Behind the Market: Vanessa on Bringing Empangeni Together, One Stall at a Time

Richards Bay Hub spoke to Vanessa about her journey from construction logistics to motherhood and community event organising, the work that goes on behind the scenes of a local market, and why supporting local vendors, families and good causes has become such an important part of her life.
Vanessa’s answers below are published exactly as she supplied them.

Tell me a little about yourself and your background. What did you do before becoming a stay-at-home mom?

My background is in mechanical engineering and small business management, which I studied largely at my father’s insistence. Although I followed that path, my personal passion was in the field of sexology, and my dream was to pursue a doctorate in that area. Nevertheless, my studies provided me with a technical foundation and valuable business knowledge that have shaped my professional journey.
Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked in the construction industry, specializing in steel construction. My responsibilities included material control, document control, and logistics. My last position was with the well-established construction company Murray & Roberts, working on the Kusile Power Station project in Witbank.
I eventually made the decision to resign because the construction industry often requires working away from home for extended periods. At that stage of my life, my priorities were changing. I wanted to settle down, get married, and start a family, and I knew that the demands of my career would make it difficult to balance those goals with family life.
Becoming a mother has been one of the greatest blessings of my life, particularly because falling pregnant was not easy for me. Both of my children were conceived with the help of fertility treatment, which made the journey to motherhood even more meaningful.
My eldest son is ten years old and is on the autism spectrum at Level 1. He is an intelligent child who experiences certain learning challenges, and raising him has taught me patience, understanding, and the importance of recognizing that every child develops differently. My youngest son is five years old, full of energy, and incredibly inquisitive. Both boys are my pride and joy, and they have taught me more about love, resilience, and personal growth than I could ever have imagined.
I am also incredibly grateful for my husband, whose support plays an important role in our family life. I believe that being a good mother and building a strong family is a partnership. Having a supportive husband makes a meaningful difference, and I value the role we each play in raising our children and building our lives together.
Although my career took a different direction from the one I originally imagined, becoming a stay-at-home mom has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. It has given me a different perspective on responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of family, while allowing me to dedicate myself to the people who mean the most to me.

You mentioned that you’re a qualified Logistics Coordinator. What did that work involve, and what did you enjoy about it?

As a qualified logistics coordinator, my role involved overseeing the movement, handling, and distribution of materials on construction projects, making sure that the right materials were available at the right time and in the right quantities to keep operations running smoothly.
My responsibilities included managing stock and inventory, maintaining accurate records using systems such as JDE, receiving and inspecting materials, coordinating with suppliers, engineers, supervisors, and subcontractors, and ensuring that materials were correctly identified and distributed according to project requirements. I was also involved in document control, quality procedures, safety compliance, and making sure that deadlines and daily priorities were met. On the Kusile Power Station project, I also had the responsibility of supervising a team of 16 people, which taught me a great deal about leadership, teamwork, and working under pressure.
What I enjoyed most about working as a logistics coordinator in the construction industry was that no two days were ever the same. Every day brought its own challenges, and I enjoyed having to think on my feet, find solutions, and make sure that everything came together as it should.
Another thing I really enjoyed was working with people. Being part of a team where everyone was passionate about their work and working towards the same goal made a big difference to me. I enjoy building good working relationships, communicating with different people, and knowing that my contribution helps the entire project move forward. For me, it was that combination of problem-solving, teamwork, and seeing the results of everyone's hard work that made the job so rewarding.

How did you first get involved in helping organize markets and community events?

It all started with our church ( OAC ) . We were helping to raise funds for the elderly, for the children, as well as for the maintenance of the church building.
Because I enjoy working with people and I am a people's person, I thought it would be good to organize markets. It goes well with my logistics background and my organizational skills.
I like to see myself as a likable person who enjoys bringing people together, and I have found that organizing community events allows me to do exactly that.

What was the first event you helped organize, and what do you remember most about it?

The first event I organised was the OAC Christmas Carnival Market in 2025.
It wasn't just a fundraiser for the OAC church — we also collaborated with the Butterfly Palliative Home in Empangeni. In addition to raising funds for the church, we collected donations from the public and from the vendors for the charity. It was for a very good cause, supporting children in need.
What I remember most are the smiles on everyone's faces — from the vendors to the visitors, and especially the children. We had someone very well known in the community come in to play Santa Claus for the day, and when Santa arrived, the pure joy on the children's faces was unforgettable. It was a must for everyone to take photos with Santa.
What I also really enjoyed seeing was our OAC community coming together and helping out on the day. Everyone participated, from the oldest to the youngest. They all had their faces painted and I think they enjoyed it so much. But I think I enjoyed it even more, just seeing the community come together, smiling, happy, full of joy, and seeing everyone in another light. For me, the most memorable part was simply seeing people happy and enjoying themselves, while also knowing we were contributing to a good cause.

