Introducing Marizen Smit - Class of 2019
Marizen Smit
Marizen Smit
1) What inspired you to enroll at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
Working with food has always been a passion of mine. It’s a place where I can be creative. I’ve always wanted to own a coffee shop and, after seeing what Chef Jackie at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine had to offer for me, I consider myself fortunate to have this opportunity of a lifetime.
2) What are you hoping to achieve there?
I am hoping to improve my skills and knowledge. I would like to develop to my fullest potential and reach success far beyond what I can imagine.
3) What are you hoping to give of yourself?
To give the best of my ability and to reach beyond all limits and always be open minded to learn. To have perseverance and never ever think of quitting and to always stand up after failing.
4) What is your long-term goal?
I am hoping to see the world, work in top restaurants and one day with enough experience open my own business. I want to turn my dream coffee shop into a reality and maybe one day start my own catering company or restaurant.
5) In how many years do you hope to achieve this?
In less than six years.
6) Who is your favourite international foodie?
Chef Jackie Cameron & Jamie Oliver
10) If food had a personality, which dish would be most like you – and why?
I would be a waffle with ice cream, strawberries, nuts, syrup and lots of toppings. Reason being - you can’t judge the waffle by it just being on your plate; neither can you judge it by its individual ingredients. You need to taste all ingredients together to get the best flavour out of the waffle. Just like the waffle, I exist out of different characteristics to create a masterpiece that forms the unique person I am. You need to get to know each part of me before you can get the perfect me.
11) Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Bloemfontein in the Free State where we lived for seven years before moving to Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. We lived in Newcastle for three years and then moved to Pietermaritzburg where I grew up. We’ve been living in Pietermaritzburg for the past nine years.
12) Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
I am an outdoor person. I enjoy sport - especially netball, indoor hockey, soccer, tennis and squash. I also enjoy spending time in nature, going on camping trips, snorkelling, hiking and fishing.
13) What dish is the least inspiring and why?
Any dish with snails. I don’t like eating garden animals.