Beauty aesthetics has always been a passion of Elmarane Van Ryneveld.  From a young age, she enjoyed playing dress-up and getting dolled-up.  She attended school at Sentraal High School and thereafter studied make-up and aesthetics while she was trying to figure out what her next step would be.  During this time she realised that this was what she was passionate about.

Elmarane decided to enrol at Central University of Technology for a National Diploma in Fashion Design, which has since been incorporated as part of the Design and Studio Art programme.  She learned much during this time.  She found her identity as a designer. CUT did not only ripen her fashion skills, but her studies also assisted with her business skills.  Elmarane has her own label called Orijinel by Elmarane Van Ryneveld where she is the Head Designer. With a swoosh here and there and a little bit of fairy dust, Elmarane has ladies walking out with stunning evening and wedding dresses.

She gets to wake up every day and do what she loves. “Every single dress we make is different from the previous one, and it is extremely rewarding being able to see the outcome of the product.” Watching her business grow in the last ten years has had her beaming with pride.  “It is a huge compliment knowing that people trust me with such important events in their lives,” she stated joyfully.

Her biggest challenge is accepting criticism. She is, however, trying to accept that she cannot make everyone happy. She talks about the impact of decisions made and how they should not be made on a whim.  Some decisions have worked out favourably and some have blown up in her face, but she is incredibly grateful for every good and bad outcome because both led to learning important lessons.  Expanding her business and creating more jobs for people is one of the goals that drive her on a daily basis. 

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