What made you decide to keep doing this, even though you don’t charge the organizations or charities you help?

I continue because I love bringing people together. Empangeni doesn't have a lot to do, especially for families and children, so well-organized markets really fill a need.
Personally, it also gives me purpose. My husband works away from home and I am at home with our two boys. Organizing these events keeps me active, positive, and connected. It reminds me that I am making a difference.
I don't charge the organizations or charities because for me it's about community, not profit. It could be a business, but right now my focus is on giving back, supporting local vendors, and creating a trusted, family-like community where people feel seen, heard, and happy.

“I don't charge the organizations or charities because for me it's about community, not profit.”

— Vanessa

What actually goes into organizing a market behind the scenes that most visitors probably never see?

There is a lot that goes into organising a market behind the scenes that visitors don't see.
I have been working on this Spring Crafts Market for just over three months. The process starts with inviting vendors to apply for the market, and in some cases, helping new vendors establish their small businesses — assisting them with branding and guiding them to join the market so they can get started.
Behind the scenes, I am responsible for everything. I have to consider the space available, plan the layout, organise the décor for the day, and manage the scheduling. I also create all the marketing material — including banners, advertisements, and videos to promote the event.
A large part of the work is communication. It involves dealing with different personalities, reassuring vendors, and building confidence that the event will be a success. You have to market the event to the vendors first, and then market the event with the vendors to the public — because without the public, there are no vendors, and without vendors, there is no market.
Other important aspects include safety and logistics. I have to ensure safety measures are in place, that there are sufficient power points for vendors who require electricity, and that the premises are clean, prepared, and decorated before the event.
It requires a great deal of time and personal resources. I am often on the phone with vendors from early morning until 10 o'clock at night — always available for a call or message if they need clarity. I use my own resources, including my own phone, airtime, internet, and vehicle to meet people, show them the venue, and coordinate arrangements.
It is work that stays on your mind 24/7. You have to write everything down, constantly remind vendors to send through their advertisements, and begin advertising at least a month prior to the market. There is a lot of continuous advertising and coordination happening behind the scenes.

How much of your logistics experience do you use when planning these events?

I use a great deal of my logistics experience when planning these events.
Logistics is all about planning, coordination, timing, and making sure everything and everyone is in the right place at the right time — and that is exactly what organizing a market requires.
From planning the layout to optimize space, to scheduling vendor arrivals, managing the flow of people, ensuring safety and access to power, and coordinating marketing timelines — it is all logistics.
My background has taught me to be organized, to anticipate problems before they happen, to have contingency plans, and to communicate clearly with many different people at once. It has also taught me to be resourceful and to manage time and resources efficiently, often under pressure.
So I would say I use almost all of my logistics experience in every event I organize. It is the foundation that allows me to make these markets run smoothly and professionally.

What is usually the hardest part of putting a market together?

Honestly, all of it is hard, but I would say the hardest part is the fear of disappointing people.
There is a lot of pressure behind the scenes — coordinating vendors, marketing, logistics, ensuring the public attends — but the most difficult part emotionally is carrying the responsibility that everyone is counting on you.
You want the vendors to have a successful day, you want the visitors to enjoy themselves, and you want to raise meaningful funds for the organization or charity you are supporting. When you care deeply about the community, you don't want to let anyone down.
You can plan for months, advertise daily, and organize every detail, but you cannot control everything — such as the weather or the turnout. That uncertainty is challenging.
So for me, the hardest part is not the physical work, but the emotional weight of wanting it to be successful for everyone involved.

Is there a particular event, charity, vendor or moment that made you feel, “This is why I do this”?

I can't pinpoint one specific moment or event that made me say, "This is why I do it," because for me, it's much more than that.
Organising these events is like therapy to me. I am a people’s person and I genuinely love what I do. Whether it is hard sometimes or not, it is something I am passionate about. I love organising things, I love working with people, and I love being creative.
It is also something I am creating not only for other children to enjoy, but for my own children to enjoy as well. For me, it is about knowing that I have a purpose.
I want my children to one day look up to me and say, "Mom, we are proud of you for what you have achieved and what you have done." I hope that my children will want to be somewhat like me — to give back to the community without expecting anything in return, except for the joy, the laughter, and the connections you make.
That feeling of bringing people together, seeing families happy, and knowing you have made a small difference — that is why I do it.

You work with a lot of small local vendors. What have you learned about the people and small businesses behind the stalls?

