WATCH: Women of Stature June meeting
The next game involved Shereen reading out a few interesting points about WOS and the women split into three groups and had to write down the answers to questions she asked.
Woman of Stature (WOS) held its June meeting at the Olive Tree Coffee Shop at Thaba Eco Hotel on June 5, with guest speaker Taneil Arkner from The Immaculate Equestrian Academy Elite in Walkerville, who is a platinum member of WOS.
Shereen Hunter (chapter leader for the new South Chapter Joburg West) opened the meeting and welcomed all the ladies. A couple of fun icebreakers were played, which had everyone trying their best to remember all the first names and surnames of the women in attendance.
“There are 19 of you here, stand up, introduce yourselves and let’s see if anyone can recall all 19 names,” she said. No one did, but there were a few who remembered quite a few.
“When you attend a networking event you need to retain as much information as possible. Listen to each person speaking and really concentrate.”
The next game involved Shereen reading out a few interesting points about WOS and the women split into three groups and had to write down the answers to questions she asked.
“The winning group can each order a cappuccino and a slice of cake, courtesy of me,” added Shereen.
Taneil spoke next about her business and how she has managed to take it from zero to 10, but not without a lot of challenges, hard work and commitment.
“I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and when I was six years old and asked my mom for a pony, of course, I didn’t get one straight away, but I did get a beautiful pony and my love for horses grew. I attended an equestrian facility in KwaZulu-Natal when I was 16 and became a fully fledged equestrian coach. In 2008, I began the Immaculate Equestrian Academy in Golfview, Walkerville, and we started with three children and three teachers. It has been a long, tough road, but through lots of hard work it’s paid off and we now have 32 children.
“In the beginning, I knew nothing about marketing and floundered trying to get my business out there. Since I’ve met Shereen, she has helped me to grow personally and in my business. Having just 32 children is perfect for me as I believe in their personal growth. I prefer a smaller group so I can give them my very best. We are very excited about providing children the opportunity to learn to ride and educate them in the peaceful environment of our academy. It is always captivating to see how quickly children fall in love with horses.
“As an entrepreneur, I don’t think we always see the bigger picture. It’s important to be in a circle or tribe who will give us support and keep us going. You have to talk to people and tell them who you are and what you do.”
Shereen thanked Taneil for sharing her journey.
“There is no need to travel far to get what you want. I believe in getting started where you are planted. Support local people and local businesses. Why would you wish to spend two hours on the road when the very same product you are looking for can be found 10 minutes away from where you live? It’s all about supporting locally,” added Shereen. If you would like to contact Taneil please phone her on 082 449 6663.
The next WOS meeting will be held on July 3 at the Olive Tree Coffee Shop at Thaba Eco Hotel, from 8am to 10am. For more information contact Carrie Viviers on 064 753 8441 or email newsouth@womenofstature.co.za
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