21 minute read
SWEET SENSATION
from The Ridge 117
chocolate and raspberry, my favourite, and spend time perfecting our recipes so that they’re always delicious,” says Michael.
When it comes to the decorating, Tyler works with clients who often have a few pictures of what they want, a theme or a colour scheme in mind which she then interprets. The result of this collaboration between the pair is a range of celebration cakes that have guests raving at weddings, birthdays and baby showers.
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From tiered wedding cakes, cupcakes and letter cakes to cake pops, iced biscuits and macaron towers, they’re happy to create a cake in any size, shape or form. “My favourite cakes to work on are those decorated with fresh flowers and drip cakes, because there is so much you can do with both concepts,” says Tyler. “We also enjoy creating delectable mini cakes – miniature cakes perfect for one or two people to enjoy and small enough so fit in the palm of your hand – that are individually packaged and feature elaborate decor and flowers. People like to give them as birthday or thank you gifts. They take just as long as the big cakes to create, though.” Tyler is also a whizz with fondant figurines, and kids and adults alike are frequently delighted to find animals and favourite characters and items perched on their cakes. Just Peachy’s cakes covered completely in brightly coloured sweets and chocolates are also popular. Michael and Tyler can create just about anything you can imagine, from cakes in the shape of coffee cups, cricket bats and tins of tomato sauce to circus tents and unicorns. Novelty is the word with cakes sporting fondant hot dogs, rainbows, casino chips and even Yoda appearing on their instagram feed. “Just about every cake comes out differently from how I pictured it. I love the process,” Tyler says, “and that it’s not an exact science.”
The couple work well together and the business runs from their home studio in Sunningdale. Their goal is to have a shop T yler Duncan and Michael Joubert have been making Durban North cake lovers’ dreams come true for six years with their intricate and innovative creations that taste as good as they look. The pair met at the Westville International Hotel School in 2014 and bonded over a shared love of patisserie despite studying traditional cheffing. When Tyler fell ill with a neurological condition she and Michael decided to utilise their expertise and artistic talent, and started baking and icing exquisite cakes from home where she could manage her own schedule and work around her good and bad days. “Michael’s positivity always gets us through the harder days,” Tyler says. Just Peachy Cakes has gone through a few changes, including a stint in a dessert food truck and having tables at markets, and through it all the demand for the couple’s cakes has continued to increase – far exceeded their expectations.
Michael does the baking and Tyler decorates. “We do a range of flavours from traditional vanilla and chocolate sponges to lemon curd and coconut, chocolate hazelnut, and SWEET sensation SUNNINGDALE COUPLE TYLER DUNCAN AND MICHAEL JOUBERT’S CAKES ARE NOT ONLY MASTERPIECES BUT A TREAT FOR THE TASTEBUDS TOO, WRITES CANDICE BOTHA ABOVE: Michael Joubert and Tyler Duncan – the creative artists behind their sought-after cakes.
where people can come and sample their creations and watch cakes being styled. Tyler loves the creative side of the work, and although she would never have guessed that this is what she’d be doing when she was at school, she says that she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. For Michael, although his qualifications in cheffing and management have lead him down different paths, he always ends up baking again and he’s fully committed to Just Peachy Cakes now, too.
“The most rewarding part is to see people receiving their cakes. Some jump with joy. Cakes make a celebration and bring happiness – it’s wonderful,” says Michael. The biggest challenge is saying no to last-minute orders! “I find it very hard to turn someone away,” Tyler says. “Even if we have to work through the night, we create a beautiful cake.”
*FOR MORE INFO Tyler: 066 272 1999; www.instagram.com/justpeachy_cakes/
Established in 1984, Vitalab Fertility Clinic has pioneered leading fertility treatment to provide a holistic, individualised approach to all fertility issues in South Africa.
In 2019, Vitalab KZN opened their brand-new clinic in uMhlanga. Offering specialist fertility services, a team of medical experts, and state-of-the-art facilities, the uMhlanga Ridge branch aims to make worldclass pregnancy rates and treatments accessible to all prospective parents.
MEET YOUR TEAM Look no further than the passionate and highly-trained medical experts at Vitalab KZN, paired with the exceptional facilities and unrivalled pregnancy rates for your fertility treatment. The Vitalab team consists of professionals from various disciplines such as Reproductive Medicine Specialists, Specialist Doctors, Embryologists, Andrologists, Nursing Sisters, Sonographers, Pharmacists, Accounting and Admin Staff to name but a few.
