Mar08
02
South African Blog Showcase: Beverley Merriman (feistyfemale.com)
A couple of weeks back I wrote a post expressing a desire to see more of South Africa’s (possibly) lesser known blogs and bloggers in the ‘limelight’. It’s high time we saw some new talent coming to the fore in the SA blogosphere - it certainly is out there.
I’ve had a few people write to me since then asking that I ‘review’ their sites - this is not really about reviewing (though I did make the error of using that word in the original post), as I simply don’t think I’m qualified to be a reviewer of other people’s blogs. It is rather an attempt to highlight exciting new talent and significant effort by bloggers who find themselves on the fringe and would like a bit of free marketing 
First in line is Beverley Merriman, who publishes herself at www.feistyfemale.com. Beverley is certainly not a complete stranger to me or the rest of the blogosphere, she has made her presence felt at a few 27dinners (one of which she flew up to Jozi especially for!) and needs to be acknowledged right off the bat for her innate networking and social skills - she’s a natural connector and a real pleasure to be around.
Her blog is, in her own words, “a log of my activities, achievements, disappointments, and “scattered thoughts”. It also includes my inspirational and motivational quips (often demanded at the networking functions and business meetings). Most importantly it is a log of my personal beliefs, which I hope will positively influence people I come into contact with.” In reading what she writes and having met her in person, I am struck at her maturity and seemingly single-mindedness of purpose. Bev knows what she wants, is empowered and smart, and will probably land up getting it as a result.
It’s no surprise then that she is already involved in a range of projects, from her own promotions and events gig Ripple Promotions to freelance collaborative Spellbinder Media, a blogging workshop she runs in George with Stii and a blog on Thought Leader to top it all off. At only 24 she has achieved some significant stuff and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.
She is one to watch, her blog is one to read, and altogether Feisty Female is a very welcome addition to the male-geek-dominated SA blogosphere! Keep up the great work Bev…
And she’s a doll!!! She deserves all the credit she gets. Mysterious at times, but the genius can’t help but show.
She is a fantastic person to watch. She is also a really friendly and generally nice person. Mental note - spend more time chatting to Bev!
… jeez, these young whipper snappers coming along and putting old fogeys like me to pasture …
Mike: Jeepers. Speechless on my side… thanks for the awesome post!
Henre: Mysterious is part of my charm.
Paul: See you at the Jozi 27 dinner!
[...] Mike was an absolute sweetheart and selected FeistyFemale for the very first post of the showcase! Thanks Mike, you rock! Check it out here: South African Blog Showcase: Beverley Merriman (feistyfemale.com) [...]
Great post Mike.
Bev is truly one of SA’s most inspirational and thought provoking writers, both on her FeistyFemale blog as well as the Thought Leader platform. I’m glad to see you giving this exposure where its due, as there is so much value to a wider audience waiting for writing like Bev’s.
Excellent choice!
And really good at Friday dancing too
Mike, your blog showcase is a great idea and Bev is a very worthy choice. I’ve only been blogging for just over a week (complete newbie) but I’ve been very fortunate to learn from Bev. She really goes out of her way to help - a warm and genuine person.
Oh and I’m looking forward to joining Bev and the crew at Mango OMC for a Friday dance soon.
Hope to see you there too, Rafiq.