Grit, Grace, and Growth - Maroeshca’s journey at Workshop17

Maroeshca’s Story: Resilience, Determination, and the Power of Saying Yes

Maroeshca, the steadfast heart of Workshop17 Kloof Street, with her smile, sparkle, and quiet determination, is the stalwart behind much of the daily rhythm at this location. Her story of resilience and growth is one we’re proud to share.

Early beginnings

Maroeshca left school in Grade 10, not having passed the year, and her mom, who worked in a clothing factory, wasted no time in reminding her of the dangers of idleness.

“You can’t stay home,” her mom told her.
“Children who drop out of school end up smoking, drinking… .”

With that push, Maroeshca landed a job at the very same factory that her mother worked in, beginning as a line feeder, piecing together garments like dresses and jackets before sending them down the line. For six years she worked steadily, even as she welcomed her first child at the age of 20.

But when the company retrenched workers, she suddenly found herself at home, facing a future of uncertainty.

Finding new opportunities

For two years she searched, until a friend introduced her to a cleaning position at Reddam, a private school in Tokai.

She took on work with dignity and pride and later moved with the cleaning company to Roam Works, in Harrington Street. It was here where Workshop17 entered her story. Within months, her work ethic caught the eye of leaders like Tiffany and Q. They saw not just a cleaner, but someone with warmth, initiative, and the ability to grow. When they offered her a chance to join the opening team at Workshop17 Kloof Street in 2019, she grabbed it.

A leap of faith

Maroeshca started off on the cleaning staff at Workshop17 Kloof Street but soon her hard work paid off and she was given an opportunity to get her hands deep in some of the admin. Despite her nervousness and initial lack of computer skills, she was determined to learn. With patient support from colleagues like Wandie and Tiffany, she learned to input stock, process day passes, and eventually, through persistence and courage, take her place at the reception desk.

At first, the idea of using a laptop terrified her. “I only knew my phone. When they showed me a MacBook, I thought if I pressed the wrong button, I’d delete everything!”

It wasn’t easy. There were tears, mistakes, and moments of self-doubt. But each challenge built her confidence. Over time, she grew into the role, balancing pressure with grace.

“Reception can be chaotic, at first you can’t breathe, everything comes at you.
And I’m shy, I get nervous quickly. But I learned.”

Then came another turning point. Tiffany saw her potential once again and nudged her toward the administration side of doing boardroom and meeting room bookings. Though hesitant, Maroeshca said yes. “She showed me once how to set up a boardroom and a seminar, and I’m still doing it today,” she says with pride.

Where she is now

Today, six years into her Workshop17 journey, Maroeshca holds the role of Senior Hostess, managing admin for events while continuing to build her skills.

At 36, she’s also tackling another dream, completing her matric. Three evenings a week after work, she heads straight to class to study English, Afrikaans, Maths Literacy, Life Sciences, History and Business Studies.

“I’m hungry for it. Not just for myself, but for my children. They are my why.”

Maroeshca's journey is not just a story of a woman in a company; it's a testament to the power of personal growth. At 36, she's proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams and build a better life.