Here is what our students have to say about their Bella Donna classes:
Hi my name is Fathima Moosa.
On first hearing about Bella Donna being a finishing school I instantly thought of my all time favourite Disney movies “Princess Diaries” and “The Prince and Me”.Uncertain as to what to expect from the course I silently giggled as thoughts of the movies flashed through my mind.
Will it take a team of ‘fairy god mothers’ to transform a “plain Jane” like me into a princess?
Will I have to balance a book on my head while strutting around in 6 inch heels for perfect posture? Or perhaps roll my shoulders back and learn to sit in the most uncomfortable yet elegant looking position?
Saturday morning came: feelings of dread at waking up at 8am to ready myself for my first class, yet at the same time excitement and anticipation.
I entered my first class excited to discover the so called rules of being the perfect female and re-writing my own fairy tale princess diaries.
Our ‘fairy god mother’ introduced the class and wasted no time in beginning the transformation process. I glanced around at the new faces and wondered, “Would I leave this course a new person? ”Every Saturday for 6 weeks I awoke routinely at 8am to ready myself for class.
Happily I can say the early morning dread was replaced with excitement, always looking forward to what our ‘fairy god mother’ and her magical ‘fairy helpers’ had in store for us. And magically every week presented new, exciting and fun activities. Amidst all the fun, the transformation had subconsciously taken over me. Sitting at my desk hunched up typing away on my pc, I would find myself rolling my shoulders back and straightening up in my seat. Then a realization would come over me and I would secretly smile knowing the wonderful Bella Donna team would be proud in knowing their ‘magic’ has found its way into the work place.From table settings to mocktails… from appetizing starters to manicures, from dancing to make up, from hairstyles to nutrition… Bella Donna has groomed me into being the perfect hostess, guest, socialite, public speaker, organizer and so much more. All the while looking fabulous, confident and a “proudly Bella Donna” girl.
Not forgetting able to defend myself against an attacker while running off (mission accomplished) in stilettos with a Louis Vuitton bag in hand… all in a day’s work.On a serious note, the team at Bella Donna are amazing, bringing passion, patience, love and kindness to every lesson, which truly makes them ‘fairy god mothers’ waving their‘magic’ in everyone’s direction.
Sadly my 6 weeks ended. I cannot even begin to pin point what I enjoyed the most because each lesson presented something new, enjoyable and fun.I have left with skills I will use throughout my life. I have grown into my own… blossomed with more confidence and able to even laugh at my own mistakes.
An ethos I witnessed, displayed at Bella Donna is helping each other, sharing and loving each other.
A class of complete strangers, learning together, laughing together, sharing and helping each other, has resulted in the formation of friendships… bonds of sisterhood.No, I did not get to balance a book on my head in 6 inch stilettos - but I did leave with lasting memories, life lessons and skills.
And no, there are no “plain Jane’s” among us or within us… there are only princesses within each of us just waiting to be blossomed.Most importantly I leave Bella Donna a transformed person, comfortable, confident and a beautiful me.
One of the principles that I have grasped in this course is that good manners cost nothing and that’s what the youth of today needs to know. Being humble, polite, friendly and respectful costs nothing. The course is like a makeover but not only for your outer appearance but it also transforms you on the inside and makes you more confident. The slogan says it all: “giving you an edge in today’s competitive world”. I was able to start my own association for tertiary students after my graduation at Bella Donna and the slogan of my association is: “good manners cost nothing”.
This association is for tertiary students to give back to the community by guiding high school learners to their dream careers through presentation on career guidance, life skills and workshops.
For Mrs Lizette Berry, thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. God always blesses good works. Your work is going to be rewarded. You never got tired and always conducted the classes with energy and passion. You gave us your all. You are a true lady. Phumza Mrabalala
I joined the Bella Donna class to learn new skills, make new friends and to do something for myself.
I attended evening classes as I work as a pre-school teacher during the day. I enjoyed the flower arranging, make-up, mani ‘n pedi,
and self defense classes mostly. I would recommend a school leaver to go through this program; besides being great fun but also to learn skills
for the workplace too.
I Enjoyed every lesson… but especially the make-up, entertaining, decor/design, organizational skills and dance lesson.
Bella Donna has made me more confident and helped me to overcome my shyness. It made me a better person.
Every moment in the Bella Donna classes were special… I really enjoyed attending the classes and learning new and different things every week.
I’d recommend this course to all my friends and young ladies out there.
It has helped to make me more feminine and I have been using the relationship tips to having better relationships. I can also do my hair and my own make properly now.
I raised money for the “Feed the babies fund” by doing mani’s ,pedicures and facials for my family. Gran and Grandpa were really impressed.
I had an awesome time modeling at the Danville breakfast. Bella Donna taught me to be confident and more lady-like .I would like to say a huge thank you to aunty Nafeesa and her team for giving me a positive start to my young life… you all are really stars(*)
Bella Donna gave me so much confidence. For my 8th birthday this year, I did the table-setting, folded the serviettes and made mocktails. Everyone was so proud of me. I can even iron and curl my own hair as well as my moms. Aunty Sadia, Nafeesa and Ayesha are the best. You all have taught me so much and had so much of patience with us.
My first modeling shoot at Danville was so amazing. Everyone stopped me to say well done. I cannot stop talking about Bella Donna. I really miss them! Hope to see u all again soon!
I feel like the lessons have changed my life and made it so much more worthwhile. My business and personal life has grown so much. Now when I walk into a room people turn and look at me because I have so much more confidence than before.
Nafeesa and her wonderful team have transformed me into a Super-star and made me the kind of person I always wanted to be. All the moments we spent together are special to me and will be remembered for a long, long time.
All the subjects were mind blowing.
They helped me realize the fun of life and how you can achieve anything by believing in yourself!
I fell in-love with Bella Donna the moment I heard about it. Without Bella Donna… I would have still been looking, walking and talking like an immature slob.
Bella Donna has helped me to boost my confidence and speak in public with more charisma. I enjoyed the delightful preparation of mocktails, the correct way of applying make-up and how to… live, walk and talk, like a perfect young woman.
The home-made masks were absolutely worthwhile learning. I used to buy facial masks. But now I can save money by making my own. I can even treat my own self to a manicure and pedicure. How awesome is that?
Another memorable, though comical experience was when we had to act out some “first impression” personalities. I had to behave like a ‘gangster’. I went up to each student and said, “Yo, Yo, Yo, Wazzup, Gimme yo money”. It was too hilarious, especially since my facial expressions seemed more cute than frightening. Hey, don’t laugh at me, I’m just adorable, ok.
One of my Bella Donna all time favorites, was the photo shoot. Not just because of the photographs and glamour but because of the fact that I was surrounded by nature and greenery at the Durban Botanical Gardens. I have a weakness when it comes to nature, just by being enveloped by such beauty and the creation of God.
THANK YOU BELLA DONNA FOR SUCH FUN FILLED LESSONS AND TIMES!