Though she had always enjoyed performing and putting herself in others' shoes – imagining their lives, thoughts and motives – she feared not being good enough to become an accomplished actress. So, when she applied to study at Stellenbosch University, she selected 'Theology' as her first choice.

"I think I suffered from imposter syndrome as I simply couldn't see myself having a successful career as an actress in South Africa. However, I couldn't escape the tugging of my heart and the feeling like I'd be missing my calling if I didn't take the leap and apply to study theatre." After only one day of theology studies, she took the big step and switched to BA Drama and Theatre Arts instead.

Success beckoned soon after graduation: Simoné landed her break-out role as 'Nadia Croukamp' in the popular soapie 7de Laan, for which she was awarded Best Newcomer at the Royalty Soapie Awards in 2014. Other TV credentials include the roles of 'René Spies' in KykNET's hospital drama Binnelanders, and 'Jony' in the five-season comedy series Hotel, for which she received a 2018 SAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. "I am very fond of the Hotel cast members and my character. I've learned so much about the craft of comedy from every single one of them."

When it comes to feature films, Simoné counts her lead role in the Afrikaans film Vir Die Voëls in 2016 as her biggest career highlight so far. "It was a dream role and one of my firsts – I just couldn't believe that I could get such an opportunity." Simoné was awarded Best Actress at Tallgrass International Film Festival in Kansas, and a South African Tempo Award for Best Actress in 2017.  

Besides acting, Simoné is honing her screenwriting skills and dreaming of becoming a director one day. "I have very recently been commissioned to rework one of Dalene Matthee's novels into a screenplay. Although it's very early in the writing process, I consider the opportunity a career highlight."

Asked which achievement she is most proud of Simoné singles out the way she has dealt with her emotional baggage over the years. "I've dealt with my fears of rejection and I take risks again. I don't find my worth in the amount of work I have. I am proud of difficult decisions I've made and the woman I've become over the last thirty-one years. I have a lot to learn and many areas to grow in, but I am content in who I am and that is a great victory for me."

• Simoné is also featured in a publication titled Outstanding Young Maties, which celebrates the launch of YAP – the Young Alumni Programme at Stellenbosch University. This special publication shines the spotlight on a diverse group of alumni under the age of 35.