ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY
The Aleit Academy has a philosophy of excellence embedded in everything we do, and our graduates’ success rates are a testimony to this. About 95% of our students always receive job offers from their internship placements. From these graduates there are several alumni that successfully started their own businesses within the industry.
The addition of an Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management course in their third year of studies is specifically aimed at developing our students’ budding business talent. The course introduces students to basic entrepreneurship concepts like idealisation, opportunity recognition, market research and analysis. We equip our students with these skills to ensure they make a success of any new ventures.
ALUMNI BUSINESS OWNERS
SUCCESS STORIES
Daniah Ferreira (2025)
Out-serve the people around you. Love them genuinely. Always consider them and their needs before your own.
I am working as a Junior Social Media & Content Creator at Electric Egg, a fully remote brand management agency.
Work aside, my days are filled with spending time with my community, baking, working on a podcast, and taking photos (I take my camera l everywhere). I also enjoy spending time in nature and exploring our beautiful country. Also – my ultimate dream is to be a mom!
Consistency over perfection. Showing up imperfectly, day after day, builds the kind of humility and patience you need to carry the success that eventually comes. You grow as you learn, you learn when you do, so just do it!
Back in Grade 12, I knew a traditional 9-to-5 office job or getting lost in a sea of university students just wasn’t for me.
The Aleit Academy seemed like the perfect place to let my creativity flow. Ironically I ended up qualified for an industry that is essentially a 24/7 job, haha!
Even though my diploma is in Event Coordination, I always knew I wanted to lean into the marketing side of things. Thankfully, the event world opens lots of doors across the wider hospitality industry.
I did my second- and third-year internships mainly in marketing, which paved the way for my current role.
What a privilege to have options after studying, rather than being boxed into a single path.
Knowing myself, I’m incredibly excited to see where the future takes me.
I have so many interests, and I’m the kind of person who wants to give all of them a go. I’m l excited to see what the future holds!
But there’s one thing I am certain of: I wouldn’t have made it through my studies, or gotten this far career wise, without God 🙂
HANLI HUISMAN (2024)
Your direction is more important than your speed.
Working as a creative onsite stylist at a|CREATE.
I’m a creative, detail-oriented person who loves bringing ideas to life and turning concepts into memorable experiences. I’m naturally drawn to beautiful spaces, thoughtful details and anything that allows me to be creative. I enjoy working with people, collaborating on new ideas and seeing a project evolve from the initial concept through to the finished result. Outside of work, I love discovering new places, spending time with the people closest to me, and finding inspiration in everything from interiors and fashion to food, travel and nature. I’m always curious, always looking for inspiration, and I’m happiest when I’m creating something that feels both beautiful and meaningful.
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Prepare for the worst-case scenario, hope for the best.
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Strive to always exceed client expectations.
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Always have open and transparent communication with the team and clients.
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Build and retain positive relationships with others in the industry.
After learning about the event industry and all the opportunities that lie within it, I knew that this was where I wanted to build my future. While studying at The Aleit Academy, I completed numerous internships at different companies which taught me so much about the industry and myself. These internships included photography, venue management, decor hire and event coordination. After my final internship at a 5-star hotel and wine farm in Stellenbosch, I was lucky enough to secure a job there right after. I worked there for almost 2 years when I realised that this wasn’t 100% what I wanted to do. I saw a|CREATE advertising an opening in their creative department which caught my eye and decided to contact them. As fate would have it, I secured the job beginning of 2026 and have been with them since. Now I enjoy my everyday work-life filled with creativity, laughter and non-stop searches for the perfect mood photo on Pinterest.
KELLY TURNER (2023)
“Slow is smooth & smooth is fast”
I am the General Manager at a|CREATE & a|FLORAL.
When not at my laptop or on-site bringing a clients dream to life, I can be found at the nearest patch of lawn with friends and of course a cheese board. Growing up on a farm surrounded by an abundance of fresh flowers and greenery, being busy with my hands in a creative setting was always something that came very naturally to me.
