Historically, it has not been easy for women of colour in corporate settings in South Africa. Many have had to work harder and fight for opportunities and social equality. As a proudly South African woman of colour, Sheena Bloem (37), an operations professional at a global asset management firm in Cape Town, wants to honour the legacy of those who have paved the way for her by inspiring others to follow their dreams.
During her high school years, Sheena’s career aspirations fluctuated between two very opposite fields – accounting and genetics. ‘I was quite good at accounting, so I knew early on in my high school days that this was the route I wanted to follow. However, during the genetics module in biology, I was sufficiently intrigued to consider this as a possible career path. Accounting won as it seemed to have longevity and stability in terms of a career choice in South Africa.’
They say many good things happen after you go through a bad patch in your life, and Sheena can attest to this. ‘Having started 2020 faced with a divorce after nine years of marriage, my world was rocked. I was shattered to my core,’ she admits.
‘It is important that we continue to strive for success despite adversity. I believe that this, in turn, has become our strength − through challenges and obstacles we do not lose momentum. Instead, we find ways to rise up and achieve great things,’ she explains.
She faced the task of building a new life at 35. ‘And then, add the pandemic to the mix – lockdown, and being completely alone during lockdown. I was forced to face my truths during this period of reflection and decided to come out stronger for it. I always believe that everything happens for a reason, and the hardships I faced in 2020 were the driving force behind the birth of my company, GritxGrace. I quickly learned that challenges are a source of new opportunities.’
Throughout her life, Sheena has always been an extremely strong-minded person. ‘Some would call it stubborn,’ she laughs. ‘That has been my superpower – my mind gets me through everything. What I believe, I can achieve.’
Sheena once saw a quote that stuck with her through all the ups and downs. It read: ‘Grit determines that life challenges will neither defeat nor define us. Grace gives kindness to ourselves and others even when it is hard.’
These powerful words sum up Sheena’s 2020 experience – the most challenging period of her life. ‘This is why I named my company GritxGrace, which was birthed at a turning point in my life – the year that shook the world. All of us (not just me) had to lead the pandemic life with a lot of grit, and a little bit of grace.’
Ever since Sheena qualified as a CA(SA) she knew she wanted to start her own business. She just never knew what but believed the idea will come to her at the right time.
In October 2019 a personal decision lead her to take a short sabbatical from the corporate world. ‘While starting my own business at that time was not the goal, it evolved into that. GritxGrace was birthed in a year in which our earthly habits were brought to the fore, and a year in which I realised how much fitness was more of a mental outlet than a physical one.’
She was able to merge her love for fitness and fashion by connecting style and sustainability in a way that resembles most things in life – that for items to stay with you for a long time, you have to look after them. GritxGrace creates sustainable, eco-friendly swimwear and activewear for women, designed by women.
’I hope to inspire others to go after their dreams and to make a positive change in their own lives. We should not let the physical and psychological walls we impose on ourselves hold us back,’ she says.
This was important to Sheena, because she felt she needed to show others, and herself, that you can achieve so much more than you think you are capable of. ‘I am not your average athlete. My strength lies in the fact that I show up and I am consistent. I want to inspire females everywhere to do the same. You can do anything you set your mind to. You just have to start somewhere and keep going.’
According to her, too many people stop/start their fitness journey, due to placing unrealistic expectations on themselves. ‘It takes true grit to remain consistent and to keep moving – one step ahead of the next.’
She hopes that the GritxGrace brand inspires and celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. ‘We want women to feel comfortable in the skin they are in, and we believe that all bodies are gorgeous in their uniqueness. Every curve, nook, and wobble should be celebrated!’
Furthermore, GritxGrace is made for womxn by womxn, and every part of the supply chain is brought about through the empowerment and support of womxn. ‘From our talented local seamstresses to the team behind the scenes ensuring the day-to-day running of the brand,’ Sheena shares excitedly.
Finally, their goal is always sustainability in fashion. ‘Our range of eco fashion includes ethically produced and sustainable swimwear and fitness apparel with every item carefully considered for the impact we will make on the planet – right down to our packaging and labels.’
Sustainability is a buzzword these days. ‘To me, it’s a delicate interplay of the 3 P’s – people, profit, planet. Every day we make important purchasing decisions that go far deeper than just our pockets. Our choices affect society, the economy, and the planet. Conscious consumerism is key – we need to become committed to making purchasing decisions that will have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact. It does not have be radical. It’s the small changes in the day-to-day that will lead to a big impact.’
Some of the simple ways in which Sheena has implemented sustainability in her own life have been by limiting single-use plastic as far as possible, recycling where she can, switching to eco-friendly household products, choosing quality over quantity, and thrifting.
Given her CA(SA) qualification and financial background, Sheena had a good sense of what it would entail to build a business. ‘That gave me the confidence to venture into the unknown and use a risk-based approach to learn and guide me along the way. As CAs(SA), understanding a business from scratch is core. Asking questions, analysing, and being curious and committed to finding solutions is in our DNA. The rewiring of our thinking – that’s why this designation is a global qualification held in high regard.’
Sheena’s dream for the future is to become what she calls a pioneer for compassion. ‘I also want to inspire women to develop a mental power to believe in themselves and truly step into their shoes. I would like GritxGrace to become a household name and first choice brand when thinking of eco-conscious lifestyle wear and products locally, and to be able to compete with the plethora of global brands too.’
More than anything, Sheena has learned, over the past few challenging years, that she is resilient, adaptable, and capable of anything she sets her mind to. ‘I am extremely fortunate to have been blessed with good health, a wonderful family, friends, and great colleagues − and when life gets tough, I remind myself of these blessings.’
Sheena’s advice on balancing corporate, private, and passion
I am inspired by the challenge. Tell me it’s impossible to do and I will find a way … Balancing a demanding full-time corporate job with a side hustle is not an easy gig. You need to ‘find your why’ – it’s going to drive you when it feels like there is not enough time in the day, and when it feels like you are not seeing results. Another important tip is that ’momentum creates momentum’, so just start somewhere, and keep going, and show up for yourself every single day. Remember: ‘Grit determines that life challenges will neither defeat nor define us. Grace gives kindness to ourselves and others even when it is hard.’
