One of my most exciting projects each year is working with the Miss SA semi-finalists. I took 32 gorgeous ladies through powerful personal branding and etiquette principles. Here is some of the feedback and pics from the day:

Kylene – "The most moving workshop I have ever attended. Haydee, you are an incredible woman – a woman of integrity and honour who makes a difference in people’s lives."

Melinda – "I liked the fact that she made it completely interactive, practicing everything. She understands that learning put into practice sticks in our minds. It was inspiring."

Cindy – "Amazing, the most powerful workshop I have ever experienced. Thank you."

Loreal – "Absolutely eye opening, educational, informative, helpful and motivational. An amazing experience."

Charlotte – "I thoroughly enjoyed the entire presentation and felt that the end really clarified the reason we are here and that we are all in this together."

The evening after my Miss SA presentation the girls were put through a cocktail function task. The judges for this were: myself, Sonia Raciti (Miss SA-1998), Sonia Booth (model & former Miss SA runner up) and Kieno Kammies (Radio 702 Talk Show Host).We scored the semi-finalists on criteria based on what they had learnt from my presentation e.g. appropriateness of dress, networking skills.

I was impressed by how well each of the ladies put the theory into practise. There are definitely some strong contenders for this year’s competition.

ACSA - Airports Company Port Elizabeth

I celebrated Women’s Day with the ladies from the Airports Company in PE. They ranged from Security to Admin Officers. Bongiwe Pityi (Assistant General Manager at King Shaka Airport) wowed us with her insights and personal story. I presented personal branding and the Superwoman-this is some of their feedback:

Lumka - “The presentation was superb.”

Bulelwa - “It helped me to be proud of whom I am and have big dreams for myself. Haydee is motivational and encouraging.”

Bongiwe - “What makes Haydee’s presentation special is that she personalises all her messages, this allows the audience to connect with her.”

Beauty - “Keep up the good work, I for one am inspired and uplifted.”

J.P Morgan

On the 12th Aug I presented the Superwoman Syndrome at JP Morgan - leading global financial services firm. The group consisted of risk managers, analysts, lawyers etc - all in need of some ME time working in a highly stressful industry whilst trying to balance home and family life.

Feroza - "Great hearing from someone so “real”-not just talk"

Dineo - "Wow I needed to hear this message today!"

Michelle - "A great dose of inspiration!"

Denise - "A great PICK ME UP"

EOH

EOH is one of SA’s leading IT solutions provider. I was delighted to be part of their Women’s Day Celebration on 5 August where we were treated to a delicious breakfast before the Packaged for Success presentation took place.

“Fantastic presentation” Rafia.

“It was great. Informative and useful” Angel

“It was a real eye opener for me as a young woman in a working environment.” Storm

“Thank you, I will certainly go forward with your words echoing in my head when shopping for clothes in future.” Brenda

Consol Head office

Consol Glass celebrated Women’s Day in style on 5 August. They spoilt their ladies by treating them to the Superwoman presentation as well as a scrumptious afternoon tea-with exquisite Superwoman cupcakes.

“Haydee’s sharing of her personal experiences made the presentation so valuable.”

“Life altering, Thank you.”

“It was beautiful and inspiring.”

“It was dynamic, absolutely excellent and uplifting”

“You can’t better perfection, it was absolutely wonderful.”

Miss Earth Finalists

Miss Earth- aims to empower young South African women with a platform to create a difference in our plight to combat the destruction of our natural heritage. Consol is one of their official sponsors. I met some of the gorgeous finalists as well as Catherine Constantinides - National Director, at my Superwoman presentation on the 5th August at Consol Head Office.

Eskom

Eskom’s Group Technology Division celebrated Women’s month by treating their ladies to a day full of INFOTAINMENT on 3 and 4 August. From Engineers to Technologists-this is what some of them had to say:

Thuli – "There are so many words to describe this presentation but I will stick to profound."

Mpho – "This session has to be heard by every woman, this was extraordinary."

Caroleen – "I have never experienced such a motivational and emotional experience – Thank you."

Thandazile –" This is the most intensely healing and therapeutic function I have ever attended."

Silindile – "What a powerful presentation. Essential tools for a better life, Thank you."

Nedbank launched their first CA Trainee Programme last week. It was an intensive 3 day programme attended by 35 talented University students who had been hand picked for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I took the Trainees through the Power Etiquette and Image principles and this is what some of the delegates said about their experience:

Simone – "Thank you Haydee for the presentation, the story of your personal experiences have definitely been the most powerful part of this presentation; if not the last 3 days. It has helped me in a very personal way, thank you."

