African Shark Eco-Charters - Karen Lawrence's story

What makes this story Extraordinary? Shark Cage Diving, Seal Snorkeling, Charter Boats, and excitement - this trip has it all. A Romance similar to the classic feature film "Cocktail" but without the sleaze. In addition to fighting back against Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, husband and wife team Karen and Rob Lawrence prove their resilience by picking up the pieces after Covid and restoring and revamping their eco-shark diving company, African Shark Eco-Charters.

But most of all this is about a family woman, who along her journey met her Saviour who gave her the courage to overcome life's trials and then still have the heart to help others.

I am a woman of faith. My faith has taken me through the most trying times of my life, and COVID was one of them. Looking at me from the outside it looks like I always have it “together”. I am not as strong as most people think I am, I can be quite vulnerable at times.

African Shark Eco-Charters is owned by husband and wife team, Rob and Karen Lawrence, you’ll easily spot their bold and powerful wide Cat 18-seater Charter Boat, “The Blue Pointer” moored at Simon’s Town Waterfront ready to give visitors a from around the globe an adventure of a lifetime.

We are an eco-tourism shark diving company that focuses on education through experience and being taught about marine life onboard by their skipper and very knowledgeable crew.

African Shark Eco-Charter's visitors will meet up with an experienced team ready to deal with all your requests, including a client liaison, a booking agent, two marine biologists, a boat guide, and skippers.

I believe in professionalism and expect it from all our staff members. We have a wonderful team working for us.

You’ve arrived at the right choice of destination for professionalism, service, and honest business when you enter African Shark Eco-Charters at the Quayside Centre. Having provided their utmost to local and international tourists for more than twenty years, they are without doubt specialists in the field of Eco-Venture and Shark diving. Rob Lawrence, has facilitated Blue Chip documentary filmmakers from the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, the BBC Natural History Unit, and Animal Planet.

Throughout their lives, both successful business owners have appreciated Africa's wildlife but Karen never imagined that she would become fond of sharks and work in eco-tourism.

We would go to game reserves as a child and I fell in love with wild animals. As for my love of the sea, my dad was a scuba diver so we spent quite a few holidays at Sodwana Bay, playing on the beach while he went diving. He would come back and tell me about all the fish and whales he had seen. I loved his stories. I was a very strong swimmer and at thirteen decided to do my open water one scuba course.

Today Karen is a qualified Rescue Diver, and even though her days are full she ensures that she still has time to give back to the local community.

The causes I support are a feeding scheme for underprivileged kids in Athlone and I support the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). I also support our outreach programs at the church I belong to.

With a heritage of trek fishermen dating back to the 1800s in the False Bay area, it's no wonder that Rob Lawrence is known as South Africa's Shark Legend. He was the first to document the unique shark breaching behavior at Seal Island in False Bay, after dragging a life jacket behind an inflatable boat with a friend, he was instantly hooked and couldn’t stay away from Seal Island. The dream of owning a big boat was born.

Rob has sparked a passion for the sea in our family. This has especially rubbed off on our son, who wants to be a skipper, is an avid fisherman, loves sharks, and knows everything about them. He surfs, kayaks, and spends most of his free time on the ocean, with his father.

Karen describes Rob as being a brilliant father who hasn't missed a school sports match and enjoys spending time with their daughter and son.

How have you managed to juggle being a mother and a businesswoman?

In the beginning, it was very hard. I had little children at home wanting lots of attention and so I would often work late at night instead so that I could spend time with them. I would spend a lot of time trying to reply to phone calls while waiting in the car for the kids during after-school extra lessons. My kids also learned patience when I would say, for example, play with your Lego and when you are done then we can go swimming at the beach. Now that they are teenagers, they are pretty self-sufficient. Rob helps a lot when he is not at sea and is a great Dad. I am very fortunate there.

What do you think your greatest achievement has been?

As a business person, it is growing the company from a very small, unknown business to a successful one with a great reputation. My part is behind the scenes and I feel it is the most important as, without a good business structure, your business will eventually fall apart.

