Vlok worked in the hotel industry for the major part of the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Most of the time he was in the employ of Holiday Inns South Africa but did do a few short periods with the group abroad in Europe and the USA. He became general manager at the Lesotho Sun and Casino. After this he ventured into the world of chain restaurants and, along with a partner, he acquired five ‘Mike’s Kitchens’.
In Johannesburg, the city life eventually ‘got’ to him and he opted out after thirteen years and moved to Knysna in 1997 where he bought and ran a coffee shop until 2001.It was during this time that Vlok decided to fulfill an old dream and started pottery classes with the renowned ceramist, Lesley Ann Hoets. As Vlok says, “From day one she turned the magic of clay on for me, and for years now I have been a full-time potter.”
When not engrossed in the excitement of getting his hands dirty and thriving on the sensuality of the clay, he is most likely to be seen around Knysna lending this creativity to landscaping - another passion.