This team follows all the treatment protocols and standard operational practices that have been developed and perfected by Vitalab Sandton over the last 35 years.
Dr Kobus Coetsee MBChB (Pret), MMed (O&G), F.C.O.G. (SA), Cert. Reproductive Medicine (SA). Dr Coetsee specialises in Reproductive Medicine, Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Endocrinology.
Dr Lawrence Gobetz MBChB (Pret), F.C.O.G. (SA) with Reproduction Medicine. Dr Gobetz specialises in the evaluation and treatment of the infertile couple, recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS, endometriosis, male infertility and the effect of spinal cord injuries on fertility.
Dr Chris Venter MBChB, MMed (O&G), F.C.O.G. (SA) with Reproductive Medicine. Dr Venter specialises in all aspects of infertility care with his clinical interest being recurrent implantation failure and a personal interest in promoting awareness in oncofertility.
Dr Yossi Unterslak MBChB (Pret), F.C.O.G. (SA), MMed (O&G). Dr Unterslak has a passion for reproductive medicine and endocrinology with a special interest in ovarian stimulation and the prevention of recurrent pregnancy loss.
Dr Anthony Picton BSc (Wits), MBChB (Wits), MMed (O&G) (UFS). Dr Picton has a keen interest in gynaecological endoscopic surgery, the optimisation of ovarian response to stimulation, and in the improvement of successful pr egnancy outcomes.
THIS IS OUR HOW Vitalab understands that infertility is one of life’s most difficult challenges medically, emotionally and financially. Therefore, our team has the experience, support and trained staff to help you through your fertility journey.
We begin with a structured and co-ordinated series of investigations to understand what the cause of infertility is for your specific case.
Once that is established, we work closely with you to develop an individualised, holistic treatment plan in order to achieve your family dream in the shortest time frame possible.
Vitalab offers a wide range of treatments including but not only In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), lntracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), Fertility Preservation services, in-house frozen Egg Bank called VEDA, in-house frozen Sperm Bank called VCSA, Egg/Sperm/Embryo Donation Programmes, Surrogacy, Reproductive Surgery, Genetic Testing of Embryos, Oncofertility and more.
FOR MORE INFO Torsvale Office Park, uMhlanga Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal; kznreception@vitalabkzn.com; 031 880 1700
YOU ARE OUR WHY Our sole duty is to receive you as a patient, and send you home a parent. Vitalab’s top-quality facilities in uMhlanga offers patients individualised personal care for all their fertility needs. From your first visit at the new clinic you will experience the Vitalab difference, which is the passionate and individualistic approach our entire medical team offers, which cannot be matched by individual practitioners. This is why our medical doctors have a combined total of over 200 years of specialist knowledge and experience within reproductive medicine, thus making them the perfect choice to meet your specific reproductive needs. Our team’s exceptional medical knowledge will assist you on every step of your fertility journey, paving the way to your ultimate goal of growing your family.
ARRIVE AS A PATIENT LEAVE AS A PARENT Are you struggling to conceive? Are you considering freezing your eggs/sperm/embryos for your future family? Do you have questions about infertility, pregnancy loss, or your reproductive potential? Visit Vitalab KZN to experience the difference for yourself, and place your fertility dreams in our capable, caring hands.
Collagen 101
Collagen has been around in cosmetics for a while, but is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to supplements. Its benefits certainly sound intriguing, but is it just another health fad? Let’s find out why you should be taking it, and how you can ensure you’re taking the best possible product.
“Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It is found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It’s the glue that holds the body together, and forms a foundation to provide strength and structure,” explains registered dietician Danielle Roberts – the Sharks rugby team’s nutritionist.
Strengthening the skin by improving elasticity and hydration, collagen can keep us looking younger by slowing down the aging process. It may also help improve joint pain and maintain bone mass. “Bones are mostly made of collagen, which give them structure,” explains Danielle. “As we age, we lose bone mass density. Taking collagen can help increase bone density and prevent bone disorders like osteoporosis.”
Collagen may also help gut health issues by strengthening the lining of the gut – making it less permeable and more effective in retaining nutrients from food – and improving gut absorption issues. This, however, needs more scientific research. “Most of the research done has been on joint and skin health, showing beneficial effects,” says Danielle. “Although larger studies are needed, I have many older clients who on taking the right collagen can feel the difference in their skin, hair growth and nails in just one to two months.”
