Interview with Michelle Smith

The Interview

Where were you born?

I was born in Roodepoort and came to Secunda when I was in Grade2. I am literally part of Secunda’s local “gene pool”.

As what type of person do you classify yourself?

I know exactly what I want and do everything with specific intent.

Tell us about turning points in your life:

I was a Stunt Woman in Tropical Heat. It all happened while I was studying and from there I started doing stunts for the SABC and I did a stunt for a Winston advertisement. I learnt that opportunities often cross your path and that we should grasp them while they are still around. Success = Opportunity + Preparedness!

I was a Springbok bodybuilder. That is when I realized that I am capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to with the right kind of focus, determination and consistent effort!

7 years ago on the 24th of December my stomach ulcer ruptured. I thought it was not possible for a person to be in such pain and survive it. I really thought that I was not going to make it. So there I was lying on my “deathbed” bargaining with God - not that we should bargain with God, though. But, I really had an encounter with Him that day. I had known Him before this challenge, but that evening we (God and I) had a serious conversation. It was a big, spiritual turning point in my life.

My wedding was such a marvelous event in my life. I had a big smile the whole day! Corné, my husband, was just pouring his eyes out (wonder why…).

And now it is H2O…

Where do you see yourself now?

I see myself as a successful Business Woman actively working towards my future dreams and goals. I absolutely believe in the power of having a vision for the future and to enjoy the journey along the way. I also believe in planting seeds of hope, positive thinking, personal development and a living relationship with God in the people around me.

Any “new year resolutions”?

2005 – to start H2O
2004 – To give out presents…I love handing out little gifts without attaching them to any specific occasion. I just want people to feel special.
2003 – To remember birthdays – my diary is full of different birthdays, even of people who are only acquaintances!
2002 – Not to have negative thoughts about other people or be judgmental.
2006 - I have many goals this year that I want to achieve; some big and some small! For example, to obtain an open water diving course certificate and to drive my new BMW Z4.

What do you think about piercings?

I think it’s cool! I won’t get any “way-out” piercings for myself, but I don’t have an issue with piercing and I try my best never to judge. I do have a small tattoo, though.

Things that only you know about yourself?

Sometimes I act confident, but in truth I’m a little bit shaky. However, I always say that if you act like it, you will become it! This helps in any situation, e.g. by acting like a good sales person, you will become one. It’s a great way to help you overcome your weaknesses.

Name a couple of things that you still want to do and accomplish in life:

I want to drive my Z4, weigh 50 kg, and franchise H2O. I want 500 branches over the world and 1 branch specifically in Singapore.

If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be and why?

The Lord in person…but just not yet (physically I mean)!!!

What is your favorite day of the week and why?

I love all of them, but especially Tuesday’s. We have our weekly meetings on Tuesday’s. I get up earlier to prepare for the meeting and when I get at the office everything is hectic, all our specialists are busy, in-and-out and everyone wants everything done and everyone wants everyone’s attention and mine…

…and I just loooove that! At the end of the day I can just sit down, go trough my diary and see that I have done this, and this, and this, and this, and this…and feel good!

Where do you get time for everything?

I make time and I follow a strict diary. Plus I do not watch TV. Do you realize that the average South African male watches 4.3 hrs of TV every day? This compares to 7 years of wasting time over a 40 year working period! You can become richly influential and help many people in the 7 years…something to think about, hey?

What are your thoughts on all the natural disasters taking place all over the world (Tsunami, Katrina etc.)

I think it totally matches the biblical prophesy of the “last days”. Like Reta McPherson’s (Mrs. South Africa 2004) son said after coming out of a coma: “Mommy, you must tell the people that they must meet with God, the time is near”.

Tell us about your business H2O:

The name favourably links with our environment in as much that we have a chemical factory in Secunda. I wanted people to be able to associate with the name…the power of association is remarkable! H2O actually means “Homes 2 Own”.

Where do you see H2O now?

H2O’s core business is to sell houses and commercial properties. We are working towards a lot of goals. For the future, we want Secunda to at least have one agency that provides the customer with an honest service.

Give us a couple of tips when buying or selling a house privately?

One very important thing is: Do your market research, that is so, so important.

What do you think about Secunda?

For business it is the place to be! I think we are so lucky to be here, I mean where else would it take you 6 minutes to get to work?

What would you like the people of Secunda, to know about you:

If I drive past you in my car and I don’t greet you it’s just because I’m in deep thought!

Any inspirational words to the community…

Read…just read…grab a book and read, even if it’s only 15 minutes at a time.

Feel free to visit the H2O website: www.homes2own.co.za