IN the not so distant past, falling pregnant while still being in school resulted in many teenagers being expelled. This is what happened to Upper Highway resident Chantal Oschamann, who fell pregnant in 1984.
“At first I thought it was the end for me because I would have no education so how would I be able to look after my baby. But, with the help of my family and friends, I was able to pull through,” Oschamann said.
Due to not having a formal education at matric level, Oschamann was unable to keep a steady job, frequently changing jobs to try and provide for her child because she couldn’t go back to school.
“I did my best to give my family the best life but I couldn’t do it anymore. I quit my job to try and pursue my dream job of starting my own business,” said Oschamann.
Thanks to her hard work, and the family support she received, Oschamann was able to follow her dream and pursue her passion for bridal creations. Today, Oschamann owns a well-known bridal boutique in Waterfall.
“I always give credit when it’s due and my family, friends and children were there every step of the way, supporting me in every way they could,” said the mother of three.
Oschamann said, after years and years of struggling, she finally opened her bridal boutique.
“It took 47 years of my life to have something of my own and it wasn’t an easy journey,” she said.
The passionate go-getter donates 50% of her income to orphanages and centres that help people with HIV and Aids, saying: “A person who was very close to me passed away through the virus and I told myself that I will always help those who are affected by it.”
In conclusion she said that women shouldn’t give up on their goals because they tripped once but they should get up, dust themselves off, and be ready to go again.
“I’m a perfect example that it doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, get up and try again. You have to try until you make it because quitting is not an option,” said Oschamann.