My name is Marilyn. My mother left when I was very young, and I spent many years moving from pillar to post with no stable place to call home or family. I eventually ended up at Kids Haven when I turned 16. When I came to Kids Haven, I felt love from the first time I walked in. I had a chance to share my story, and nobody criticised or judged me. Instead, they listened and gave me a chance to be Marilyn and show them who I truly am.

It made me realise that there is a meaning to life. I got counselling and I was pushed to eventually see the reason of life and that made me strong, positive, emotionally stable and loved. I found belonging, and to this day, I know Kids Haven is still my home. I stayed at Kids Haven for four years.
After that, I worked at Kids Haven as an administrative assistant. I am now married and run my bakery with my husband in Daveyton, called Avalanche Bakery. We bake fresh bread and confectionary products every morning.

We have also trained two after-care children from Kids Haven who are ready to start their own businesses. The children were taught bread baking and confectionery and how to run a small business.

My advice to up-and-coming entrepreneurs: Don’t let your past distract your present. Work towards your future. It doesn’t happen overnight. You need to work hard to achieve success.