Nothing excites us more than an unstoppable woman. We all have dreams but not many pursue theirs as relentlessly as Janneke Blake. After successfully launching a crowdfunding campaign, this Mama on a Mission opened a zero waste, plastic-free lifestyle store in Cape Town, Shop Zero. With the help of Elza and Abigail, this powerful team of women are helping their community live more sustainable lifestyles to ensure a long and beautiful existence for future generations. Prepare to feel inspired as OSKE asks... 

 

NAME: Janneke Blake
DAY JOB: Mama on a Mission to Protect Mother Nature 
SOCIALS: @justpurejanneke & @shopzero.sa

 

WHAT’S THE CLOSEST THING TO REAL MAGIC?
Being outside somewhere under the stars, on a beach, in a forest, at a waterfall, under the clouds or on a farm and being one with nature and feeling spiritually connected. 

 

DESCRIBE YOUR GIRLBOSS MOMENT.

Travelling Asia solo

When I became a mother

When I decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to bring Shop Zero to Cape Town.

 

HOW DID YOU LEARN WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WOMAN?
When I felt so much power in me and trust in myself that I should chase my dreams and start my own business. When I worked as a primary school teacher, I had a classroom mantra, “I can if I try!” I’m so glad I tried! It’s so important for women to know that we are such an important part of this world. We stand tall. We make our voices heard. We work hard and we SHOULD work hard for what we want. I am so proud to be a woman! 😊

 

WHO TAUGHT YOU WHAT LOVE IS? 
My mother. Our mothers are our first everything. Our first best friend, our first love, our teacher.

Now, in this phase of my life, my husband and son’s unconditional love is teaching me what love is.

 

WHAT IS INTIMACY?
After becoming parents (sleep deprived) and realising together that talk and touch can also bring a feeling of closeness.

 

WHAT DID YOUR MOTHER TEACH YOU?
If you don't have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all… She also once told me, after I complained about my teacher, to always try find something to compliment about instead of something to complain about or criticise. She said, “Was she perhaps wearing nice shoes? Did her hair look pretty? Was she wearing nice perfume?”

 

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR BODY THAT YOU WISH YOU’D ALWAYS KNOWN?
When I was younger, I disliked my boobs. When I was pregnant, I started LOVING them. It is amazing how they could sustain life through my body and cells. It’s absolutely amazing how our bodies grow and bring another human being into the world and how we feed them with milk produced by our bodies! From a physiological point of view it’s a miracle! Love your boobs girls! They’re amazing! 

 

ULTIMATE MAKE-OUT PLAYLIST

WHO SHOULD EVERYONE BE FOLLOWING RIGHT NOW?          

 

Thank you Janneke for sharing your thoughts and feelings with the OSKE community. Sustainable living starts with one small change and Shop Zero is just the place to learn how. Head over to their store or shop their incredible range online. 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: OSKE has partnered with Shop Zero to create a special edition, plastic free OSKE Aqua Lubricant. Available exclusively from Shop Zero. Find it here.

 

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