We are celebrating Women’s Day this year by introducing you to just some of the women behind our brand. Those cogs in the wheel that makes things turn without ever being seen by the public. Words are never enough but we know that as these words go out into the world, the many of you that have dealt with these powerhouses, will agree and celebrate them with us.
We salute the women of Carmién and across the world who are contributing greatly to the social, economic, cultural and political success of their mission, their family, their businesses and their nation. We are in the season where more and more women are finding their voice and increasingly making a difference, even the most insignificant, known and unknown. We honour and appreciate you.
MARINA NEFDT
Sales & Client Relations Officer
What does a day in your life look like?
My morning starts with a lovely cuddle with my four-legged girl child until the last minute that we can still lie down, warm and cuddly, before the 3rd alarm forces me to get up. Then I rush off to finish pick up all my fellow colleagues for work. My morning at work starts with a delicious cup of Cookies & Cream tea together with a peanut butter Provita cracker to kick everything into place. My function at the E-comm store is to ensure that every order – direct or online orders – goes out on time and arrives neatly at your door, so that everyone who receives a package gets a pleasant surprise when the boxes are opened. Then I also make sure that anyone who has a problem with their package, or a box of tea has their inquiries sent to the right department. All in a day’s work!
Which Carmién product is your favourite?
Cookies & Cream or a strong cup of Creamy Vanilla with two teabags.
eCommerce Assistants: Mercia Danster and Anika Sofat
These ladies are responsible for packing all direct and e-commerce orders. They also make sure that any gift packs and products such as our Espresso/Instant etc. are packaged. They are also responsible for order paperwork and ensure traceability per item, so we can track all orders and products accurately.
ILZE BRUWER
Quality Manager
What does a day in your life look like?
I believe in a good balance between work and personal life. Every morning I say thank you for my health and for my husband and two children. At the office we are a very dynamic and trendy team, so there is always something creative we tackle. I am responsible for the overall quality of our Carmién tea products as well as product development. I constantly play around with delicious herbal and botanical tea infusion combinations in our lab. I read a lot on the health benefits of different raw materials, to put together the perfect taste and health combinations. It is important to enjoy what you do.
Which Carmién product is your favourite?
Every night before I go to bed, I drink n cup of Calm CBD Rooibos tea. The best way to relax and unwind.
DANIKE BURGER
Project Management
What does a day in your life look like?
Every day at work I do planning to ensure that our raw material and packaging material is sufficient and that we can service orders. I source materials as needed and do inventory management. In my personal life I like being outside, reading and of course, eating. The first thing I do in the morning is to snooze my alarm at least 3 times
Which Carmién product is your favourite?
My favourite tea is the Red Mocha – at first the combination of ingredients didn’t make much sense to me, but I can confirm that it is a great combination!
PHIALENE BOOYSEN
Sales Manager
What does a day in your life look like?
First thing in the morning is coffee in bed, brought by my husband. Then it’s emails, emails, emails and meetings, meetings, meetings! I also try to spend 2-3 days a week in the trade between my reps and store managers to make sure Carmién is on the store’s shelves and accessible to all our consumers. And of course, I also keep a close eye on our competition… During the week I only focus on work and on weekends it is time to hang out with friends and visit places. From shops, wine farms and markets to nearby towns. I love touring, overseas or in South Africa. Nothing excites me more than a new town or city.
Which Carmién product is your favourite?
Definitely our Orange Camomile tea!
Bergendal Rooibos Packaging Facility Team
This is Noxolo and Simbongile, two of about 50 women between the ages of 18 – 40 working in our packaging facility, with a few older ladies also working in the team. In this facility, raw tea is bagged, boxed and wrapped, ready for shipping to local retailers and customers, or to be exported worldwide.