The Team
The hearts and hands behind Bettie Bandana.
Martie
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
– Helen Keller
I studied Industrial Psychology at the University of the Free State where I met Retha in 1994. We became roommates and also best friends. Nowadays I have my own practice in Pretoria where I am a Psychometrist, and also an accredited Life Coach (ICF). I focus on leadership development, burnout prevention, career/life changes and life/work balance. I work with individuals as well as corporates and executives. I have a passion for people and also for creativity. I love art and prefer painting with oil on canvas. However, I don’t mind following a variety of methods. In 2018 I created Bettie Bandana after Retha requested her to create images for encouraging quotes which meant a lot for her when she received cancer treatment.
Isabel
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
– Oogway (Kung Fu Panda, 2008)
I studied Psychology at the University of Pretoria (1990–1994), but my career took a turn toward administration after working in the banking sector and team development. As marriage and raising two sons took priority, I started a part-time administrative business. In February 2021, I met Retha and Martie, which led to me joining the Bettie Bandana team. What began as assisting with admin and bookkeeping soon grew into volunteering wherever extra help was needed. Their passion and commitment to easing the challenges faced by cancer patients inspired me to become deeply involved in their mission.
Monica
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
I am responsible for developing products that are both practical and inspiring. I use Martie’s illustrations on these products to send out a message to inspire and give hope. My life’s motto is: “People of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them…they went out and happened to things.” – Leonardo da Vinci
In loving memory of the founding member
Retha van Greunen
1975 – 2024
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
– Muhammad Ali
We all have our ups and downs in this wonderful journey called life! When I was diagnosed in 2016 for the first time with stage 3 breast cancer, I knew that I had to share my journey in the future because what I was going through couldn’t stay with the disease – instead it was something that was given to me to use for a bigger purpose. With my wonderful husband and 4 children (youngest 3 and eldest 10 at the time), an amazing family and friends it would not be possible for me to turn my dreams into plans! So many words, prayers and family and friends helped me to start Bettie Bandana. It is wonderful to give something back and leave a smile on someone’s face.