Better Together: The Zietsmans on Real Estate, Coffee & Coastal Life

Couples working together, especially those who start a business together, always have an interesting dynamic. That balance of professional and personal priorities, even if it's non-existent, whilst trying not to fire each other every other day, is inspiring.

Talking to Nadia and MJ Zietsman, their personalities shine through and complement each other, one bright and bubbly, the other reserved and stoic (you can figure out who is which).

When the couple relocated to Ballito from Gauteng for a new opportunity, things changed in a way that neither of them expected. Being in the area and seeing the potential in the progress being made, as well as the uniqueness of the real estate market, they bought a real estate company. "MJ saw an opportunity. I thought real estate was for old people," Nadia laughs. Regardless of Nadia's initial thoughts, they have always wanted to run their own business; they were already here, so why not real estate? Acknowledging the hard work they put in, especially since they started Huizemark during that year when people couldn't leave their homes, they ultimately try to have fun with it as much as possible. "We took that time to spend time with our family, but also to think and strategise for our business once we could go outside again," MJ recalls.

If you follow Huizemark's and Nadia's social media (you really should if you don't), you might have noticed their very creative way of showing houses. From skits to twirling in different rooms, they always make sure to show off how a house can be lived in by whoever buys it. They cherish what a home means to people: a place to belong and return to, where one can make memories and put down roots. "Because we don't come from a background in real estate, we can do things differently, which actually gives us an edge," Nadia says. Their main approach to selling properties is to think of the people first and what they might need, being authentic with every client. "Just have fun with it! People take things so seriously and overthink things, but real estate is so amazing; you get to meet some incredible people," Nadia says.

Because we don’t come from a background in real estate, we can do things differently, which actually gives us an edge.

Then there's the delicious addition to Ballito in the form of Platō Coffee. Good coffee and a quiet place to work are always appreciated, and noticing the need for this, there are now three branches of Platō Coffee with a mobile shop on the way! Imagine sipping on an "Aristotle" or flat white at a birthday party, wedding or even corporate event. I'd say, "Yes, please!"

On working together, they admit that it is challenging at times, "Our business is so deeply ingrained in our lives that we can't avoid talking about it. We make it work," MJ elaborates. They assert that while you do get fed up with always having to talk about work, it does make your relationship stronger as you learn more about each other through the journey, "Or, just don't talk!" Nadia chimes.

Above all, they love living on the North Coast, "I love that our children can be outdoors and at the beach instead of the mall being the only outing activity available." Nadia gushes, "Oh! And also living in Simbithi! It's so beautiful." They agree when we say that few other places in South Africa can have our small holiday town structure with the potential to nurture entrepreneurial opportunities, "It's the best of both worlds. There's no way someone can't be successful if they work hard in this town," MJ observes.

Powered by inspiration and passion, it's exciting to see what this power couple is bringing to Ballito, one "Hallo julle!" at a time.

Photo: Coastal Media Instagram: @northcoastwithnads