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with us, and feels proud to have been part in 2020, stepping up in the midst of the Carmen
of transforming the KSA from the small COVID crisis to help the KSA lead their Howard
“old boy’s” club of old, to a professional, members through the uncharted waters.
respected national association. Marina initially qualified as a teacher
Amy Sharman is the latest addition and then moved to a successful career
to the KSA team joining as Gauteng in corporate accounting, but neither
regional representative in early 2021. fulfilled her creative side. Once her
Amy matriculated from St. Annes in KZN family were old enough, she embarked
but spent many of her childhood years on learning about kitchen design and
traveling as her parents took up various eventually opened her own company.
posts in the Seychelles and Africa. With Her design flair has become known for
a degree in psychology and experience its elegant femininity, with her stands at
in digital marketing and hospitality Amy shows like Decorex, always showcasing
brings a host of new skills to the KSA an innovative storage facility for the shoe
team, but she feels her true strength lies lover; echoing her own love for a nice pair
in key account management. Joining of heels. Marina has learned to balance company she works for, the brand and
an established team in the middle of a family and work and is known in the their product lines. For Charisse it is vital
pandemic, and working remotely, put industry for her cooking ability and the that we educate the kitchen industry on the
Amy straight into the hot seat of “sink marvellous industry dinners she holds. importance of quality. For her, a kitchen
or swim” and has shown her resilience Teaching still remains close to her heart is an investment, one that should see you
and fortitude. Being new to the kitchen and she has trained and upskilled many through various stages in your life and be
industry, Amy has been keen to learn junior designers during her time in the able to transcend design fads. Investing
but also to build relationships in the industry. in quality products and materials is key
industry. For her, strong partnerships Charisse Gray followed Marina’s to achieving a kitchen with true longevity.
and good relationships with members and footsteps also taking over the reigns of the Together, Charisse and KSA’s Kerryn
between members, is vital to a healthy KSA KZN Executive Committee during Bailey showed leadership and strength
industry and the KSA being able to do the midst of COVID in 2020. Charisse as they supported the industry in KZN
its job. Optimising networking value- has worked for Blum SA (previously through the unrest and looting seen in
add opportunities for the membership is Eclipse Group) for over ten years. When July. Their team work and support was
something she sees as a vital part of her Blum Austria took over the reigns at appreciated and valued by all affected.
role. Eclipse, Charisse’s skillset and knowledge For the KSA we are proud to have
For the first time in KSA history two of was recognised, with her being made co- such strong, dynamic women work for
our regional chairs are filled by women. branch manager for KZN. She was also and with us. We are grateful for all they
Marina Veiga, owner of Sariga Designer given the national marketing portfolio. contribute to the industry. dw
Kitchens, took over the chairmanship of Charisse now holds a primary role within
the KSA Gauteng Executive Committee Blum SA and is passionate about the www.ksa.co.za

Stephanie Forbes Marlise Daniel Marina Veiga

dw • Issue 245 15