Simone Keppler

Keppler took Travel and Tourism as well as Hospitality Management at Pinetown Girls High School. "In matric, we had the opportunity of working in a hotel for two weeks," she said, "I had a chance to work in the kitchen and that is when I decided this was my passion in life" she says.

After completing her 3-year Higher Diploma in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management, she gained her working experience working for various hospitality industries. "I was a Chef de Partie, a manager and a Pastry Chef," Keppler states.  She recently worked at Nakaranga Hotel in Durban as a Pastry Chef.

Keppler plans on travelling the world and experiencing the different cultural culinary. "I plan to own a deli or bakery within four years," says Keppler. "You only succeed in the hospitality industry if you have passion and desire for the work and lifestyle"

She advises youth that are considering studying in this field to choose their areas within hospitality carefully. "Be sure that you are able to see yourself working in this industry in twenty years time and that you can still consider this line of work your passion," Keppler says.