The Name
The Meaning of L'Affaire
L'Affaire has deep-rooted meaning for both founders. For Vivienne, it reflects her profound love for everything French-inspired — the beautiful country, their richness in style, creativity, and cultural artistry.
For Cisca, it embodies cultural diversity, her love for people, and the celebration of what brings communities together around food, music, and shared experience.
Together they chose a name that promised one thing above all: that every client's event — whether an intimate gathering or a grand festival — would be treated with the same profound care and creative mastery.
Co-Founder
Vivienne Das Neves
Vivienne's journey in business and entrepreneurship started at a very young age. Owning her own businesses over 40 years gave her the flexibility to put family first — always her priority — while building a self-made professional career spanning business management, interior design, and education.
Her passion for travel, hiking, Padel, and gardening has cultivated a deep love for flowers, décor, and transforming spaces into something truly extraordinary. Her South African heritage and decades of relationships across Africa remain central to the business's success.
The eventing business found Viv naturally — from her beauty, bridal, and florist businesses, clients wanted someone they could trust completely. Weddings were the beginning. Her friendships with clients endure long after the final celebration.
Co-Founder
Cisca van der Merwe
Cisca brings a legacy that surpasses most foundations in business. With over 25 years of experience across sports manufacturing, IT, education, and marketing, she has built a reputation for cultivating relationships where clients continuously return — drawn by her transparency, consistency, and genuine warmth.
Her ability to communicate in an ever-present, personal form translates directly into understanding each client's in-depth needs. Feeling seen and heard isn't just a professional philosophy — it's how Cisca lives her life, reflected in her close family ties and her passion for the outdoors.
Her ease in closing deals with a broad smile and firm handshake is noted in her sales record. It was precisely these qualities that Vivienne noticed when working alongside Cisca through sport, which led to the invitation to join as full partner within L'Affaire.
