Marhette, originally an actress, has been seen as sexy club manager, Anke, in 7de Laan, and psychologist, Fransie, in Song vir Katryn. “On TV I’ve always been the villain!” she laughs. She believes actors and magazines share one important goal: to captivate their audience in a fresh and creative way.

As it happens, innovation runs in Marhette’s veins. Having opened her own theatre and bookstore, Babbelbox, in Pretoria, she “did everything from running the business and doing the finances to marketing; script writing; and acting.” Without that experience, she believes, “I would never be able to cope with the production of a magazine.”

At 30, Marhette is young; motivated; and very much able to cope with the challenges of her new appointment. “I am so excited! It is a wonderful opportunity to share life-changing stories of real women in a creative way. I still remember the thrill I got the first time I paged through FINESSE! Now I am proud to be part of the team of people who put together those stories that so inspire our readers.”

Marhette originally joined Carpe Diem Media earlier this year as digital media manager of www.voelgoed.co.za. The website has since flourished under her leadership, providing exclusive content to over 28 000 visitors. “Marhette has taken our online department to new heights,” enthuses Coenie Schoeman, head of Carpe Diem Media. “She embodies all that FINESSE is about and has the editorial vision needed to build on the success the magazine has enjoyed in recent years.”

FINESSE caters for women over 30, addressing all aspects of their lives: personal growth; relationships; health and beauty; career; home; and spiritual wellbeing. Will the new editor be making any major changes to the magazine? “Over time, yes,” says Marhette, “but not without our readers’ input. And, naturally, my personality will start to shine through.”

Marhette’s first edition will be the December issue (available in stores on 8 November). Apart from the everyday challenges facing the editor of a national magazine, two new FINESSE initiatives will also keep Marhette occupied: a digital version of the magazine and an online shop.