When combined with exercise, collagen may KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE HYPE AROUND COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS Collagen is found mostly in the parts of the animal that we discard in modern-day cooking
also boost metabolism by increasing lean muscle mass. “Due to the high amino acid content, it makes it an ideal protein for muscle repair and recovery – reducing stiffness,” explains Mariska Terblanche of Skat. “Apart from preventing the signs of aging by hydrating the skin and reducing wrinkles, it can also promote nail and hair growth,” she adds.
Our ancestors ate animals from head to tail, ensuring there was no waste. This included boiling down the bones and ligaments, or the animal, to make a rich broth that formed the
basis of most of their meals. “Collagen is found mostly in the parts of the animal that we discard in modern-day cooking, so we just don’t get enough of it in our diets,” explains Catherine Clark – owner of The Harvest Table – adding that collagen is “more than just a supplement, it is a necessity for optimum health.
“Because good collagen supplements – which are additive, filler and preservative free – are actually a food, there are very few, if any, side effects,” says Catherine. However according to Danielle collagen supplements may cause indigestion for some people, or a feeling of fullness – as it is a protein.
You can take collagen in the form of pills, capsules, powder, granules or even liquid. “In order to receive enough collagen for your body to do the repair work that it needs, you should be taking approximately 16g a day,” says Catherine. “As collagen can be heated without losing its effectiveness, you can easily add it into cooking and hot drinks.” It also works well in smoothies, and according to Mariska you can bake with it without compromising your recipe. Some people suggest taking collagen in the morning when your stomach is empty, while others prefer taking it at night – so the body can “process” it while you sleep. “For me, I take collagen powder in the morning after I train, as it adds 10g of protein to my post workout meal,” says Danielle.
With so many collagen supplements available, make sure you do your research. A good collagen supplement will be 100% pure, natural and unsweetened. “Colourless and tasteless means there are no other ingredients
added,” says Mariska.
Always look for a product that comes from a grass fed (bovine) source or wild caught (marine) source. “This ensures that the animals were raised as nature intended, and not prematurely fattened. Also ensure that the animals were given no routine antibiotics or growth hormones – as you wouldn’t wanted traces of those in your collagen,” says Catherine.
“Collagen needs to be broken down into peptides to be absorbed into the body, so look out for a hydrolysed collagen supplement,” says Danielle – adding that it’s absorbed better with vitamin C.
Veganism is the fastest growing sector in the food industry today, so researchers are feeling the pressure to come up with a plant-based alternative to collagen supplements.
Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids, and different types of protein – whether it is egg, pea or bovine – all contain a different mix of amino acids. “Collagen protein has a unique set of amino acids found only within the skin and tissue of animals. These amino acid combinations do not naturally occur in plants. We can offer a mix of plant-based proteins to try and give the best possible second alternative to animal-based collagen, but it is not proven to be as effective. This is a hot topic and we should watch this space closely as new research becomes available,” says Mariska.
“Aloe vera, bamboo and seaweed may have collagen boosting materials, as well as certain mushrooms which provide the amino acids to make certain proteins,” adds Danielle.
To boost your collagen naturally, drinking bone broth or adding bone broth powder when cooking are great options. “Cooking foods, like stews, with the bones in, also increases collagen,” says Catherine – who believes consumers will see greater long-term benefits by consuming collagen and allowing their bodies to repair from within.
*FOR MORE INFO Danielle Roberts: www.danielleroberts.co.za Catherine Clark: www.harvesttable.co.za Mariska Terblanche: www.skatonline.co.za
OFFERING A PRIME LOCATION, WAREHOUSING AND OFFICE SPACE, DUBE TRADEPORT LAUNCHES MINI FACTORIES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZE BUSINESSES
Mini factories with big BENEFITS
Dube TradePort’s unique offering has received added sparkle with the recent release of 18 mini factories to let in a R90-million complex that will give small to mediumsize businesses unmatched access.
