Mihlali Ndamase On Content, Influencing And Beauty In The Digital Era

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

K Naomi On Her Dreams, Achievements And The Road To Success

Keitumetse Naomi Noinyane / 25 / TV Personality / MC / Brand Ambassador / Brand Strategist & Consultant

First thing’s first, how was Coachella 2017 girl?!

Coachella was amazing, thank you. Probably one of the best trips I’ve ever gone on. World class setup, music and productions. More than anything, an eye opener to the opportunities the world has to offer.

How amazing is it being selected to join the Maybelline It Girls Global Campaign?

It’s an honour. The opportunity came by surprise, I’m also the only African female in the Global Girls Group. It’s pretty exciting in many ways and an awesome campaign to be a part of.

You’ve recently also teamed up with the Reebok family, how close is the #PrettyLethal campaign to your heart?

Being a Reebok ambassador also came by surprise, it’s awesome being part of an international classic brand that aligns with the type of brand I’m mounding K Naomi to be. Pretty Lethal is an awesome female empowering campaign that made sense to my intentions of inspiring females and it’s also awesome to contribute through a campaign that can actively change lives and more than anything, highlight the importance of females, their unity and their safety. Reebok definitely created a campaign that non have done and it’s an absolute privilege that I carry it too.

Your schedule seems pretty hectic, how do you find balance?

Finding balance is quite hard but I always make sure I make time for myself to reflect and just be. I listen to a lot of music so that’s helped me through my career and just being in my own space.

Your secret to always keeping in shape is?

Gym, eat healthy, gym, mind your own business, gym, work hard.

All your achievements to date, has this always been your dream?

Some of my achievements have been dreams and others I consider ‘extras’. I always set goals, there are so many to still achieve but I’m working on them. So far everything has been a blessing, but my dreams are bigger than where I am currently.

How long has the road to success been for you?

I’m not even successful yet, I haven’t hit that peak or reached that level of confidently saying I’m successful. I’m still wishing my journey, it’s been long but worthwhile.

Only one can be chosen, which one…Fashion, Make-Up or Traveling?

Traveling!

Do you live to inspire or to be inspired?

I live to inspire.

Follow K Naomi!

Instagram: @knaomin

Twitter: KNaomi_N

Facebook: K Naomi N

–Bridgette Makhela

Khutso Theledi On Her Career, Spinning Cars And Giving Back To The Community

Khusto Zanele Theledi / 25 / Radio Personality, Corporate MC, Motorsport Enthusiast, Female Car Spinner, TV Presenter & Voice Over Artist

How did you find your way into the media/entertainment industry?

I was poached by YFM’s former programming manager Tumelo Diaho-Monaheng and former YFM DJ Mo Flava from Boston Media House, Sandton.

You hold the titles Radio Personality, Voice-Over Artist, MC, Brand Ambassador and Motorcar Enthusiast, when do you ever get some alone time?

Every week. I make sure I make time not only for myself, but for God, family, my partner and friends no matter what. I will never compromise that, I would drop everything for what comes first in my life.

Your partnership with Boston Media House, what’s that all about?

I studied at Boston Media House in 2011 (Media Practices) and majored in Radio. I then became a Boston Media House voice over artist, all thanks to my principal at the time, Ruan Venter and Radio lecturer, Karl Kikillus “Mr K”, who believed not only in my voice, but also in the passion I had for radio. Ever since then, Boston Media House has been a part of my journey and a true blessing, opening up opportunities for me in radio and more. Since 2016/17 I’ve partnered with Boston Media House to bless five people each year with bursaries over R500 000.00

Giving back to the community, what does this mean to you?

Giving back to the community always reminds me that no matter how tough my life is (and it’s been very tough), there’s always someone who’s facing challenges that are even tougher than mine. It takes nothing away from me to give back and I expect nothing in return for it. If God can bless me, nothing will stop me from blessing others, it gives me so much joy and this is just the beginning.

Where does your love for cars come from?

