On Friday, April 11, something shifted in the air in Gqeberha. Not a cold front, not a new council drama—a movement. The SHE-E-O Workshop, hosted at the newly revamped Lemon Tree Restaurant in Walmer, brought together the Bay’s fiercest females for an afternoon that was anything but ordinary.
Think: executive presence meets inner healing. Power suits and passion projects. Strategy with soul.
Curated and produced by local motivational coach and speaker Berni Oosthuizen, the boutique-style event felt more like a business revival than your standard workshop. Over three energising hours, it delivered tools, truths, and the kind of sisterhood that doesn’t evaporate when the last mimosa is sipped.
“We didn’t just host a workshop—we sparked a movement,” Oosthuizen declared. “To see women in PE show up for one another with such clarity and confidence? That’s the real win.”
A Stylish Space for Bold Conversations
From the moment guests stepped into the newly reborn Lemon Tree space, it was clear: this wasn’t your average Friday. Red carpet-style photos by Leon Hugo of Zoomwiz Studios set the tone, while welcome mimosas (courtesy of Hillock Wines) clinked against the soundtrack of possibility. AV Designers, with JP at the helm, ensured every moment was crisp, clear, and camera-ready—yes, even the goosebumps.
True to its name, SHE-E-O was about the she, the CEO, and everything in between. The theme? Lead, launch, level up—and bring your full self with you.
The Power Line-up: Lessons, Laughs, and Lightbulb Moments
The afternoon’s MC, life coach and neurodivergent advocate Alethea Ross, brought grounding energy and guided the room through soul-stirring icebreakers that felt more like personal breakthroughs.
Keynote #1: Berni Oosthuizen – “Reverse-Engineer the Life You Love”
Berni reminded us that success doesn’t begin with hustle—it begins with clarity. Her approach? Map your dream life, then reverse-engineer the steps to get there. Her mantra:
“Am I showing up like my best self today?”
Keynote #2: Paula Jones – “Cut Through the Noise”
Digital branding coach Paula Jones delivered a truth-telling masterclass on showing up authentically online. She dared us to ask:
“What parts of myself am I hiding to be more likable?”
Spoiler: When you lead with truth, your people will find you.
Keynote #3: Delon le Roux – “Strategy, Style & Executive Presence”
With the ease of someone who’s navigated boardrooms from the Bay to Asia, Delon broke down executive presence like a boss—literally.
From marketing strategy to fashion as personal branding, he dropped gems like:
“You are the product. Your brand solves a problem.”
And this mic-drop moment?
“Your trauma was your training—not your trademark.”
Keynote #4: Alethea Ross – “Rewire Your Mind: The Power Reframe Method”
Alethea closed the loop with a powerful three-step approach to personal mindset transformation.
- Spot the story
- Shift the narrative
- Pair it with action
“Your brain isn’t broken—it’s just untrained,” she reminded us.
Brunch, Bonding, and the Best Vibes
Between keynotes, the “Coffee & Connections” brunch was a feast worthy of Pinterest dreams. Think smoked salmon rostis, mini scones, gourmet wraps, seasonal fruits, and mini quiches—all with The Lemon Tree’s signature flair.
Gifts That Keep On Giving
Each attendee left with more than inspiration—they left equipped.
SHE-E-O branded workbooks
Annique Skincare’s Allergy Rescue Mist
Edgars Walmer Park makeover vouchers
Falcon Firearm Academy’s pepper spray for safety
Strategy session giveaways from the speakers themselves
It wasn’t just cute. It was useful.
What Made This Workshop Different?
Yes, the speakers were brilliant. Yes, the brunch was Insta-worthy. But the true magic was in the room. These women weren’t just attending—they were engaging, reflecting, dreaming aloud, and reminding one another that the Bay is bursting with brilliance.
“We’re not waiting for someone to build the stage—we are the stage,” said one attendee.
“Let’s make this monthly!” came another.
A Big Moment for the Bay
This was more than a workshop. It was a celebration of local excellence—of homegrown talent rising, shining, and pouring back into Gqeberha.
And while the SHE-E-O movement is just getting started, one thing’s certain: in a city often overlooked, these women are looking inward and building something that no one can ignore.
“What we created wasn’t just a vibe—it was vision,” Berni said. “It was powered by people and brands who believe in Gqeberha’s women.”
And to that, we raise our mimosas.
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