Coming from a highly academic family, Simone spent most of her childhood focusing on her schoolwork while still balancing her free-spirited and adventure loving personality. Growing up in a time of political strife in apartheid South Africa, Simone’s mother encouraged her to channel her energy into school; and she received academic scholarships for high school and college. After graduating with a degree in mathematics, she entered the job force and modeled on the side. Simone grew tired of the mundane office life, and with the influence of a friend in yachting, she left South Africa for t...