It comes from growing up in Mpumalanga with a family that loves cars. My dad drove a BMW 325is Coupé “Gusheshe’” that was red in colour. I remember being driven to school in it everyday with my cousins. I still remember everything about that car and until this day, I’m in love with the Gusheshe. One person I need to thank for bringing back that memory back to life is Pule from Soweto Drift Academy, who I met in 2013/14 and learnt how to spin Gusheshes from.

You’ve also partnered with Cars.co.za, what’s the scoop there?

The work that you’ve seen with Cars.co.za and myself is just the beginning of many more great things to come. It was an honour to have been part of the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards 2017 as a female judge to establish the most prestigious, credible and influential Awards programme in the South African motoring industry. The scoop is that there’s more to come from Khutso Theledi and Cars.co.za

Are you proud of your accomplishments so far?

I believe my biggest accomplishments are the ones no one ever sees, the ones that aren’t so out there, and obvious to anyone else, the ones that have been personal and close to my heart.

Your most treasured moment in your career so far?

During my show on YFM Saturday and Sunday 12-3PM #ChargedUp, I have a segment called #RevdUp where the listener gets to talk to me and tell me more about their cars. It’s not a platform to brag about your car, it’s a platform for the listener to share their treasured car story, how hard they had to work to drive the car they are driving, etc. I had the privilege of talking to Nomzamo Mbatha about her car. She said live on radio: “Khutso, I think you are one of the most under celebrated people amongst us in this industry, and I really just want to commend you for your work and everything that you do, you have your own race at your own pace and I respect that about you.” Those words from such a phenomenal young black woman, doing great things not only in the industry, but for many who are inspired by her and the hard work she’s put in, has been the most treasured moment for me in my career so far.

How do you plan on making the rest of 2017 as an amazing year?

All I’m going to say is “2017 is 20Theledi”

Follow Khutso!

Instagram: @khutsotheledi

Twitter: @KhutsoTheledi

Facebook: Khutso Theledi

–Bridgette Makhela

 

Ayanda Thabethe On Her Modeling, Acting, TV Hosting And Entrepreneurial Career

Ayanda Thabethe

Actress | TV Host | Model | Entrepreneur

Who is Ayanda?

A lover of God, family and friends. Ambitious and carving my own path, my own way.

How did you break into the modeling industry?

After many closed doors, due to my height and lack of exposure, I reached out to a friend who happened to know my current agency head. He then put us in contact with each other and when she saw my pictures, she immediately signed me to the agency under which I now work under.

Was it a surprise to be selected as an E! Africa Television host?

A complete surprise and an absolute honour and privilege. I had worked with the team before on a production for SABC 1, a movie called Zion. They remembered me from then and called me for E!, much to my amusement and delight.

Any other avenues you are focusing on this year?

I’m focusing on my Marketing agency Buzzworthy that I have been running with my business partner for over a year now. We are seeing great strides in the business and just want to continue with the momentum. I’m also quite excited for my BIG acting debut on one of South Africa’s leading drama series, Rockville, as a lead.

Being a model for Khosi Nkosi, how did that come about?

I suppose when you are being authentic and running your own race people get drawn to you as a person, so I suppose that’s what happened with Khosi Nkosi. I just received a call regarding being the face of their Autumn range and I couldn’t say no. The brand fit was just right. Khosi Nkosi speaks to the woman that is taking strides, owning her talent and is a go-getter, I believe that describes me perfectly. Needless to say, the campaign was a hit!

How do you maintain your fitness and health?

I really struggle in this department, for me it’s a matter of trying, falling off and getting back again. I try my best to eat healthy but I have an extremely sweet tooth which is a big problem. Otherwise I exercise with my mates as often as possible. I do enjoy spinning quite a lot.

Music or milk?

Music… It soothes the soul in a way that nothing else can.

Who makes you laugh?

Nothing gets me like a good quality conversation with great sense of humour.

Describe your life in one word…

Grace.

Favourite quote?

“It takes a long time to become an overnight success.”

Follow Ayanda!

Instagram: @ayandathabethe_

Twitter: @ayandathabethe_

 

–Bridgette Makhela