Mihlali Ndamase / 22 / Certified Makeup Artist, Brand Strategist, Beauty Content Curator & Co-Founder of Siyasizana Foundation
Content: What does this word mean to you?
Documenting and sharing what brings fulfillment to you.
In this era of social media, how did you become a Digital Entrepreneur?
As my brand grew, I started to understand it’s value and the value it brought to the brands I collaborated with, that’s when I decided to turn content curating into a business.
You’ve made a big name for yourself within the beauty space through your YouTube channel, has this always been your passion?
Yes it has, I started watching Beauty YouTubers at age of 15. I drew a lot of inspiration from them when I finally decided to start my channel.
What does it mean to you to hold an Influencer label?
Being an Influencer means to have the ability to influence the purchase decision of others because of one’s authority, knowledge, position and relationship with their audience. Being regarded as one is honestly such an honour, especially when you work on such platforms, it benefits your business immensely because brands are then able to trust you with their product.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different, it honestly depends. Sometimes I wake up, go to the gym, come home and shower and begin filming or shooting content. Other days I have shoots in studio or outdoors, depending on who I am shooting for and what the style of the shoot is, then there are meetings in between. Some days are purely for relaxation and unwinding. I either spend them at home alone, or out with friends or family.
You’re the co-founder of Siyasizana Foundation, what is it all about?
Siyasizana Foundation is a non-profit organisation which was founded by myself and Dineo Nono in 2017. We focus on addressing various needs in society, our projects consist of assisting everyone. We have worked closely with Thusong Youth Centre in Alexandra by throwing annual Christmas parties for the children, feeding them and supplying them with uniforms, clothes and blankets for the Winter season. We have also done baby drives (where we supply homes which house abandoned babies with food and clothing), pad drives, Winter clothing drives and book drives. We aim to grow and continue to empower men and women in our community and some day across South Africa.
Congratulations on winning the Cosmopolitan ‘Influencer of the Year Sparkle Award’, some advice to young ladies that look up to you?
Be very persistent in following your dreams, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise because your dreams are valid.
Pick one: Travel or Fashion?
Surely picking one should be illegal! I would have to go with travel.
Any exciting projects you’re working on for the rest of 2019?
More Masterclasses are to come, look out for ‘Beauty and The Beat’ in Durban, Cape Town and all over South Africa. I am also working on some exciting products and there is more growth and expansion to come for the Mihlali brand, I can’t give away too much so keep a lookout!
Follow Mihlali!
Instagram: @mihlalii_n
Twitter: @mihlalii_n
Facebook: @MihlaliiNdamase
-Bridgette Makhela
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