Pandemic pushes resilient La Lucia family forward

A LA Lucia family turned tragedy to triumph after facing financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic by pushing boundaries they never thought possible.

The Vandersteens spoke to Northglen News about their success story, how they ploughed their way out of their comfort zones and persevered until they rebuilt their businesses.

Mary-Ann, who is the matriarch of the family and owner of Beside Still Waters Boutique Hotel said she was on the brink of closing her doors but thanks to her family, who all pulled together, they are back on their feet.

“What everyone loves the most about our new set up is that it’s family orientated. We want to show other people that rising up again is possible no matter how bleak the situation is,” said the proud mother.

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“My son Caleb thought of the idea of selling coffee outside the hotel to motorists, and I would provide a free muffin. The roadside coffee house became popular and eventually people started asking if they could come and sit inside the property and have their coffee,” said Mary-Ann.

As the foot count increased and Covid-19 restrictions eased, the idea of opening a hotel coffee shop fast became real, and so, Gatvol was born. The coffee shop is run by Caleb and his wife Teddi. Together they employ three people including a qualified barista.

“My sister Jasmine conceptualised the brand and thought of the name Gatvol. It resonated with me. I was just so gatvol of everything, and I thought there’s someone out there who is gatvol of something every day,” he said.

Teddi and Caleb joined forces with a family friend, Natalie, and the rest is history. “I love coffee personally and I found my passion in it. We officially opened in October 2021,” said Caleb.

“If you can’t get a job, make a job. Keep trying and make it happen. Share spaces and resources until it happens,” he added.

Mary-Ann’s daughter, Samantha, who is a qualified chef returned home just after the lockdown after years of working on various cruise liners.

She owns The Frozen Bistro, and is the head chef at Neighbourhood Cafe & Bar, also situated on the hotel property.

“During my time at home, I lost a significant amount of weight from a meal plan I had formulated. I started cooking for a friend who didn’t have the time to and then decided to advertise my prepared meals on a Facebook group. I received a lot of comments. To cut a long story short that’s how I opened The Frozen Bistro,” said Samantha.

“During the unrest, there was so much chaos, but in between that chaos something good came out of it. I bartered with others for ingredients. It was amazing how everyone came together to help each other,” she said.

Samantha said each of her family members had their own strengths and when they pooled them with their skills and experience, a hub of thriving businesses got off the ground.

Mary-Ann’s other daughter Candice Markoem and her husband, Marchiano also have their hand in the business. Coming from the hospitality and fine dining respectively, they both oversee the restaurant.

Collectively the businesses employ 20 staff. Mary-Ann’s husband, Russel is responsible for the upkeep and also started a woodwork business of his own after he was retrenched from the oil mining industry.

Grateful to be back in business, the family gives back to the community through the Gatvol Market, which is hosted at the premises every Saturday. Local creatives showcase and sell their goods, free of charge. All you have to do is fill in a vendor application.

For more information visit the following Facebook pages: Gatvol Coffee The Frozen Bistro Neighbourhood Cafe & Bar