The complex is in Dube TradePort’s Special Economic Zone and comes with associated tax incentives for qualifying entities. The mini factories, each 249m² in size, offer tenants a unique opportunity to operate within a Special Economic Zone, and provide a platform for SMME’s looking for small manufacturing and office space. The units are 500m from the airport’s Cargo Terminal and have easy access to two of Africa’s busiest ports, Durban and Richards Bay. The major routes from north to south: N2, M4 and R102, easily connect with transport corridors and an array of blue-chip companies.
Each of the 18 units comprises a warehouse of 168m², plus kitchen, reception, storeroom, toilets and mezzanine floor. There are dedicated loading/delivery bays and five parkings per unit. In addition, premium security is on offer – which is a boon for existing tenants at DTPC.
Firms like Mara (Africa’s first cellphone manufacturer), Retractaline and Conlog are among some of the sizeable neighbours situated at DTPC. Conlog CEO, Logan Moodley said his firm chose to relocate to DTPC based
on “the attractive incentives available within the Special Economic Zone” and within a Controlled Customs Area precinct.
Conlog, an electronics manufacturing company, has invested R110-million in a smart electricity meter manufacturing plant. The 12 000m² development is within the now fully-subscribed Dube TradeZone 1, close to the mini factories. Conlog’s outlay in DTPC is part of a successful investment drive in KZN that has also seen Mahindra launch a new semi-knockdown assembly plant there. The facility will produce Mahindra’s Pik-Up range of bakkies, and once the plant is operating at full capacity it will be able to produce 4 000 vehicles a year.
A range of high tech neighbours like Conlog, Mahindra, Mara and others is a clear advantage for tenants at the mini factories who want to operate in a fully serviced world-class business precinct.
Respect your SKIN
Tastefully decorated in hues of blue and gold, Dr Parushinee Naidoo’s aesthetic practice – Skin Solutions – resonates elegance and professionalism.
After studying medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand, Dr Naidoo combined her passion for travelling with her profession and worked in the UK, where her love for aesthetics PASSION, PERSEVERANCE, PROFESSIONALISM AND PANACHE – FOUR TRAITS THAT DEFINE AES THETICS EXPERT DR PARUSHINEE NAIDOO
was ignited. “I worked closely with a plastic surgeon in the UK, and at the time, 17 years ago, aesthetics was still a very new field. He introduced me to different aesthetic procedures and gave me hands-on training. I also learnt to appreciate the artistry in the human face and how to always respect it,” she recalls. Dr Naidoo returned to SA in 2005 and decided to expand her expertise in aesthetics with formal training in Fillers and Botox and other aesthetic modalities. In time she acquired an Intraceutical Oxygen machine – the first in KZN – and Skin Solutions was born. Today, with a burgeoning client base and a yearning to expand her services, Dr Naidoo moved to uMhlanga, where Skin Solutions is now one of the premier aesthetic medical practices. Dr Naidoo and her team ensure their patients receive the best and safest procedures as well as a comfortable environment to achieve their skin goals.
As every patient is different, Dr Naidoo formulates a personalised treatment plan and aims to align the patient’s results with safe, evidence-based treatment and product options.
“My focus is on making people feel comfortable in their own skin using a combination of my medical expertise, an innate love for healing, and utilising the best possible products. I have rapidly
expanded my treatment offerings to focus on anti-aging, pigmentation and acne, in addition to derma-planing, micro needling or injectable aesthetics.” Skin Solutions also offer Hydro-facial treatments, and is the flagship aesthetic practice in KZN for the widely acclaimed Biomedical Emporium skincare range. Dr Naidoo is personally involved in her patient’s care. “It’s important for me to have a connection with my patients. I practice a very clinical form of aesthetics and adhere to a strong ethical code and strive to excel at service delivery.”
The aesthetic industry is growing fast, but in 2020, Skin Solutions continue their trend of merging innovation with results. The sign on the wall in Skin Solutions says it all: #comfortableinyourownskin.
FOR MORE INFO 031 0010877/066 241 2161; 4A The Boulevard, 19 Park Lane, uMhlanga; www.skinsolutionssa.co.za; drnaidoo.skinsolutions
story anne schauffer F aint strains of Coltrane, a hint of a fragrance, and a slight aroma of good coffee – that sense of pressing pause as you step over the threshold, and exhale. Melodramatic? No. Armitage is the antithesis of melodrama. Neville Armitage created this distinctly masculine retail and experiential space with measured, deliberate intent, and all the niches, players and merchandise within that space, are party to that vision.
