MEET US | LoveGreen Communications

CRAFTING YOUR NATURE-INSPIRED MESSAGE WITH CARE

I’m Tina Vlok

CO-OWNER. DEVELOPER. ADVENTURER. GROWER

I wouldn’t say I’m one to put on a show. I rather like to connect with those subjects that bring me great joy, and then put my head down and work with them. And those subjects definitely include the environment, the world around us, and the role that agriculture plays.

So I guess it’s no surprise that my working career started in agriculture – as a winemaker. I’ve worked at the most wonderful wineries in South Africa. And winemaking brought me one of my greatest pleasures in life – the ability to travel to other countries around the world, and experience their connection to the environment. It didn’t end there: winemaking even brought me the love of my life – the man I today call my husband.

But from being a full-time winemaker, in 2007 my life took a bit of a turn – one I don’t regret even for a second. Suddenly I found myself in the world of the digital, learning all there is to learn about selling an idea and a product online. I became immersed in this new world. And today, it continues to evoke my fascination and excitement. I use my knowledge of all that is digital, and combine it with my love for beautiful things – colours, leaves, flowers, patterns – things inspired by nature.

Of course, that means enjoying as much of nature as I can. So when I get a chance, I head out into the mountains above my house, and the beautiful shoreline down the road from me, to reconnect. The best bit? My Airedale and wire-haired terriers happen to love it too!

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I’m Heather D’Alton

CO-OWNER. WRITER. ADVENTURER. TRAVELLER

I’m not really a fan of the word ‘passionate’. It’s so over-used. But my Thesaurus isn’t helping me with great alternatives. So what the hell, here goes. I’m passionate about the natural world, and protecting it. I really am. From the big picture, more strategic stuff, to the smallest ladybird that just can’t escape that pool of water she ended up in. I guess it comes from growing up on a beautiful farm, with a father who cares deeply about the intricate space around him.

But strangely, that’s not what I ended up studying. It was the use of words that captured me, using words to tell what I felt were important stories. So instead I studied journalism. And then spent the next 10 years of my life working in different countries, and different cities in South Africa and around the world, showing the good and the bad of society.

Then, one day, flying back to Joburg (where I worked), looking out on the great, heaving city, I realised it was time to remember that old love – to reconnect with the environment that had so inspired me as a youngster. And so I joined an NGO working to protect our luscious fynbos-covered valleys and mountains, helping them to share their wonderful message.

Today, I once again live on the landscape where I grew up – enjoying the thousands of shades of green around me. It’s here that I’m reminded daily why I’m so passionate about Mother Earth – and helping to give her the voice she wouldn’t otherwise have.

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I’m Adrianne Neethling

CREATIVE. PLANNER. MOM

I’ve always thought of myself as a “tomboy”, a bit of a joker, an easy-going person. This would probably be from growing up with two older brothers, always challenging me to be the strongest version of myself – but never forgetting to make a few jokes along the way.

Growing up in Paarl may have been traditional. But it allowed me to enjoy my first experiences of nature. Like climbing fynbos-covered mountains until the moon came out, riding bicycle in the outdoors until my legs trembled, and creating the most intricate obstacle courses. The world outside was my playground. Now I find myself living on a farm in the middle of the Overberg, with two “wild-ish” Ginger cats, two energetic and beautiful Border Collies, my husband and little boy, Andreas.

I’ve fallen in love with the Overberg – the space, the beauty, the unique environment, the agriculture and, most of all, the people. And that’s how I re-energise – by working with wonderful people. I’m a creative, a planner. But my inspiration comes from engaging with people.

I’ve grown up experiencing many facets of life. From an Afrikaans family, to an English private school. From Cape Town city to Protem farm life. From agriculture to conservation. I’ve experienced and learnt so much. That’s helped me always see the positive in life. And create my own adventures – with a bakkie, and a few Border Collies.

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I’m Anri Matthee

WRITER. STORY TELLER. CONNECTOR

The Overberg has always been home to me. Growing up in Caledon, I spent many weekends on friends’ farms, spending time with our family dogs or camping with loved ones. Appreciation for the natural world was instilled in me and my sister from a young age by our mother, who grew up on a farm, and father, who loves sharing anecdotes and facts about anything from astronomy to rare animals.

The value of effective communication often goes overlooked in a world where information is abundant, but insight is often rare. I believe that intentional language is the key to empowering and educating others, and my studies at Stellenbosch University helped me hone skills to support this belief. After completing an undergrad in languages and a postgrad in journalism, I wound up back home in the Overberg – this time in Bredasdorp.

Growing up in a generation constantly being confronted with an online onslaught of bad news regarding pollution, climate change and wanton abuse of human rights and natural resources, the opportunity to share constructive and action-inspiring messages that effect change feels like both a privilege and a necessity.

I enjoy nothing more than using words to inform others – and no message is more important than that of conservation and protecting our natural world. And working together with likeminded people makes it all the more fun!

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I’m Daniela Martins

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | ANIMAL LOVER | ADVENTURER

A while back, sitting on a beach in Cape Town, I read a little quote that had a significant impact on my life: “Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.” Since then I’ve sought to change my life around this quote. Three years later, I am working as a freelance social media manager, and I couldn’t have made a better choice.

With a background in PR and graphic design I was drawn to social media as I have a passion for creative content that gets online communities engaging with a brand. I have worked on a range on clients, but my passion lies within the lifestyle and environmentalism fields.

I live in a beautiful corner of the world called Cape Town. Most days you will find me taking photographs of nature, reading, hiking, running, spending time with my friends & family, volunteering at DARG, or playing with my fluffy cat called Louie.

Photography is one of my great passions. Travel is always at the top of my agenda, and the thought of a life without travel is unthinkable. One cannot overlook my love of food & wine (as well as my coffee addiction).

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