Home - GEM's North of Ordinary

DISCOVER MY STORY

I’M GEM. AND I’M JUST GETTING STARTED.

After 27 years in Permanent Make-Up and a 7-year journey to Canadian PR, I’m closing one chapter and starting an entirely new one at 65.

Gem’s North of Ordinary is where I’m sharing the real journey emigrating from South Africa to Canada, reinventing myself, and figuring out what comes next.

GEM

CREATOR • STORYTELLER • STARTING OVER AT 65

Full story

THE EMIGRATION JOURNEY

7 Years to Canadian PR
From the long visa wait to packing up a life in South Africa, I’m sharing the real journey as we prepare for Canada.

THE REINVENTION JOURNEY

Starting Over at 65
After 27 years in Permanent Make-Up, I’m stepping into something completely new and documenting the wins, the wobbles and everything in between.

Unique Features of Our Journey

Emigrating After 55

Planning a move from South Africa or anywhere later in life? Follow the real journey from application to arrival, and everything in between.

Reinventing After 60

Wondering if it’s too late to start something new? GEM is doing exactly that at 65 — and sharing the wobbles as well as the wins.

Here for the Journey

For people who believe life doesn’t become smaller as we get older. A place for stories, connection and choosing something a little north of ordinary.

A little something from GEM 💌

Thinking of emigrating after 55?

Join me as I share the things I’m learning along the way — the practical stuff, the emotional stuff, and everything nobody really warns you about.

And be the first to receive my free guide:

31 Things Nobody Tells You Before You Make the Move