May 23 - Lowveld

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographers: LIZ PHOTOGRAPHY and BELINDA ERASMUS
SKIN
DEEP
Petite Marché Swanepoel embodies the spirt of the
Lowveld as she breezes in on a glorious late autumn
afternoon, comfortable and relaxed, waiting for her
husband and children to join her.
Marché, who grew up on the family
farm between Pongola and Piet
Retief, moved to the Lowveld with her
husband Christof when he was offered
a job in Mbombela. She has never
looked back, embracing the laid-back
lifestyle like a local. “I love the climate
here, especially in winter,” she says, “and
of course being so close to the Kruger
is amazing. Bushveld living is just
different. In my opinion, it’s definitely
the best place to raise a family.”
Marché’s face lights up as she chats
about her lifelong passion, her work
in skincare. A qualified somatologist,
she also studied make-up artistry, and
in July 2020, Marché Laser & Beauty
opened its doors, specialising in laser
hair removal and skincare treatments.
“It wasn’t the easiest time to start a
new venture, but I have never looked
back. I can honestly say I have never
wanted to do anything else with my
life,” she explains.
“There really are no words to describe
the feeling you get when you know
you have made someone feel amazing.
And having the latest technology at
our fingertips makes it possible for us
to make a difference, whether it’s on a
superficial or more meaningful basis.”
The word ‘somatology’ has its roots
in the Greek words ‘body’ and ‘study’,
and refer to both aesthetic principles
as well as holistic health and wellbeing.
“This can be anything from
beauty treatments to hair removal
or skin concerns such as scarring.
Ultimately, we need to remember that
each person has amazing qualities
that make us who we are. Sometimes,
people don’t see beyond the surface,
which can lead to ridicule and bullying,
especially with children. This in turn
can impact the way we view life, and
I believe it’s important to know that
we shouldn’t change who we are for
other people. Everyone who walks out
our door leaves feeling more confident
and beautiful, inside and out.”
Marché and Christof have been
married for nearly nine years, and have
two beautiful kids, five-year-old Christo
and three-year-old Lila, whom Marché
describes as her everything. Christo is
a bright and vibrant little boy with a
winning smile and plenty of hugs for
his mum. Little Lila is the apple of her
dad’s eye, and has a very well-defined
will of her own.
“Christo is soft and sweet, while Lila
knows just what she wants and when.
They are the reason I get up every
morning and do what I love,” smiles
Marché. “I definitely wouldn’t be able
to do what I do without them. They
make me tick in every way. It isn’t
always easy to balance everything, but
luckily I have the best husband who
really supports me and helps me when
things get overwhelming. We make a
mean team!”
Careful planning obviously plays an
important role as well. Preparing for
the day and week ahead and all the
things that need to be done, helps
Marché recognise which tasks need
to get done ASAP, while still leaving
adequate personal and family time.
“That is what is most important to me,
making time for myself and my family,”
she adds. Quality family time includes
spending time in nature with Trudy Christo Zulu
May 2023 Get It Lowveld 09