The definition of perseverance is to persist despite difficulties or delays. Karen's faith was put to the test when Covid-19 hit globally.

During COVID I fell into a very deep depression. It was incredibly hard for both of us. I would spend hours behind the sewing machine as we couldn’t leave the house. I also dug deep into my faith and meditated a lot. But I just clung to Jesus throughout the dark times. I really have walked through hell for the last three years, but God has never left my side, and I, His.

Persevering in faith, and trusting God to fulfill his promises in the midst of difficulties only deepens our relationship with Him.

You've been a successful businesswoman for many years, what advice would you give other young professionals who work alongside their husbands?

My biggest advice is don’t take things personally when you have a business disagreement. Do not let the situation affect your relationship. This is easier said than done.

Although not one for procrastination, patience on the other hand is key in most trying circumstances, and for now, Great White Sharks have not returned to South African shores, but Karen is hopeful that they will make a comeback, in the meantime, this has spurred Karen and Rob to launch a new business model that offers shark dives along with other shark species, and guests are eager to jump on board.

So this is turning out well and now I have a great affection for Bronze Whaler sharks and the Broadnose Sevengilled Cow sharks.

You get bookings from Wildlife Filmmakers, and International crews all the time, and Rob has appeared in many documentaries, how do you handle film crews and stress in general?

When dealing with film crews, they can be very demanding. However, Rob is brilliant with people, especially on the boat. He always initiates conversations, has the broadest general knowledge of anyone I have ever met, and is an incredibly calm person that takes everything in his stride. I personally don’t get to deal with the film crews, except on an admin and logistics side.

Divers can spend up to four and a half hours diving with sharks, depending on the season and location. There is a half-day shark trip to Seal Island, and a full-day trip sightseeing Blue and Mako Pelagic Sharks.

How would you describe your personality and have you had to adapt your personality specifically to represent your business?

I am an “A” type personality. I have had to adapt quite a lot when dealing with say difficult people as I sometimes want to give them a “piece of my mind”. I have learned to deal with situations calmly and use a cool head. I like to get things done and get them done NOW! I am very orderly. My desk must be neat and tidy, and everything must be in place. I am a go-getter. If you give me an idea or task, I believe in doing it as soon as possible.

Forbes listed the 10 worst stereotypes of women entrepreneurs: Ice-Queen, Single and Lonely, Tough, Weak, Masculine, Conniving, Emotional Angry, Token, A Cheerleader.

How would you respond to these stereotypes and how does it make you feel when you read the list?

Personally, it doesn’t bug me at all, as I have very strong self-esteem, so stereotypes don’t offend me. If these are the worst stereotypes, then I would like to see the positive stereotypes. I can assume that there are some women who fall into that category, but many will not.

What are your strongest qualities?

I am a very fair person, honest, and have integrity, (which is not often found in business sadly) but I also have strong boundaries which are very necessary for business.

Do you feel that it is important for a wife to support their husband in their profession?

When I started helping Rob in the business, my role was very supportive, and I learned a great deal from him. But, it really is a mutual effort. I receive a lot of support from Rob and he is a great encourager. Although his operational role is very separate from mine, he discusses his day with me and we talk about everything.

What is your biggest objective with African Eco-Charters and what role do you play in reaching your goals?

We hope that we instill a passion and interest in sharks and marine life and that our guests will return home telling others about sharks and how cool and important they are for the ocean.

Shark Education is one of the keys to keeping sharks alive.

First Encounters

Twenty-four years ago, Karen was a waitress at Peddlers on the Bend in Constantia and Rob was the barman, saving up to buy his first boat. "Cocktail," the classic 1988 movie starring Tom Cruise, sets the perfect scene for Rob and Karen's first meeting. But unlike the character in the feature, Rob is more of an introvert, who enjoys his own company but is good with interacting.

He served me a cocktail and that was that, and we have been together since then.

Trials and Tribulations are the challenges we endure in life that test our faith, love, hope, and more.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Shortly after meeting Rob, Karen started working in Real Estate, a high pressured environment, and was constantly struggling with severe fatigue, brain fog and not being able to work efficiently. Medical professionals did not fully understand Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS and recommended vitamin B injections.