It is not about what you know but who you know. In an industry that moves at a rapid pace and is ever evolving having those key relationships in place are essential to keeping things running smoothly.
Starting as a freelance florist for a|CREATE during my studies at The Aleit Academy was a small passion and something to keep me busy during off days. Little did I know it would set-up my career at a rapid pace. I returned as an intern later in the studies, graduated in 2023 and today I still love every minute of being a part of the team.
MISHA PEENS (2019)
Misha Peens – Owner and founder of ALON.
I love being able to explore my creativity while helping clients’ dream days become a reality. I love spending time with my family and friends and if it is not being social, I fill my day with exploring new places, enjoying good food and wine, and taking time to also be outdoors to make sure to take time for myself.
Never stop planning and working hard to make your dream your reality. Stepping out of your comfort zone and stretching yourself to keep on learning from your colleagues, partners, and mentors. Always be grateful for where you started and never take anything for granted.
I love meeting new people and seeing new places. I love this industry and the community of people I can call friends.
Spending time with friends and family, enjoying time on the farm, and traveling our beautiful country.
LEANDRI HERREWYN (2019)
Coming up with concepts may be exciting, but I need to remind myself every day that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Often, I find something fabulous, where others might think… “what on earth, she’s CRAZY!?”
I am the Head Creative at a|CREATE. I love being able to bring visions to life, creating something out of nothing and working with my team to achieve the un-achievable.
I would never say no to a charcuterie board! I love pets and the outdoors, and I’m a professional yapper.
Believe and trust in yourself, You can do it!
In my third year of studying at the The Aleit Academy I craved more of the creative industry, which lead me to doing my final Internship with a|CREATE. Jumping with two feet into the deep end I took every challenge as an opportunity. Almost three years have passed, so I guess I can say the rest is history! Perhaps something to discuss while enjoying a charcuterie board.
MONIQUE GOUWS (2019)
You don’t have to be wrong to repent, and to just be kind!
I own my own Wedding and Event floristry business called Tilted Tulip. I love working for myself, but when I am not working on my own weddings I lend a helping hand as a freelancer to other florists.
Hello, my name is Monique. I grew up in the Helderberg Basin, about a 40min drive from Cape Town with two older brothers, chickens, and dogs. My love for flowers started at an early age, wondering around in my grandmother’s garden between the iceberg roses and sticking my nose in every rose to absorb the scent. I remember always having a rose in my hand on the way home, with the stem carefully wrapped in damp kitchen towel so that the thorns will not hurt me.
At the end of April 2023 I married the man of my dreams and naturally we are extremely excited to start our life together. I am mom to a black miniature dachshund and hope to have my own chickens someday.
The key to success is trusting the Lord for provision. Secondly good relationships, integrity and honesty.
After I finished school, I went to study a three-year Event Management course at The Aleit Academy. While completing my practical hours in my second year, I interned at a wedding and event florist. This is where my passion for flowers truly exploded! I enjoyed it so much that I joined them again in my third year.
After my graduation in November 2019, I went to America to work in a country club in Florida as a waitress. After the first week I felt the urge to work with flowers again. I spoke about flowers so much that I got the nickname ‘Blommetjie.’
The head of the food and beverage department heard I had experience with flowers and even asked my assistance in doing some table arrangements for themed nights. I was there for six months but my adventure was cut short due to Covid-19 and I returned home on a repatriation flight.
As soon as weddings and other celebrations were allowed, I started freelancing for other florists and gained so much more experience. In September 2021 I did my very first wedding under my own name and that is when I started Tilted Tulip. I have grown so much these past two years and can’t imagine myself working for someone else again.
TESSA TALMAGE & JENNY NICHOLLS (2019)
Tessa Talmage & Jenny Nicholls – Directors of Nearest and Dearest Events
Since meeting at The Aleit Academy, we hit it off and have been close friends ever since. We have the same passion for working hard and making sure we go the extra mile for each client. This has enabled us to have a successful events company with a fantastic work ethic.
