If you were a 68-year-old accountant and the catering business you worked for was liquidated you would probably call it a day in the professional world.
But Sandra du Plooy wanted more in life than to put her feet up and enjoy a comfortable retirement.
She opened a bakery in Blairgowrie in April, and also works part-time as an accountant.
Despite prevailing health issues, Du Plooy wakes up at 2am every morning and sleeps from 7pm to ensure Oryana Bakery produces fresh bread every day.
In the first three months of business the bakery yielded returns of R2 000, R20 000 and R40 000.
Why did she do this?
“The employees were in trouble and I thought: ‘these are my last years, what am I going to do in my last years, sit and mope?’ I took a chance. I don’t want someone to look after me. I don’t want lots of money. In three years I want to travel and I want the workers to have their own businesses,” she said.
Du Plooy employees seven people and is training them in baking and bookkeeping for free.
“It is never too late to start again and help people,” she added.
Details: Oryana Bakery 011 782 1293.
