Ian Ashforth showed all the traits of becoming an entrepreneur from an early age, which in retrospect was the foundation for Blend. The first hint of Ian’s entrepreneurial hunger became evident at age eight, when he decided to sell the leather travel toiletry bags his father would bring home from his overseas flights to passers by.

Seeing a good opportunity Ian progressed to selling just about any family members unused belongings. Not only did Ian begin to grow his own fresh produce rightfully sharing the profits with his gardener, but later began a lucrative career of recycling, which was reason enough to open his own bank account at age 10.

After matriculating in 2002 Ian began working for an events company as a waiter and bartender allowing him to learn the trick of the trade. Ian obtained his degree in Hospitality Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2005, after completing an exhausting 6 month practical at an event management company and a final practical at one of the exclusive Aman Resorts in Indonesia.

In between juggling studies and a demanding work schedule a local caterer called Ian asking if he and some friends were able to work a function… and in a nut shell that’s how Blend started!

Although Ian was posted overseas to do his last practical at Amanjiwo boutique resort, Indonesia, the newly founded Blend continued to grow.  Blend’s headquarters is an impressive fully equipped warehouse that doubles up as a showroom boasting a kaleidoscope of 60 metre bars in varying colours and designs with different lighting options, food bars, trestle table bars, any events related furniture and equipment, you name it, Blend has it.

Ian is now the successful owner of several thriving businesses, and Blend continues to grow from strength to strength.

After matriculating from Rondebosch Boys High, Kevin took a year off and travelled to London, where he spent most of his time working at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. On his return home Kevin enrolled at the IMM Graduate School of Marketing through Varsity College.

During his studies Kevin held various jobs the most significant of which was the position of Marketer for a publishing company. After graduating in 2007 with a diploma in marketing Kevin joined the Blend team, and has been a key player at Blend ever since.

If Kevin is not using his distinctive style or creative flair when writing Blend’s press releases and monthly news letters or delivering equipment for various events, he is mostly likely taking it easy with friends and family, enjoying a braai or a good game of rugby. Kevin is dedicated to creating events that exceed a client’s expectations making him a significant member of our team. Kevin has been a key player in growing blend from a small business to thriving enterprise.

Blends jack of all trades has to be Marc Crocker. With a diploma in Film and Media from City Varsity and one in Sound Engineering from the Cape Audio College, Marc talents do not stop there.

After working for only four months in a Pizzeria as a scholar Marc was promoted to Head Manager for good customer service and his impeccable managerial skills. Similarly Marc’s talents were noticed after working for a period of two years as a bartender/waiter at Urban Tonic, formally known as Corp Events, when he was head hunted by Extreem Kwizeen Catering Company.

Marc took on the role as Kitchen Liaison and Staffing Recruitment Manager at Extreem, but in no time at all his work ethic and unmatchable skills were missed by Urban Tonic and he was offered the position of Operations Manager.

Marc spent the following two years managing all the operations at this established events company, whilst learning every aspect of this exciting industry. Soon thereafter Marc was recruited by Blend and without a second to spare landed the position of Logistics and Warehouse Manager.  

If we need it designed, built, mended, or maintained Marc is without a doubt our man.

A natural organiser with a keen eye for detail, Shirley is passionate about events management. Coordinating any form of event could not come more effortlessly to Shirley, who thrives on the invigorating task of organising, managing and planning events. “At the end of any big event the adrenalin rush I get, feels like I have run a marathon”.  

Shirley obtained her degree in hospitality management in 2005 from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) after completing her first 6 month experiential training period at the world renowned Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town and her second at the exclusive 5 star May Fair Hotel in London. After graduating with distinction Shirley spent the next two years working as an Events Manager at the May Fair, where she directly coordinated many high profile celebrity related events and other major events and conferences for some of London’s biggest corporate clients.

Shirley returned home after she was awarded a full time bursary from the National Research Foundation to complete her honours degree in Hospitality Management at CPUT. After graduating Cum Laude, Shirley decided to spend 2008 working and travelling aboard one of the 6 star luxury yachts of Seabourn.  

Shirley became a member of the Blend team in early 2009, and has taken on the role of Events Project Manager, where she now not only manages events and her own client database but also manages the Training sector of Blend. When Shirley is not surfing the waves in Cape Town, she is discovering and implementing new industry trends and ideas. “I love the diversity the Events industry brings, everyday is different and stimulating”.

Genevieve Baretta received a diploma in Business Administration at the Montrose Business College in 2004, after which she ventured to London spending two invaluable years working at London’s top design agency, Williams Murray Hamm, and then moving into the role of Media Consultant at Kendall Tarrant, a recruitment company.
After spending 2 years abroad working and traveling through the Greek Isles, Spain and spending Christmas in New York, Gen returned home to begin a degree in Public Relations at Varsity College.
After managing all the PR and publicity for a music band for a year, Gen joined the Blend team. Managing a part time job at Blend and studying a full time degree, there is very little Gen can’t do.  When she is not attending to all of Blend’s administrative tasks, training or recruiting staff or working on site, Gen can be found working out at the gym, playing a game of tennis or planning her exciting party schedule for the weekend.

With a background in business and innovation, Gen is perfectly suited to this exciting and rapidly changing environment. She delivers a dynamic, fresh perspective to an already thriving industry, her passion for people and life and ability to understand and envision the ideas of others has made her a valuable asset to the Blend team.