The Aleit Academy was a huge stepping stone for us to start our own company. The long hours of practical experience working at events (that seem endless when experiencing it firsthand), as well as our internship placements were a very necessary factor in shaping our knowledge and understanding of the events world. The early mornings setting up for an event and late hours of service are not for the fainthearted, but you will very quickly decide whether pursuing a career in events is the right fit for you.
We met while studying event management together at The Aleit Academy. We are two like-minded professionals who are passionate about the cultivation of unity and unique experiences. With different strengths and interests, we work well together.
We have worked in diverse fields of event management including; sports events, destination management, weddings as well as corporate events and conferences.
Whether you would like us to turn your event dreams into a reality, plan a collaboration or get to know us better over a cup of coffee, get in touch, we would love to meet you!
KIRSTY COOK (2018)
If it’s meant to be, it will be.
I am running my own company, House of Leigh. We specialise in intimate experiences, bespoke gifting and thoughtfully designed moments.
Married to my best friend, proud dog mom and when I’m not working, I’m out enjoying life’s smallest pleasures, like fabulous food, good walks, adventures with friends and making memories! Oh yes, and I’ll never decline a good iced coffee or an Aperol Spritz!
Patience, Tonality and of course, hard work!
Graduated from the academy in 2018, worked in events in different corporates for the next 8 years, including 4 years at Aleit Events and now, I’m the runnig my own show at House of Leigh.
DANÉ VERWEY (2018)
I am a Floral Artist (yes, there is a difference between a floral artist & a florist – haha) & owner of Dané Verwey Floral.
I specialize in creating unique floral pieces for weddings / events / permanent installations and basically anything floral related.
We like to create flower pieces that are not necessarily following mainstream trends.
Work HARD. Do not expect everything to be handed to you on a silver platter, success doesn’t happen overnight.. Accept the fact that as a creative, you will be questioned a lot, believe in what you create.
I absolutely love creating art with flowers. I love incorporating elements with flowers that you won’t usually use. My absolute favorite part is playing around with different colours & textures.
Things in life that bring me absolute joy is definitely the colour pink, a nice glass of G&T on a Friday afternoon & definitely seeing the face of a happy client!
DANÉ SMIT (2018)
Dané Smit – Owner & Founder, Coordinator & Stylist at Veil Events
I am a small-town girl that dreamed of becoming a wedding planner. I started my business after experience gained from the Aleit Academy and various internship opportunities. My passion is décor styling and planning. I love bringing the vision of a couple’s wedding day to life!
It is probably one of the most difficult things you will ever do, but also the most rewarding ! Have a vision of what you want your brand to represent, work hard, put in the extra hours, be determined, and walk the extra mile because you will reap what you sow.
I love working with my couples and building a relationship with them. In the end our calling is to influence people that our paths cross with. What makes me tick is bringing together a beautiful concept and an enjoyable experience by making their wedding day special .
My husband makes me happy, my beautiful dog, they are my best friends. How blessed I am for what I have .
NICOLE DREYER (2018)
Whatever you do, do it 100% you and add your touch to it.
I am currently the Owner and Venue Manager at The Venue at Pearl Mountain with my husband. I am the Founder of Getting Weddy, a bridal accessory online shop that also assists with styling and custom creations. I am also a VIP bridesmaid at All Things Wedding, a decor and furniture hiring company assisting our clients with concepts, styling and planning.
I am a bubbly, spontaneous people person that loves working in the creative industry and love to create and build relationships with clients. I love to meet and assist new people and help them to the best of my ability to understand their concepts, vision and bring it to life, while having fun along the way!
Always give your 100%. Be yourself and represent and reflect all that is you and your brand in your work. Never get comfortable.
After various and broad internships during my time at the Aleit Academy I can honestly say I have tried it all. I worked a bit in all areas of the hospitality, events and fashion industry and experienced what it has to offer. It gave, shaped and taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of in the roles I take on today. I am juggling a few things at once, but honestly can’t choose between them and being involved in all of them keeps my creativity flowing!