Meet the team

Jolene Smit joined the Kingswood HOA fray in April, so here’s a nutshell introduction to this able lady responsible for keeping good relations all round.

Her full job title is Client Liaison, Communications, and Marketing Manager for Kingswood Golf Estate HOA – a new career opportunity that Jolene Smit has embraced with gusto from the start of her contract on 8 April. ‘I will be assisting residents with estate-related queries while also handling the marketing and organising of events on the estate. I look forward to meeting all the residents and creating a fun social environment at Kingswood,’ she says. No stranger to the Garden Route commercial scene, Jolene has owned three of her own businesses – two of which she’s successfully sold, but the third being too close to her heart to consider letting it go.

‘I still own Amari Bridal Boutique and make wedding dresses in my free time. One has to be extremely dedicated, but I just love creating beautiful wedding gowns.’ A quick trawl of the internet shows that Amari (www.amaribridal.co.za) also provides a comprehensive package of wedding services.

Multitalented Mother of the Year

Jolene is the proud mom of two preteen boys and two fur babies: a Border Collie called Skye and a Lab aptly named Buddy. ‘I also ride dirt bikes and skateboard with my boys whenever time allows,’ she says, adding that biking is an old favourite pastime.

‘I raced dirt bikes in Cape Town and came first in the regional ladies’ championships at the time. Racing took me out of my comfort zone and ensured that I focused on the here and now. It taught me to handle situations and obstacles as they happen.’ Jolene says it’s one of the best feelings in the world to be the mother of boys Luke, nine, and Joshua, six. ‘From slugs in my salad to mud in my washing machine, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I live for my children and everything I do is for the boys. I want my children to be proud of their mom, and I dedicate my life to ensuring that I never let them down.’

Climbing the ladder from the first rung up

When meeting the confident lady now in charge of Kingswood PR and marketing, it’s hard to imagine that things have not always been easy for Jolene Smit. ‘I come from a tough background. I know what it’s like to sleep on a cold garage floor and have nothing to eat. ‘But I strive every day to become better than I was the day before, and if I can motivate others to live their best life, that is what I will do. I’m extremely passionate about helping people to reach their full potential.’ It’s clear that Jolene loves working with people and helping where possible. But setting her apart from the rest is an attitude that lifts spirits along the way. ‘Everything I do in life is with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude.’

Guilty pleasures

‘I love eating – sometimes too much! – and I love experiencing new things. I have an urge to try everything in life at least once, never letting fear stand in my way, no matter what I do. I am driven and passionate.’ Originally from Durban, Jolene grew up in Great Brak River; she was schooled at Outeniqua Primary in George and matriculated at Mossel Bay’s Point High School. ‘I moved to Cape Town the same day I wrote my last matric exam and started creating a life for myself there.’

But the call of the Southern Cape prevailed and Jolene returned to Mossel Bay in 2021 when the boys had to start school. ‘I wanted to give them the lifestyle I enjoyed, growing up in a smaller town. ‘More about me? My favourite colour is pink. I absolutely love the ocean and wish I were a mermaid. When I am stressed, I go and sit beside the sea. That’s my happy place.’ The Kingswood family welcomes Jolene and looks forward to a long association with this passionate young working mother.