At Petworld, our people are the heart of everything we do. This Women’s Day, we’re proud to share the inspiring journey of one of our own — Nicolene Naudé.
From her first day in 2019 to becoming a confident, passionate leader in our Bird Department, Nicolene’s story is one of resilience, mentorship, and a love for animals that has touched countless lives.
When Nicolene first walked through the doors of Petworld in June 2019, she thought it would be “just a job.”
What she didn’t know was that this moment would change the course of her life.
“What I thought would be ‘just a job’ quickly grew into something so much more —a place where I discovered purpose, built resilience, and found unexpected joy in feathers,fur, and friendship.”
In those early days, everything felt big — the endless aisles, the steady stream of customers, and the intricate routines of animal care.
It was overwhelming at first, but Nicolene wasn’t left to face it alone.
Guided by four exceptional managers — Tania, Melissa Dreyer, and Daren from the start, and later Micaela — Nicolene found mentors who believed in her long before she believed in herself.
“They didn’t just train me; they believed in me… Every small success was met with encouragement, and every mistake became a chance to grow.”
Over time, Nicolene discovered her special place within the store — caring for the birds. From hand-feeding tiny budgies to matching customers with their perfect feathered companion, she found joy in the chirps, flutters, and colourful personalities that filled the Bird Department.
As her skills and confidence grew, Nicolene took on new responsibilities, including managing receiving — a crucial behind-the-scenes role that keeps the store running smoothly.
Of course, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Long hours, tough days, and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic tested her strength. But through it all, Petworld remained her constant.
“Even in the hardest moments, Petworld was where I was supported, where I learned to persevere, and where every challenge came with a lesson.”
Looking back now, Nicolene hardly recognises the nervous woman who started in 2019.
She’s grown not only in skill but in confidence, maturity, and self-belief — and she credits her mentors for helping her get there.
Today, Nicolene is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and the right support can transform a career — and a life. Her story is a reminder that the people around us can help us discover strengths we never knew we had.
“Petworld has been more than just a job. It’s been a classroom,
a sanctuary, and a second home.”
This Women’s Day, we celebrate Nicolene and all the incredible women who inspire growth, lead with kindness, and make a difference every day. Visit Nicolene at Petworld Diep River — she might just help you find your perfect feathered friend!
Here is the letter from Nicolene herself:
My Petworld Journey (2019 – Present)
When I walked through the doors of Petworld for the very first time in June 2019, I had no idea how life-changing that moment would be.
What I thought would be “just a job” quickly grew into something so much more, a place where I discovered purpose, built resilience, and found unexpected joy in feathers, fur, and friendship.
In the beginning, everything felt big, almost too big. The endless aisles of products, the steady flow of customers, the cleaning routines, animal care, and store systems, it was all brand new, and honestly it was overwhelming. But I wasn’t left to figure it out on my own.
Four exceptional managers stepped into my path, each one playing a unique role in shaping the person I was becoming.
Tania, Melissa Dreyer, and Daren were my anchors from the start. They didn’t just train me; they believed in me. Long before I found my confidence, they saw something in me worth investing in. Their patience was endless, their guidance sincere. They pushed me to try, to learn, and to trust myself. Every small success was met with encouragement, and every mistake became a chance to grow. Their leadership helped lay the foundation of everything I know today.
As time passed, I found myself drawn to one part of the job more than any other: the birds. What started as daily care soon became a deep love for these feathered companions. From hand feeding tiny budgies to giving advice to new bird owners, I found peace and purpose in the chirps, flutters, and colourful personalities of our avian friends.
There’s something magical about helping a customer connect with the right pet, and being part of that moment never stopped feeling special.
As I gained confidence, my responsibilities grew too. One of the biggest milestones was learning to manage receiving, a complex, behind the scenes process that’s essential to keeping the store running smoothly. That’s when Micaela, my current store manager, became my next guide. Her calm, methodical approach taught me not just the “how,” but the “why.”
With her by my side, I gained a deeper understanding of the business, and with it, a renewed sense of pride in what I could do.
Of course, not every day was easy. There were long hours, tough days, and the unpredictability that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. But even in the hardest moments, Petworld remained my constant, a place where I was supported, where I learned to persevere, and where every challenge came with a lesson.
Now, when I look back at that nervous woman who started in 2019, I hardly recognize her. I’ve grown not just in skill, but in confidence, maturity, and self-belief. And I owe so much of that to Tania, Melissa Dreyer, Daren, and Micaela. Each of them helped shape a part of my journey, and I will always be grateful for their mentorship.
Petworld has been more than just a job. It’s been a classroom, a sanctuary, and a second home. It’s where I found joy in birds, strength in teamwork, and belief in myself. And most importantly, it’s where four amazing leaders helped me become the person I am today.
Nicolene Naude
Sales Assistant
Bird Department