Carli van Niekerk | “20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign Experience
Dr Carli van Niekerk
CEO & Founder of SOLIS ENVIRONMENTAL | PHD
Where are you from, and where have you currently settled?
I was born and raised in Potchefstroom, and it remains my home. Despite my career taking me to many places, Potchefstroom is where I find comfort and connection. It’s the place that shaped me and continues to ground me.
3 words that your friends would use to describe you?
My friends describe me as kind, elegant, and dynamic. I strive to be someone who is thoughtful and empathetic, with a touch of grace in everything I do.
What is your big, audacious dream?
My big, audacious dream has always been rooted in creating a business that drives positive environmental change and gives me the freedom to design my own life. While I still have lofty goals, I’m already living my big dream. I’ve built a business where I’m my own boss, allowing me to own my time. I work in a way that grants me the flexibility to travel, contribute to environmental causes, and most importantly, spend quality time with my children. The balance between personal fulfilment and professional success is something I’ve always strived for—and now I’m living it.
How did your career begin?
My journey in my current career began with a pivotal moment—an unexpected opportunity presented to me by a professor at North-West University. This opportunity wasn’t based on academic accolades but on his belief in my potential to be more than what I was at the time. That moment shaped my career and my life philosophy: life is about giving back, building relationships, and making a meaningful impact.
What does success look and feel like to you?
My definition of success shifted the moment my son was born. Success is no longer about power or money—it’s about balancing my roles as a mother and a businesswoman. I am by no means claiming that I “have it all.” I’ve learned to integrate my conflicting values, not balance them, which means embracing the ebb and flow of both motherhood and career. I rely on a strong support system to help manage the sacrifices and challenges of both.
What does your morning routine involve?
My mornings are far from slow—my alarm blares, and my day starts with a cup of coffee and a busy household.
My morning routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about getting everyone started on the right foot while carving out just enough space for myself to feel grounded before the day fully begins.
What do you enjoy most outside of work?
The thing I enjoy most outside of work is spending time in nature. I love living an active lifestyle and embracing the thrill of trying new things.
Whether it’s climbing a mountain, running, or exploring new countries, being outdoors keeps me grounded and recharged. It’s where I feel most connected to the world and inspired in my work.
Is there a woman who inspires you?
There isn’t just one woman who stands out to me, but rather I find inspiration in the unique strengths of every woman I meet.
Whether they’re fellow entrepreneurs, clients, or colleagues, each one brings something powerful to the table. Their strength comes in different forms, and it’s this diversity that motivates me to keep evolving, both personally and professionally.
Every woman I encounter teaches me something new, whether it’s how to navigate a difficult decision, lead with empathy, or find joy in the journey.
Their stories and strengths shape my own path, and I believe this interconnectedness and shared wisdom drives us all forward, empowering us to be the best versions of ourselves.
What is a personal mantra or quote that motivates you?
I have many personal mantras and quotes that motivate me. Here are some of my favourites:
- Never a mistake, always a lesson. This helps me reframe challenges and failures as opportunities for growth.
- You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can choose how you react. This reminds me that my response is always within my control, no matter the situation.
- No one has it all figured out. This helps me accept that uncertainty is a part of the journey, and that’s okay.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
One thing I wish more people knew about me is that, beyond being a businesswoman and entrepreneur, I am deeply passionate about making a genuine, positive impact on the world.
While the work I do in environmental management is at the forefront of my life, my true mission goes beyond that—it’s about creating a legacy of responsibility and compassion.
It’s not just about building a successful business for myself but about using my platform and resources to bring about lasting change.
I also value relationships deeply, and I strive to approach every interaction with care and respect. That balance of purpose-driven work and personal connection is at the core of who I am.
What personality characteristics do you love about yourself?
I appreciate my curiosity—it drives me to constantly seek new knowledge, explore innovative solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Additionally, I value my ability to stay grounded and empathetic.
What is your greatest strength, and how has it helped you in your journey?
My greatest strength is my resilience. Throughout my journey, both personally and professionally, my ability to bounce back from challenges has been key to my growth.
Resilience isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s about learning from setbacks and using those lessons to propel myself forward.
This strength has helped me navigate the complexities of running a business, take risks, and make tough decisions with confidence. Resilience teaches me that failure isn’t a reflection of my abilities but an opportunity to evolve.
It fuels my career and helps me maintain balance in my personal life, guiding me with purpose and unwavering belief in myself.
What does self-confidence mean to you, and how have you cultivated it?
Self-confidence is about loving and accepting yourself, imperfections and all. I’ve cultivated it by offering myself the same grace and compassion I so freely offer others.
I’ve learned to acknowledge my achievements, no matter how small, and to be kind to myself when things don’t go as planned.
Over time, I’ve come to understand that self-confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about trusting that I’m capable of growing, learning, and adapting.
What are you most proud of in your business and/or personal life?
I’m proud of staying true to who I am—leading with integrity and aligning my values with my business decisions and relationships.
In my business, this means making decisions that reflect my commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, regardless of external pressures.
Personally, it means maintaining authenticity in my relationships and never compromising on what I believe in.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in business?
Spend your time wisely. Time is your most valuable currency, and building expertise takes time, effort, and a lot of hard work.
Trust that consistently prioritising your career goals and staying disciplined will eventually lead to results.
Building a successful business isn’t just about effort—it also involves good timing and, yes, a bit of luck.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could advise my younger self, it would be to seek out therapy sooner. Self-awareness is key to personal growth, and therapy is such a valuable tool for that.
I would also encourage myself to learn the importance of setting boundaries—understanding that doing so is an act of self-love, even if it means risking disappointing others.
Setting boundaries isn’t a weakness; it’s an essential act of strength and self-respect.
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How did you feel being photographed?
Being photographed was both an exciting and vulnerable experience for me. At first, there’s always some apprehension—being in front of the camera can bring out many emotions.
But as soon as I met Monica, I felt completely at ease. Her talent for capturing the true essence of a person is remarkable.
She doesn’t just take a photo; she lifts the veil, revealing the depth of who you are.
When I saw my portraits for the first time, I felt a mix of awe and gratitude.
Monica had an incredible way of making me feel seen in a way that felt both personal and powerful.
It was as though she captured not just my face but a part of my spirit—something I hadn’t fully recognized about myself. I encourage all women to take the time to appreciate their own strength and beauty, both inside and out.
Sometimes, we’re so busy that we forget to pause and truly acknowledge our worth. It’s empowering to see yourself through someone else’s eyes and even more so to recognize the strength, grace, and resilience that define who you are.