From the muted jazzy playlist to the calming sense of order, Armitage’s is a wonderful story of Africa meets the world. International brands rub shoulders with local, and a single thread runs through everything – quality. For as long as Neville can remember, he’s been concerned about over-consumption, the rate at which people dispose of things. For him, that translated into buying less, but always quality. And furthermore, he says, “You can’t bargain things right down if you think about the source. Buy fewer things, things that will last …”
Neville’s relationship with merchandise began at his after-school job, with the seemingly unglamorous role of opening boxes of apparel. But what he clearly recalls, is anticipation of the next box’s contents, and curiosity as to the person who’d chosen these items. He spent three years at Durban University of Technology studying
It's about the EXPERIENCE
NEVILLE ARMITAGE IS ARMITAGE MEN’S OUTFITTERS IN UMHLANGA. IT’S A GLORIOUS MENS’ RETAIL AND EXPERIENTIAL SPACE WITH A PERSONALITY TO MATCH ITS LOOKS – INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRED, LOCALLY SHAPED, NEVILLE HAS DESIGNED IT FOR THE DISCERNING MAN WHO WANTS BETTER
ABOVE: According to Neville, the store has a strong sense of the best of Africa, right down to the house brand, Armitage – overseas fabrics, but locally manufactured. Picture: Sifiso Magagula Clothing Production, and followed it up with an Honours Degree in Bachelor of Commerce. Why commerce? Strangely, he’d always loved accounting over anything else. Still does. In the industry, he was viewed as something of an anomaly – someone who could sit behind an industrial sewing machine making a full tailored suit, but who would far rather choose to spend an afternoon with spreadsheets and numbers.
From years in clothing factories, to many more as a buyer of menswear, homeware and finally furniture, Neville travelled extensively to London, New York, you name it. He had a very clear sense of what his market wanted … but all the while, kept one firm eye on the numbers. He was highly successful.
He laughingly admits to being a control freak: “I’ve always known from a youngster, that I was fully in control of things.” Which, in this arena, is undoubtedly an attribute: “I was very, very neat with a ruler and pencil and measurements down to the millimetre.” From making covered buttons, to the stitch count, quality of a garment and putting in a zip, his knowledge of every aspect of a garment and the marks of true quality, has stood him in great stead for his own brand. For Neville, this space is not only the realisation of a long-held dream, it’s the sum of so many parts … the best of the best that he’s teased out of all corners of the globe. He’s hand-picked the elements, and curated them so enticingly, it’s impossible to walk on by. Thing is, Neville spent most of his career in and around the world of buying, but always for others. Now, the absolute joy for him at Armitage is that he selects and designs everything for himself. He is his clientele. Those who step into Armitage are, in a sense, reflections of Neville. They love what he loves. But it’s not just quality of merchandise, it’s the people, too. Neville invests in his team. He didn’t simply want an extraordinary retail store, he wanted to provide an experience and a convenience. He’s surrounded himself with the finest craftsmen. Drop off your dry cleaning – as so many do – Mr Draycott will sort it. He’s a master drycleaner with 50 years of experience. Need tailoring? Meet Armitage’s on-site tailor. Neville shakes his head, “He’s a brilliant craftsman. I’ve only ever seen tailoring like that on my international travels.”
You’ll find two barbers here. They’re craftsmen Neville would choose for himself: “Gentle, no fuss, just the right spirit comes through. No matter how busy, everyone gets the time and attention they need.”
Very important to Neville, is training up unemployed youth: “Sbonelo was a housekeeper. I trained him on the leather care. He learnt fast, then I asked what he wanted to do – tailoring or barbering? Within three months, Sbonelo had mastered barbering skills. We use a straight blade here, so it’s not simple. Now he has a skill he can take anywhere.” High up on the double volume wall as you enter Armitage Outfitters, are two framed photographs of Africanis dogs by Daniel Naude. They’re exquisite, but more than that, they’re the embodiment of the Armitage brand. The logo. Their iconic African-ness is an integral part of what Neville is constantly striving for. The store has a strong sense of the best of Africa, right down to his house brand, Armitage – overseas fabrics, but locally manufactured. Wherever possible, Africa is the first source, but alongside local, is a premium range of international brands cherry picked by Neville. As he says, “So many heritage brands with great stories.” Armitage is truly an African story which Neville Armitage is telling so well.
