Moments that took my breath away - whether from not being able to find the words, or because I was laughing too hard, or I was just loving being in the moment.

Heading to South Africa felt like fate - an overdue leap into the foreign, but already familiar. I didn’t know if it would all come together, from who was joining me and where I would go, but I never doubted it, surrendering myself to whatever it would hold.

I went with no expectations, entering this new place unburdened by home. For instance, I didn’t tell anyone in South Africa it was my birthday, because I didn’t want anything to change the way people reacted to me or the situation. I wanted this to be real - good, bad, awkward or whatever, letting connections develop organically. This was all meant to be about launching the brand, and what it can offer around the world.

I had my first phone call with Sidney and Rick was 5 years ago, after they were recommended by Suzie, my first ever overseas customer. Sidney was exploring ideas, and he was partly interested in launching Naudic in South Africa after Suzie put in a good word. However, back then it wasn’t meant to be - it didn’t work out, and the figures weren’t worthwhile. 

But then something miraculous happened, and last year we properly launched Naudic in South Africa. On our first sales trip together, I was there to sell the brand and help Sidney and Rick in whatever way they needed me to.

Launching Naudic overseas was an experiment, South Africa was also the testing ground of our first independent filming project, a foreign land where we didn’t know who we were meeting (not even Sidney, Rick or Suzie, who before were just voices on a phone and faces on a screen). It could’ve resulted in disaster, a risk rebuffed, but the whole experience blew me away. I didn’t think it was this possible to feel so happy with everything, especially so early on. It all felt normal but exciting, a sign I was meant to be doing this.

The small gang was formed quickly. The events we experienced were close to magic, and some took my breath away. Small moments quickly became vital memories - visiting Suzie’s beautiful pale pink house for the first time, walking along the golden sands of Plett Bay, eating dinner together at a restaurant on the beach - bathed in the wonderful warmth of company and the African sunlight. We were received with open arms, and stories were flowing.

My South African group had organised a birthday dinner at my favourite place - the beach. Keyur had flown in from India to kick off our first filming project together as well, beginning the mission to capture the spirit of Naudic on film. This started to feel like a dream come true. I was feeling overwhelmed with potential possibilities, but I never had a doubt that it would fall into place. This feeling was so strong - all these people had to be together, and we were starting something new and exciting together. We were working on our future.

In the next 48 hours in Cape Town we saw 14 new clients, people I had never meet before. We sold all day, doing showings in a small apartment with the windows wide open. I could smell and see the ocean, a welcome fresh breeze, but felt so claustrophobic. I was jet lagged and felt awkward - I don’t like small spaces or much attention - but thanks to my agents and Amber, I was in safe hands. Once we started the selling tour, the relationships Sidney and Rick have with their clients shone through, showing us how you can be true friends. This is exactly as he was treating me - a long lost friend, not a work connection.

The after-hours fun is what surprised me the most. Is it possible to feel this carefree? I don’t remember the last time I’ve laughed and mucked around so unburdened with new people. Google mapping our way to the top of the mountain in a manual car was such a good drive, I even loved stepping out and nearly getting blown away! My joy for fun was being rekindled - really, who thought it was possible to have fun after hours and feel no guilt?

But actually, it gets better - really is this possible? - we headed off on a road trip to Plettenberg Bay. We didn’t realise what was around the corner for us - another 2 days of Naudic appointments and the meeting (FINALLY!) with Suzie after all these years. Why did we not want to leave? What kept us - the exploring the secluded beaches, the rugged coastline, the special feeling there?  

But we had to leave and start our trip back to Cape Town, via the southernmost point of Africa. It was then I took over the steering wheel, and we witnessed the most magical African sunset ever, of vibrant amber disappearing below the turquoise horizon. I thought I hadn’t seen anything more beautiful, but then a rainbow appeared, streaking across the sky, and taking my breath away. 

I felt on this trip home a sense of excitement and unease at the same time. When great days start coming to an end, I had my first pang of sadness creeping in - that emotional risk involved in what I had untaken. I felt this on the next day when we went our separate ways.

The outcome from this trip? Anything is possible. I want to do more, both for myself and Naudic. This is part of my journey, my contribution to the world, me delivering stories to others. We are all bound by our shared experiences of our first time together in South Africa. That first time will never happen again and it can only get better, so we went back earlier this year and discovered more, this story is to be continued….