Eventually, in desperation, I went to an alternative practitioner who said I had adrenal fatigue and this was causing the Chronic fatigue. I dismissed this idea as I thought it sounded “flaky”, and the Dr himself was a bit “weird”.

Karen fell pregnant shortly afterward but continued to work despite the fatigue. The pregnancy did not go well and at six months Doctors discovered her baby was not developing properly and she was diagnosed with “intra-uterine growth retardation”.

At 30 weeks I had to go for steroid injections to open her lungs and I was told that we would try to push for 31-32 weeks and then deliver her. My daughter was delivered just short of 32 weeks weighing just 1.7 kg. Together with the fatigue, I came down with terrible postpartum depression ( although I did not know it) and I really struggled to be a new mommy.

Although it was difficult, Karen managed to work in real estate for another year before resigning.

I went back to the “weird” Dr, who said that the only way I was going to get better was complete rest. By now my muscles were very sore too, and I thought that the chronic fatigue had turned into Fibromyalgia. After a few months, I managed to do some yoga to help the muscle pain. It was a struggle. I spent a lot of time in bed.

The blessing of it all was that I had a lot of time to focus on reading my Bible.

Looking back now, I see that it was a season of deep “planting” of my faith.

What was the biggest battle that you had to endure and how did you overcome it?

Having a type A personality and not being able to be a “go-getter”, having to rest all the time and not working, and having postpartum depression was terrible. I reached out to a psychiatrist who diagnosed the depression and put me on really good medication.

Karen is still managing her medication and is on her way to full recovery, she encourages others to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Know your limits. I still go to bed really early otherwise I do not function well. Listen to your body. Eat well. Proper nutrition is vital for your health.

How did your Faith help you get through this?

It's been a slow journey. I was part of a wonderful church for almost 20 years and the community helps.

Was there a turning point in your life when Faith in Christ and being active in Church became important?

During the lockdown, I became part of a bible study group. We work online. The material is from the works of theologians such as RC Sproul, John Piper, John McArthur, Dr. Steven Lawson, and a few others. These are strong men of God, who have taught me things like Justification, sanctification, the holiness of God, Providence, and Predestination.

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Romans 8:29-30

I spent 12 weeks studying the book of Romans. The modern Church does not focus on such vital topics. I joined a new church and had the courage to step out and become a small group leader.

That’s a big thing for me as I feel totally unqualified, but I have to remind myself that God uses everyone.

What makes Christian meditation different from other forms of meditation?

When you think of meditation, many people immediately think of “Eastern Meditation”. This is very different from Christian meditation. I practice Contemplation, which in essence is Christian meditation. The modern church today does not focus on this ancient practice, but its one that has taught me to Be Still and Wait on the Lord. Practicing being quiet and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to me is not easy because your mind easily wanders, but it gets easier with more and more practice.

Have you changed radically in any area of your life due to your Faith?

I have changed a lot. I really try to align my values with the word of God. This totally goes against what the world believes.

We are all seeing the signs of natural disasters that are occurring unprecedentedly. Are you aware of how hectic the world is becoming, what are your thoughts about this?

We are entering the end times. The busier we become, the less time we spend with our family and faith. You have to make time for your faith. It is not easy.

This year Karen and Rob will celebrate their 20th year anniversary. Not only have they weathered life's storms but are seeing the reward of their combined efforts in picking up the pieces and overcoming life’s curved balls. The dedicated teamwork behind African Shark Eco-Charters ensures that this business keeps ranking as a leader in Eco-Shark tourism with a whole lot of heart.

Be honest and have integrity. Always be on time and say what you mean and mean what you say. Have faith in yourself. When you fall down, don’t stay there. Have a little cry if need be and keep moving forward. Be positive and when in doubt remember that you may not be where you want to be, but you are not where you used to be.

By Nikki Otto: Writer, Photographer, Blogger "Featuring Life's Extraordinary"