to Russia and Paris and has already started with her travel plans for next year. “My shop assistant, Nthame Mametja, also has a love for fashion.” She says the name beet. started as a joke as she often uses beetroot as the main ingredient when catering to family and friends.
