SOMA Living March 2024

The family grew with the birth of their daughter Ella (2017), born in a tub in their BKNY sized apartment, to the surprise of their neighbors. The arrival of Lotte (2018) prompted a search for more space, leading them through Ditmas Park, and eventually to South Orange after exploring a few suburbs and competitive housing markets. SoMa charmed them with its diversity and warm community, making it easy to feel at home. The family, known for their all weather walks and bike rides across town, became a familiar sight. In 2019, Kwanele co-founded Theo & Lotte, a groundbreaking creative and branding agency focused on design for the real estate and hospitality sectors. In 2020 they were blessed with the birth of Fin, the only born New Jersite in their family. The COVID-19 pandemic got them first homeschooling and later traveling, as they like to find opportunities when they face headwinds. They spent nearly a year traveling between South Africa and the Netherlands, integrating their children into local schools. Through their travels, they realized South Orange had become home. Kwanele humorously shares, “Upon returning, Lotte wondered, ‘Where are we going next?’ and we assured her, ‘This IS home.’” Their story reflects a journey of love, adventure, and the discovery of a place to call home, embodying the spirit of a global family rooted in this community. Marieke is a consultant with EgonZehnder in NYC, while Kwanele runs his agency Theo & Lotte between South Orange and downtown Newark, and their kids are embedded in local schools, sports, and activities.

MARCH 2024 | SOMA LIVING 7

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