Chandre Goosen, aka Lady G, is a true Capetonian at heart who is passionate about Women Empowerment and standing up for those who don’t have the platform or means to do so.
Chandre is currently one of 25 women competing for the title of Mrs South Africa 2021, but beyond the pageantry world she boasts a big passion for fashion, cars and radio, and hopes to one day add “TV presenter” to her already impressive resume.
Her husband, Olof, is an attorney by profession but his best title is that of “husband and dad.” Olof’s personal injury law firm, Oj Law, handles cases countrywide and has the experience that will get you best results.
Together, they are “couple goals”; a force to be reckoned with!
CapeTownETC caught up with Chandre and Olof who reside in Cape Town with their two children, Kalum and Jay-Dee.
When and how did you and Olof meet?
Olof and I met at the lovely Cape Grace hotel in Cape Town. He always says that from the first moment he saw me, he was “absolutely intrigued.”
What in your opinion makes you and Olof a “power couple”?
We both faced a lot of adversity before we met. Those circumstances brought us closer together as our backgrounds were very similar. We have always stood back to back when faced with adversity. Interestingly, when the one is weak or tired, the other is strong. We carry each other perfectly.
Describe Olof’s line of work and why it is so beneficial?
Olof is a medical malpractice attorney with a specific interest in babies and young children who suffer impairment as a result of negligence during the birthing process. Most parents are not aware of their rights to recover damages in this regard and in addition to this they cannot afford litigation in order to prove negligence. Olof’s practice, OJ Law, takes care of these individuals. He refers to his work as “trench fighting” and acting on behalf of vulnerable and indigent mothers and children against big corporate hospital groups as well as the Department of Health.
Whilst you passionately focus on ‘Women Empowerment’, Olof focuses on assisting children in need, how do you come together and support each other’s efforts?
We believe it both ties in perfectly as we are addressing the needs of both women and children on different levels. This makes our support for each other, as well as our coming together, so much easier as we have a common denominator being the needs of so many children and women.
Why is having a voice for those in need important to Olof?
Almost all of his clients are maimed as a result of brain damage. They simply do not even have the ability to utter one word. Their parents are mostly very basic people who do not understand the process. As mentioned they are indigent. It is therefore Olof’s passionate mission to stand up for these individuals and take on whoever caused their disabilities. It is very sad that in these cases, the injuries are preventable.
You both give back in so many ways, to so many charitable causes – tell us more about your efforts to support others?
We are of the firm belief that not even your left hand must know the good deeds your right-hand does. We are prospering because we reap what we sow. Once that happens, one gives even more and so the cycle continues.
Throughout your Mrs South Africa journey, you have always credited Olof for being your number 1 supporter – what makes your relationship so unified and strong?
He knows where I come from and accepted me for who I was. He picked up the pieces and allowed me to become whole again and rise way above my circumstances, to such an extent that I have become a fearless and powerful woman who will never stand back from any type of abuse. Abuse towards any person is an attack against me.
How has Olof’s law background helped you in your entrepreneurial business ventures, if in any way?
Him having been a sole proprietor in business for so many years, taught me solid financial principles. His knowledge of law and solid foundation makes it easier to venture out into the world knowing I will return to safety. He encourages me to engage in things unknown to me in order for me to grow as a person.
What do you admire most about Olof’s work ethic and contributions to society?
He does not expect anything in return. He is unconditional like that. That is the reason why he is successful in business. He always says “check your motives”. If you do good (which has to be your primary starting point), the rest of your blessings will follow without effort.
How would Olof describe you, in one word?
“Zesty”.
Would you ever join forces and start a company together?
We already have two, being ‘La Fiora Flowers’ as well as ‘Berht Chrono Swiss watches’.
What can we expect from you as a couple going forward?
Step by step we are trying to take over the world. With a supporting wife like Chandrè, I believe I can do whatever I wish to do and that will turn out to be a great success. We share the same vision.
Pictures: Supplied
Follow their journey:
https://www.instagram.com/chandre_ladyg/
https://www.instagram.com/ac_cobra_ojplay/