Roela Hattingh – who joins Flow’s writing studio as a writer, strategist and teacher – relished her first day at our lively, pink-walled communications company offices in Dunkeld.
“It was really a case of perfect timing,” she says, after carefully considering her first interview question: “So, what brought you to Flow?”
“I have been a teacher of branding, advertising and copywriting for 16 years, and while I have done freelance work for different agencies, I primarily gave my concepts and ideas to students,” says Roela.
While she brings with her a wealth of knowledge that she’s shared with students at the AAA School of Advertising and Vega School of Brand Leadership, our newest Flowstar is also on the cusp of becoming a published writer.
Her first book of Afrikaans short stories, Camee (translation: Cameo), produced for her Master's in Creative Writing at the University of Pretoria, is set to be published in April 2015.
Roela’s strong creative streak also runs in her family. She describes her “best friend” and husband, Flip, as a “maker of things”.
“He’s an artist who makes everything from paintings to jewellery,” she says, showing off the intricate bracelets and necklace she’s wearing.
Her two sons, both “choir-singing, hockey-playing” teenagers, display similar traits.
Nicholas (17) is working on a draft of his first book and 14-year-old Chrisjan draws, and loves gaming so much that he’s written an email to the makers of Clash of Clans to suggest ways to improve their game.
“He hasn’t received a reply yet,” she says, “but it was such a remarkable email that I saved it.”
Roela says she’s looking forward to throwing herself into a new creative and mental space at Flow.
“I have been drawn to the pink [Flow’s corporate colour],” she adds. “I need some pink in my life, with all the sense of what fuchsia represents: It is believed to motivate action and fuel creative thought.”
And the writing studio couldn't be more excited about the new addition to the team.
“We are extremely excited to have her join the team,” says writer Daphney Mngomeni. “Having more people on the team is a relief, as an extra pair of super-capable hands is always welcome. I hope Roela enjoys it, and that she is ready for the ‘Flow crazy’,” she adds, laughing.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say we are glad to have a new writer, teacher and strategist on the team. We'd like to welcome her and we are sure she will be a great addition to the team,” says subeditor Carina van Wyk.
Says writer Sarah Came: “We are really grateful and excited that she's joined the team. And we hope she has fun, because we all do.”