Manare opens own optometry shop at 23

Born and bred in the rural area of Mamaila in the Greater Letaba Municipality, she never thought that one day she would have her very own practice.
She developed an interest in optometry when she took her grandmother for check-ups at the local optometrist.

“In my village I always looked up to Apostle Thabo Mopai, who is also an optometrist, he really helped the community and that inspired me.
“So I started asking him about the profession and he gave me all the information I needed.
“I registered with the University of Limpopo for a Bachelor’s degree in optometry and finished it in record time.

“I worked with three different companies, but I always wanted to start out on my own.
“Not everyone was happy with my decision to open the shop at such a young age, they said I need to work at least five years before I could start out on my own.
“However, I was convinced that I was equipped enough to start my own practice and I’m glad I followed my heart,” she explained.

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Getting to this point, was however not a walk in the park, she had to endure personal challenges such as depression and anxiety as a young girl.
She says as a pastor’s child she always had to be an exemplary child. If she made one mistake she would be ridiculed.

The father of her one-year-old daughter left her when she was one-month pregnant in her final year.
She told the Herald that she could not return home during the December holiday as she was scared she will be laughed at by the community and she didn’t want to disappoint her parents.
Fortunately her parents were supportive when they finally found out that she was pregnant and welcomed her home.

Being a go-getter, she established her shop shortly afterwards which she hopes to turn into a franchise in the future.
Her practice is located at shop 3A in the Masingita complex in Giyani next to the old Spar, you can also go to www.optic.co.za.