Maria Isabella Valaskatzis

Maria Isabella Valaskatzis is a dynamic woman, with a multifaceted career that spans marketing, media, video production, psychology and makeup.

Maria started her business career by opening one of the very first internationally accredited makeup and special effects school in South Africa.

Known for her exceptional skills in strategic marketing campaigns that impact bottom line results, she is the owner of MV Consulting, a media solutions company that provides innovative and creative services to businesses across inductries.

As the Director of VKATZ PK Media, Maria brings her visionary ideas to life with her team of skilled experts in the world of video production. Their work has been recognised for its creativity and excellence, earning numerous awards and critical acclaim.

Maria has also earned accolades for her conribution to society, receiving the Women of Wonder 2022, Visionary Award 2023 and The Top 30 Global Icons Award 2024 for her charitable contributions and giving back to society, both in her personal capacity and her businesses.

Maria has made her appearance on The Real Housewives of Durban, showcasing her personality and her abiltiy to navigate any situation with ease. Her life experiences and achievements have given her unique insights into the human mind, leading her to pursue studies in psychology with the goal of using her knowledge to help people overcome life challenges.

Maria is a remarkable individual who has not only recognised the importance of education but has taken it upon herself to create an educational animation series called Learning with Mbali. This series is specifically designed for foundational phase children, aiming to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their academic journey.

What sets Learning with Mbali apart is the focus on underprivileged children. Maria understands that education is a powerful tool that can break the chains of poverty. By tarheting this specific demographic, she hopes to provide equal opportunities for those who may not have access to quality
education.

Maria’s vision extends beyond just the creation of an animation series. She plans to roll out Learning with Mbali to the underprivileged children, ensuring that they have access to the valuable educational resources.