Ironing lady with an iron will fulfils dream

DREAMS do come true. For hugely creative Tina Isaacks, the dream came in the form of a chef’s hat.

A recently completed professional chef’s course, done through Intec by correspondence, was the culmination of many years of soaking up what happens in the kitchens of Antoinette de Chavonnes Vrugt’s business, Gourmet Caterers. Born at Rehoboth of Damara parents, Tina displayed creative talent from an early age.”I loved sewing,” she says.Tina moved to Windhoek in 1980 and accepted a post as domestic worker with the De Chavonnes Vrugt family.”From the moment I started to work for the family, I helped prepare meals,” she says.Antoinette spotted the talent in Tina very early on.”Tina was clearly so much more than what her job was in the beginning.As a result, when I started the business, I transferred her from house work to assist me in the business.”It was a natural fit, and Tina didn’t hesitate to take up the challenge.Recent years have seen her attending numerous courses such as butchery and baking.Then the world opened up for Tina and she started to travel with Antoinette to ‘foodie’ events such as the annual Food & Wine Show in Cape Town.”I was also part of the Namibian team in 2001 that took part in the World Braai Competition in Cape Town,” Tina says excitedly.Tina’s creative bent took her from sewing to a fascination in the process of baking, then the gamut of creating delicious meals.”When I lie down at night, I dream about different recipes and dishes, and can’t wait to get up the next morning to, for instance, try out another delicious snack for a cocktail party.I’m also thrilled by the results when I’ve created something.”Tina’s secret is that she doesn’t see being a chef as simply a job.”The best part is when people really appreciate what I’ve created.I’m then so inspired that I immediately want to cook more!” When festive occasions happen within the Isaacks family, Tina is always the one called upon to do the catering and “I do the decorations for even the main table at family weddings now,” she laughs.”I’ve taken one step at a time and the more I’ve taken responsibility, the more things have worked out for me.”I’m so proud of myself,” Tina says.”I’m a contented person.I feel I have found my mission in life.My objectives for the future? For Gourmet Caterers to become the best catering company in Namibia.”I never did realise how much pleasure I would get from my profession.Imagine, from a domestic worker’s iron to a certificate, and a chef’s hat,” Tina laughs, stars in her eyes.Born at Rehoboth of Damara parents, Tina displayed creative talent from an early age.”I loved sewing,” she says.Tina moved to Windhoek in 1980 and accepted a post as domestic worker with the De Chavonnes Vrugt family.”From the moment I started to work for the family, I helped prepare meals,” she says.Antoinette spotted the talent in Tina very early on.”Tina was clearly so much more than what her job was in the beginning.As a result, when I started the business, I transferred her from house work to assist me in the business.”It was a natural fit, and Tina didn’t hesitate to take up the challenge.Recent years have seen her attending numerous courses such as butchery and baking.Then the world opened up for Tina and she started to travel with Antoinette to ‘foodie’ events such as the annual Food & Wine Show in Cape Town.”I was also part of the Namibian team in 2001 that took part in the World Braai Competition in Cape Town,” Tina says excitedly.Tina’s creative bent took her from sewing to a fascination in the process of baking, then the gamut of creating delicious meals.”When I lie down at night, I dream about different recipes and dishes, and can’t wait to get up the next morning to, for instance, try out another delicious snack for a cocktail party.I’m also thrilled by the results when I’ve created something.”Tina’s secret is that she doesn’t see being a chef as simply a job.”The best part is when people really appreciate what I’ve created.I’m then so inspired that I immediately want to cook more!” When festive occasions happen within the Isaacks family, Tina is always the one called upon to do the catering and “I do the decorations for even the main table at family weddings now,” she laughs.”I’ve taken one step at a time and the more I’ve taken responsibility, the more things have worked out for me.”I’m so proud of myself,” Tina says.”I’m a contented person.I feel I have found my mission in life.My objectives for the future? For Gourmet Caterers to become the best catering company in Namibia.”I never did realise how much pleasure I would get from my profession.Imagine, from a domestic worker’s iron to a certificate, and a chef’s hat,” Tina laughs, stars in her eyes.