Meet Illa
Hi, I’m Ilse, but people call me Illa. I grew up in Durbanville in a home with entrepreneurial and creative parents, which has obviously influenced me in a big way! I am married to industrial psychologist-muso-producer-songwriter Jattie de Beer, we have 2 amazing little boys and after living in Pretoria for many years, we have relocated to Durbanville in 2022. Since I can remember, I have loved to surround myself with (and wearing) beautiful things – whether it is unique clothing (new or thrifted), vintage décor or handmade accessories. I love being creative and creating something pretty out of nothing and I can spend hours in my closet mixing and matching my clothes to create unique outfits with colour & accessories!
I am a qualified image consultant and stylist and I would love to empower you with the knowledge and tools I have to confidently be your unique self! I love working with people, especially women, to help them feel good about themselves again and to remind them how worthy they are! Although you are already beautiful because you have been made in God’s image (you are His “oogappel”), it is important to love yourself by also investing in yourself and looking after yourself.
A confident, strong, grounded woman who is at peace with herself, knows her worth and knows in Who her identity lies, can move mountains and change the world! True beauty does come from within, but (unfortunately) first impressions last. People will judge you on your outer appearance in the first few seconds they meet you before they even get to know you – that is the reality of the day and age that we live in. What you wear and how you look is a display of your individual identity and personality, SO WHY NOT DO IT WELL AND BE CREATIVE! To quote Rachel Zoe – “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak”.
I would love to bring some affordable, functional and stylish products into your life as well as wellness and image knowledge – and that is why I decided to give Oogappel a fresh look in 2021 with new, unique offerings since I started with my Oogappel-journey back in 2013. To bring all my passions, experience, knowledge and God-given talents together under one (online) roof to make a positive difference in people’s lives! I would also love to connect with you on social media so please join me there and let us go together on this journey called LIFE! Welcome to the Oogappel-hood!
INSTAGRAM: @oogappel_by_illa | @oogappelpreloved | @oogappel_style_wardrobe | @what_illa_wore | @illascanvas (personal)
FACEBOOK: Oogappel by Illa
TIKTOK: @illadebeer
YOUTUBE: Oogappel by Illa
Academic Background
I have always had a love for business and after high school I studied an honours degree in Business Management & Marketing at the University of Stellenbosch. A few years later I also did my CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting.
I have a passion for learning new skills and broadening my horizons as much as I possibly can and hence have done a few courses the past few years, including a Professional Certification in Digital Marketing through Red & Yellow Creative Business School, an Entrepreneurship course through the Future Females Business School, and recently, Advanced Image Consulting through the SA Image Academy.
Corporate Background
I have worked in a corporate environment – mainly in the music, media & entertainment industries – for about 15 years, including almost 2 years in London, before deciding to pursue my dream of starting my own business. I have extensive experience working behind-the-scenes on some of the biggest productions and live events in the country in recent years. Working so closely with different kinds of people has taught me a lot about personality types and how to get along with practically anybody!
Currently I am working part-time at Radio Tygerberg, one of the largest community radio stations in South Africa, as their music co-ordinator and I am also assisting my husband on the operational side of things with our entertainment company, Artistry Music Group (Pty) Ltd.
Musical Background
Music and the arts have played a big part in my life since a very young age. I have had the privilege of singing in 4 world-renowned choirs, including the current world nr 1 – University of Stellenbosch Choir. Travelling through Europe and taking part in the Choir Olympics (and winning!) were some of the best times of my life. It taught me so much about discipline, teamwork and appreciating different personalities and getting along with people from all walks of life.
I have also been part of several worship teams in church over the years. Whilst working in London in the mid 2000’s I was a backing vocalist for a UK female artist, performing in venues around the city and I also did a performing arts course. In 2011 and 2012 I was part of the cast of the Ester musical which was performed in the Pretoria State Theatre. My husband and I also started a corporate cover duo more than 10 years ago, which soon led to us rebranding to “Douvoordag” and releasing an original Afrikaans album in 2018- which was nominated for various awards including a SAMA, several Ghoemas, and winning the AITSA award for “Best Newcomer”.
In 2022 I was selected to join “Voces Cordis” as part of the Soprano 1 group, a new adult choir based in Cape Town consisting of about 80 adults (between the ages of 25-50 years old), with world-renowned André van der Merwe as our conductor.
