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“After I went through traumatic life experience, writing a blog was my tool to help me communicate and heal,” Cee says, “Travelling is my biggest passion in life and I have created and shaped my business around this, I write and share all my amazing travel experiences, from the people I have met all over the world and their lifestyle and events” That passion of her was the foundation of her works.
She is the founder of Ceeces Travel & Lifestyle started as a blog in 2014 and through the years, has grown into a various number of industries. She offers product photography services to various industries and brands, creates campaigns or concepts of a brand, highlight creators that the brands should work with while guiding them through the process, and she also does consultations, and events coordination, both locally and abroad.
Being a content creator and doing the work that she does, allows her to travel and experience life in its fullest, “Each experience has shaped and changed my life. I think I do "see the world" in ways that maybe the average person does not, but that's because I have been through so much in my short little life, and with experience comes knowledge and tools.”.
Her ideal working environment is outsides in coffee shops and random accommodations. “Nothing says happiness to me than sitting in a place with a few people around, having a coffee, people watching, writing, or creating or editing, with a view and the energy of the world around me. I feed off it”. Yet despite all of its happiness and rewards in being a content creator, she openly admitted that there have been times when she has wanted to throw the towel in, but then she always recalls why she started that business and that brand. “I take a minute to look at what is causing me to feel demotivated, or uninspired and I focus on sorting that out.” In today's world, the hustle culture narrative is strongly pushed, but after having some time, it causes you to feel anxiety and if some goals or plans have not been achieved, blaming oneself will be its aftermath. “Mental and emotional health when you are a freelancer, and or creator is something that there should be more focus on.” She says.
She also talked about the struggles when she started in the industry, not having access to all the necessary tools and equipment’s needed, and the cost spent on traveling and creating her contents, the most serious one is getting across to the client regarding the payment. Cee says “We are not journalists; we aren't hired by some corporate and get a salary at the end of the month. Most of us are freelancers, we have our overheads to pay, we have living costs and bills to pay like everyone else, and to do what we do for a client, costs money.”
In terms of using media platforms for her works, she said that one must first identify and understand what media to use for various projects.” I see a lot of brands or individuals who do not understand the difference between the various social media platforms, using them in the wrong way.” Understanding what the various media platforms do and how they work is important. Then from there, understanding how to use them is the next step. “Having said that, I understand use various social media mediums to market, promote, and communicate with my audiences. I also use my Travel & Lifestyle Blog. And will soon be using my YouTube account, to get more video content across”.
And lastly, when asked what is the one thing she wished she knew beforehand, she said “You need to just focus on doing what you are doing, what your brand is about, and appreciate it. Youwill mess up on occasion, you will take on too much, you will have life throw you lemons, and sometimes all you can say is sorry, but if you learn and grow and try and do your best to still complete and or assist that client, then you're growing. Communication is always key in these instances. “
Awards:
• South Coast, Influencer of Year Award in 2017
• Presidential Award in the category Endurance *
• Has completed the South African Tourism Specialist qualifications, which she was received the Specialist Awards in various sectors, regarding South Africa's Tourism.
* Note: The Presidential Award recognized the immense value of the contribution she gave to the South African tourism through the establishment of her travel company Ceeces Travel while surviving a traumatic experience with her life.
