A WOW FOR WOMEN
SUPERWOMAN Farzana Mayet has many special powers but being a fantastic mom, loving wife and inspiring businesswoman top the list.
Mayet, 37, knows all too well that being a mother, wife and career woman are no easy feat. But this energetic Johannesburg mother of two not only juggles a successful career and happy family life; she acknowledges other superwomen too with her Women Of Wonder (WOW) Awards which are held every August in Johannesburg and Durban.
“I used to attend many awards functions and I noticed that women who won awards were either managing directors or chief executives of established companies,” said Mayet.
“Yes, they were deserving of the awards but what about the ordinary women who are making an extraordinary difference to the world and their communities every day? They should also be acknowledged. I knew something needed to be done,” Mayet said.
WOW Awards and Mayet’s events company, Panache Promotions and Events, two years ago held the first WOW Awards in Johannesburg in 2015.
Next year Mayet plans to launch the Women Of Wonder (WOW) Awards in Cape Town.
“WOW Awards aims to recognise women who are progressive thinkers and dynamic leaders; women who strive to make a difference in society and have a formidable impact on the lives of others, and women who inspire and empower,” Mayet said.
“My dream is for every woman to feel loved, deserving and appreciated. Women give so much of themselves unconditionally, not expecting any recognition or anything in return. The appreciation a woman receives when she gets a WOW Award gives her a boost of confidence and this can elevate her selfesteem.”
Mayet said it was important for women to encourage one another and to encourage family members. In a home where a woman feels appreciated, respected and worthy, the whole family benefits.
Mayet grew up in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg. She said from childhood she was known for being vibrant and talkative and taking a delight in keeping her family entertained.
She matriculated at Lenasia Secondary School in the south of Johannesburg. After completing her tertiary studies, she was recruited by Telkom as a customer service representative. While working for Telkom, she studied towards her Master in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of South Africa.
“Soon after completing my matric I met my life partner, Riaz Mayet, and we got married. I was only 18 at the time,” said Mayet.
“We have two children Muhammed (17) and Maliha (9). After six years at Telkom, just as my son started school, I decided to resign. The continuous travelling for work was not working out for me and I missed my family. I chose a different route and studied beauty therapy at the internationally accredited City and Guilds International. I completed the course with distinction.”
Mayet’s first career choice was fashion design but she loved embellishing her relatives’ outfits with beads and adding special touches to clothing. Although her work is appreciated, there are the odd occasions when her designs have got her into trouble, she said. Fate led her to her true calling of entrepreneurship.
Competing in the entertainment industry is not for the faint hearted, Mayet said. She loves the adrenaline rush of promotions and events management and prefers to be hands-on in every project. She says this is the secret to every event she holds being sold out. Mayet is also involved in charity events for various organisations working with children, the elderly and women, as well as doing her bit for war-torn Syria.
She will make her debut in the local film industry soon as line producer for the well-known comedy producer and director Kumaran Naidu’s upcoming film. Production will begin in Johannesburg early next year. .
Despite having a tight work schedule Mayet makes time for the people that matter to her most – her family.
“I love my time with my family. We enjoy board games and the movies, and I look forward to baking their favourite chocolate flake cake for them. Baking helps me de-stress. I also try to read as much as I can. I am the ultimate bookworm,” she said. “Being an extrovert with a strong personality, I tend to attract like-minded people. I don’t like to see people upset or unhappy. My motto is: ‘You’re never fully dressed until you put on a smile’. I love giving people a reason to smile and laugh.”
In the future, Mayet plans extending her WOW awards and promotion and events company to international shores.