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 passersby.

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 in excess of 100 metres of bar 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.

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 was taken on in the role of Events Project Manager, but has recently taken on the position of General Manager, where she not only manages events and her own client database but also manages the Training and Marketing 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”.

George is the newest member to join the Blend Team on a full time basis, although he has been a member of the Blend family since 2007. George was first introduced to the hard-workings of Blend at the 2007 J&B Met, and has since then become Blends number one all rounder.

After Matriculating in 2005, from Ronderbosch Boys’ High School, George went on to study a diploma in Hospitality Management at the esteemed International Hotel School. George was paired up with the 5 Star Lagoon Beach Hotel, where he completed his practical training for the duration of his studies.

In 2006, George worked part time at the Subarshi restaurant, and later that year assisted in the Hospitality sector of the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar, where he worked as a barrister and managed the receiving of all inventories.

George’s tenacious attitude was evident then already, by always managing a part time job while completing his academics, whether it be working at popular bars and restaurants or coaching Waterpolo at his old school, he was determined to obtain as much management and industry related experience as possible.

George completed the final practical component of his studies on board one the 6 Star Luxury Yachts of Seabourn. After graduating earlier this year, George joined the Blend team in the position of Logistics and Operations Manager. George with his positive attitude and warm smile, ensures that BLEND delivers the highest quality of professionalism it has become notorious for and oversees all of the daily operations.

After matriculating in 2006 from Wynberg Girls High School, Amy went on to study a diploma in Marketing at the IMM Graduate School of Marketing.

Throughout high school and college Amy held various part time jobs working in the fields of hospitality and customer service. One of the positions she held was at the esteemed Chelsea Aesthetic Centre, during which time Amy was able to further develop her excellent customer relations skills and feed her passion for dealing with people.

After graduating Amy took up employment as an au pair, and part time casual employment at Blend. Amy’s passion for the events industry, experience and competence was quickly noticed by Blend and in no time Amy had taken up the full-time position of Staffing Manager. Amy, the newest addition to the Blend Team, handles this demanding and complex role effortlessly and with determination. Amy has so quickly become an imperative member of the Blend family whom Blend could not do without.

Amy is an organised, dedicated and driven individual, and when she is not liaising with staff or replying to all her incoming messages, she enjoys a night out with friends.