Many might know her as the presenter of the popular Afrikaans matchmaker series, Boer Soek ’n Vrou, but there is much more to Marciel Hopkins than playing Cupido. In fact, this go-getter has been reaching great heights with her career – from presenting, acting and empowering women through motivational talks, to modelling across the globe.
The Boer Soek ’n Vrou presenter grew up with her toes between grape skins and from a young age, she helped harvesting and pressing grapes and making wine. Her father, Charles Hopkins is a well-known winemaker in the Cape Winelands, and she says: “I drove around on the farm with my dad; I had to name all the cultivars.” Marciel grew up on the farm, Bellingham (which later became Graham Beck) and when she turned thirteen, they moved to Paarl after her father accepted the position of Cellar Master at De Grendel Wine Estate.
With the winelands in their blood, there has always been a focus on hospitality, celebration and entertainment in Marciel’s family. Especially over times like Easter. Excellent food must always be paired with the best wines and the excitement around planning and executing these special family events is evident.
“One of the biggest things I learned from my parents was to be a good entertainer,” Marciel says. “You keep the glasses full, you make enough food; you know, that kind of thing.”
9 April marks Marciel and her husband, Handré Joubert’s first anniversary and while they celebrated their first Easter on their honeymoon in the South of France, they’re looking forward to spending this year’s Easter with their families. The couple met in Franskraal, where both their families have been vacationing for years. This year shouldn’t be much different, Marciel says. “We make it priority to be with family this time of the year.” The bonus is that their two families get along well and that they can celebrate Easter together as one big happy family.
Read more about Marciel Hopkins, her dreams about the future, her plans to make a meaningful impact and her courageous optimism in our Easter Issue, available here.
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