For Featherbrooke’s Joléne Leeuwner-Maritz
it seems excellence has just become habit …
She’s pretty far from the stereotyped women working in law. Yes, she certainly can be the sophisticated lawyer walking down the court room hallways on three-inch heels and radiating confidence, but there is much more to Jolene. At a young age Joléne already knew she wanted to pursue a career in law. Her father, Pieter Leeuwner is an advocate and she has been exposed to the profession her whole life. With time she further became inspired by the fact that every sphere of life is in fact subordinate to law.
“In a formal setting the government of a country is subject to the directives of the law, so is the management of major and minor companies, financial institutions and more. On a personal level, the relationship between lovers, husband and wife or life partners also is governed indirectly by legal principles and rules, so is the relationship between contracting parties, citizens and so forth. Our entire lives relate to the rule of law,” explains Joléne.
Joléne spends most of her spare time studying diverse fields not directly connected to her profession – simply for personal enrichment. She already has graphic design and digital marketing under her belt by which she explores new developments in social media and she is currently studying for her diploma in Communication and information technology law to advance her conveyancing practice. “In the law industry it is preferable to be inquisitive, and you certainly should be determined and willing to be a lifelong student,” says an energetic Joléne. The list doesn’t stop there. She’s a dedicated mother to her two daughters Gizelle and Jolaine, as well as a wife to her business partner/ lawyer hubby, Jan Jan Maritz.
“As a family we love discovering quaint little places to have breakfast as well as short break-aways to spend quality time together. “I think being a mother is the most amazing gift. To me it means that my every thought and action are coloured by the presence of my children. My girls and supportive husband literally make my day every day.
“The first thing I do when I get home is kiss them.”
For stress relief Joléne says she enjoys playing electric guitar and action netball. She was a provincial chess player and a JKA South African Karate Championship medallist a few years ago. Joléne is also an entrepreneur and owns four businesses. (Did we mention she’s dynamic, vibrant, driven and energetic?) Recently Jolene opened a beauty salon ( being a city slicker girl herself) in Little Falls, and so Bon-Jolé Beauty salon was born.
Her partner, Bongi Majola is responsible for the functional side of the business. Then there’s Bon-Jolé (Pty) Ltd and Jolé Designs – a company with distinct facets. Jolé Printed (a range of products developed into printed artwork), Jolé Corporate (a range of corporate gifts, which incorporate exclusive art branded as her clients prefer), Jolé Luxury (a luxury beauty range such as bath oils, bath salts, body butter, hand lotion, heel balms and anti-aging hand creams that are sold at Bon-Jolé Salon), Jolé Exclusive (where paintings, hand-painted pottery and more are sold) and lastly Jogi Designs (a children’s range designed by her children that includes plastic crockery, cutlery and more).
Finally there are Leeuwmar Consult (Pty) Ltd and Leeuwner-Maritz Attorneys. “I feel very proud of what I have accomplished. Jolé Designs is still in its infant stage but I look forward to it becoming what we know it can be. I think with that and the success of Bon-Jolé Beauty salon, some of my proudest moments include the establishment of Leeuwner Maritz Attorneys when I was 26, being nominated by my clients for a variety of business awards and the inauguration of our two branch offices for Leeuwner Maritz Attorneys in 2012,” says Jolene.
When asked what drives her success Jolene happily answers, “Dopamine and endorphins. Also the appreciation of well-served clients and the fact that every day brings unexpected turns, which keep me on my toes.”
To the point:
• My home in Featherbrooke is …
spacious with a fine balance between family and art.
• Holidays are spent … in New York (my favourite city)
and Zimbali coastal resort (my place of rejuvenation).
• I can be a tad … authoritative, but I’m working on it.
• I can’t stand … unwarranted ignorance.
• Working with your husband in the same office is …
rewarding; we’re on the same team.
• I wouldn’t be seen without … confidence.
• My most treasured memory was … hearing the
first heartbeat of both my children on sonar.
• My favourite West Rand restaurant is … Casalinga.
• I’m definitely not … old yet!
• I will never spend money on … no, I will.
Get it Online Joburge West
Chemelle Barnard / 31 July 2014
Photographer: Adele Moolman, 082 509 5352; Make-up artist: Chanel du Toit, Pinups Culture; Hair stylist: Bianca Botha, Pinups Culture.
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