Sifundo – "Powerful motivation, you have changed my life."

Ntebaleng – 'Thank you, you really changed the way I view life. God bless you."

Aobakwe – "I feel good about my style because some of the things that were mentioned were related to me, I know I am going to be the best dressed CA thanks to Haydee."

Day 1 covers ettiquette in the workplace - part of this session is learning how to shake someone's hand correctly. Often the men question how to shake a woman's hand as it is commonly misinterpreted that men should shake women's hands softly. This is definitely incorrect. It must be a firm shake that resonates respect.

The delegates learn how to hold a glass and plate whilst at a networking function to ensure a free hand at all times.

Body measurements are taken to reveal what type of body shape each delegate was.

Day 2 is entirely focused on image in the workplace and how branding yourself as a person allows you to differentiate yourself amongst your colleagues/fellow students/employers etc

A part of the "Packaged for Success" workshop includes "homework" which the delegates put up and are "marked" by Haydee which allows the delegates and the companies to see how their staff think regarding the image of the company and how it relates to success.

Suit and trouser length measurement.

The evening of 5 July was one of Glitz & Glamour. At an elegant cocktail party held at the Radisson Blu Haydee presented “Packaged for Success“ to 60 young ladies who had been selected from all over SA to attend the intensive 3 day “Pioneering Young Women Conference” held by ABSA Capital. Celebrity guest for the evening was none other than Miss SA Bokang Montjane. All the ladies had their body shapes analysed as well as posed with Miss SA. A great time had by all!

This is what some of the ladies had to say about their experience:

Tihologelo – "I am really speechless; I didn’t realise how important dress code is and feel more confident already. This is truly a great thing you are doing."

Anelisa – "You are truly passionate in what you do, thank you for your enlightenment and sound knowledge."

Sharon – "I believe a lot of young woman would benefit greatly from this presentation, therefore organising such events in universities and high schools would be amazing."

Vuyiswa – "Keep up the great work, you truly are a pioneering woman."

Sibahle – "It was beautiful, Thank you."

On 31 March, 12 and 13 April I visited Barclays Bank in Botswana and presented my "Packaged for Success" workshop to the staff. The workshop was received well and this is what some of the delegates had to say:

"Thank you Haydee and thank you Barclays for offering me this opportunity, my life will never be the same again. It was 100% spot on, I loved every minute."

"It can change a number of mind-sets in the organization as well as behaviour."

"This is a fantastic presentation and I would not hesitate to recommend it to any organization."

On Thursday 07 April I took Miss SA - Bokang Montjane shopping at the elegant Jenni Button Sandton store where we selected some awesome outfits that will allow her to attend different functions whilst at all times looking chic and elegant.

On Monday 28 March we conducted an in-depth personalized consultation with the vivacious MISS SA -Bokang Montjane. She was a "cool" lady as her best suited colours had cool undertones. On Friday next week I will be taking her shopping to Jenni Button and Europa Art Shoes. Will keep you posted!

Over the last four weeks we have been working with the new graduates of Ernst & Young. The Packaged for Success course is set over two days with the first day focusing on etiquette and the second day focused on image. Over the two days the graduates learn the importance of personal branding, the correct handshake, body language and business card etiquette and on the second day we cover areas like what colours suit their skin tone and how to package themselves in the correct workplace attire. The course covers a variety of topics and lessons which will benefit them throughout their lives.

This is what some of the graduates had to say about their experiences:

Mosh – Excellent session, Thank you Haydee for the inspiring and fun two days.

Thuli – Motivating in every aspect not only in fashion but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Jimmy – Grabbed our attention from start to end, everything was perfect; the planning, structure and content of the presentation.

I am honoured to be the co-founder of the PIAA (Professional Image Association of Africa) together with Minnette Luus. On Dec1 we held our first annual conference. A new legacy in the South African Image Industry has began and I am proud to be part of it.

The PIAA strives to combine all the facets of total image into one organization. We want to establish a network of image experts which includes anyone that wants to, or is already involved in the image industry. This association is for any professional in image or image-related fields e.g. fashion designers/buyers, stylists, fashion journalists, beauticians, hair-stylists, make-up artists, dieticians, wellness and fitness instructors, plastic surgeons etc.

If you are in these related fields and wish to become a member visit www.piaa.co.za.

Sincerest thanks once more to our MC-Lorna Potgieter and speakers Marisa Daly & Marija Ruygrok.