What I have learned is that behind every stall, there is a family.
Every vendor and every small business owner is a hardworking individual doing their best to make a living and provide for their family. In some cases, they are also working towards a cause — we often have non-profit organizations like the Butterfly Palliative Home and the SPCA joining our markets.
From my perspective, the people behind these stalls are not just ordinary people. They are hardworking, creative, and resilient individuals who are seeking purpose. They are people with passion who put everything they have into what they do.
Most of the people I have met through these markets are truly lovely people. My hat goes off to them because they grab every opportunity they get with both hands. There is so much hard work, planning, and dedication that goes into being a vendor at a market — whether they are trying to make ends meet or to earn an extra income.
I truly admire them for their commitment, their creativity, and their perseverance. They have taught me the value of community, of supporting one another, and of never giving up on what you believe in.

“What I have learned is that behind every stall, there is a family.”

— Vanessa

How do you balance organizing these events with raising your two boys and family life?

I don't think I'm special at all. Every mother who has a full-time job, children, a husband, and a home to run has to balance work life and family life.
Because I am a stay-at-home mom, I think it is a bit easier for me to raise my two boys. For me, it is a normal life — it is nothing special.
At times it does get a lot, but then you just have to learn to take it one step at a time and sort out one thing at a time. The most important thing to remember is to give your attention to your family and your children first, before giving attention to anything or anyone else.
Family is everything to me, and without them I would not be the person I am today. First and foremost, I am a wife. Secondly, I am a mother. And thirdly, I am someone who loves organizing markets and creating beautiful events.

What do you hope people take away when they attend one of the markets you help organise?

What I hope people take away is a feeling of joy, connection, and community.
I want them to leave feeling happy — that they spent a meaningful day with their family, that their children had fun, and that they were part of something special.
I also hope they take away a sense of belonging. That they felt welcomed, that they connected with others, and that they discovered amazing local vendors and small businesses who put their heart into what they do.
More than just a market, I want people to feel that they supported a good cause and that by being there, they made a small difference in someone else's life.
If they leave with a smile, a happy memory, and a feeling that they can't wait to come back — then for me, the market was a success.

You’re now planning the Christmas Market at M.O.T.H. Hall. What are you hoping to create with that event, and what can people expect?

Just like with every market I organize, what I am hoping to create at the Christmas Market at the M.O.T.H Hall is a sense of community, opportunity, and joy.
I want to create an opportunity for our local vendors and small businesses to showcase what they do, and an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a special day out. I also want to create a space where we can give back — where the community can come together to support a good cause while celebrating the festive season.
People can expect a warm, welcoming, family-friendly Christmas market with a wide variety of stalls, delicious food, and activities for children. It will be a day filled with Christmas spirit, smiles, and togetherness.
Most importantly, they can expect a market that is organized with love — a place where everyone feels welcome, where memories are made, and where the true spirit of Christmas — giving, sharing, and community — comes to life.

Do you see yourself continuing to organise events like this in future, or has this experience made you think about doing something more with your logistics/event skills?

Yes, I definitely see myself continuing to organize events like this in the future. Organizing community markets is something I am truly passionate about, and it is something I would love to keep doing. I enjoy bringing people together and creating something meaningful for the community.
At the same time, I would also love to build a stable career in logistics. I have experience in logistics, whether it be in materials, administration, or operations, and it is a field where I feel I have a lot to offer. I am detail-oriented, organized, and I enjoy working with people and solving problems — skills that I have also been able to apply in event organizing.
My hope for the future is to find a stable position with a reputable company that values and looks after its people. A company where I can grow, develop my skills, contribute meaningfully, and build a long-term career while also supporting my family.
So, ideally, I would love to do both — continue giving back to the community through these events, while also establishing myself professionally in a company where I can have stability, growth, and purpose.

And lastly, if your boys read this story years from now, what would you want them to understand about why their mom chose to spend her time helping these organizations and communities?

If my boys read this story years from now, I would want them to understand that their mom chose to spend her time helping organisations and communities because she believes in kindness, in giving back, and in being there for others.
I want them to know that I did this not for recognition, but because I wanted to make a small difference — to show that even one person can bring people together and create something beautiful.
I want them to understand that everything I do, I do with love — love for them, love for our family, and love for our community. That being a mother is my greatest purpose, but being someone who cares for others is also part of who I am.
I hope that one day, when they look back, they will be proud of me. Not because I organised big events, but because I tried to be a good person — someone who gave without expecting anything in return, except for a smile, a thank you, and the joy of knowing I helped.
More than anything, I want them to learn that true success is not measured by what you have, but by what you give. By how you treat people, how you show up for others, and how you leave the world a little better than you found it.
If they can take that with them — to be kind, to be humble, to work hard, and to always help others — then I will know I did my job as their mom.

“More than anything, I want them to learn that true success is not measured by what you have, but by what you give.”

— Vanessa