Nandipha Mqoco On Digital Entrepreneurship, MC’ing And Her Love For Fashion

Nandipha Mqoco / 24 / Digital Entrepreneur, Master of Ceremonies & Fashion Enthusiast

School Them: What’s a Digital Entrepreneur?

Someone who starts a business in the digital space. In my case it would be by means of content creation and endorsing products on my social media platforms.

Content Creation: What’s the process followers don’t know about?

A lot of planning and strategizing. Most of the content you see is curated but that process is where it gets fun, well most of the time.

New Year: What would you love to achieve in 2020?

Solidify existing brand relationships. Getting the opportunity to travel more for work as an MC and a Content Creator, collaborating with more international brands too. Being well on my way to achieving full financial independence.

Rewind: How did you get into the Digital and MC’ing space?

My digital career just happened to me. It definitely wasn’t intentional at all. I would post my outfits, places I would go to on my Instagram. My sisters and I would have impromptu shoots with street fashion photographers. In addition to that, my sister Yoliswa who had a bigger following, would also post me on her Instagram. Thereafter, my audience grew and brands started to take notice and the rest was history! My MC career was definitely intentional. I always had a passion for public speaking so it only made sense to turn my passion into a profit.

Fun Fact: Your sisters Yoliswa and Thobeka are also in the Social Media Influencer game, was this always the plan?

Not at all, we were just living our lives and sharing our love for fashion, beauty and lifestyle then BOOM!

Threads: You’re a very stylish girl, where’s the inspiration from?

Thank you so much! My relationship with fashion is VERY personal. I was surrounded by extremely stylish women (my mother and sisters) all my life. I would watch fashion TV all day, everyday. I drive my inspiration from many places. Thank God for the internet because it exposed me to amazing fashion from all across the globe, seeing how people interpret different styles and trends. London, Amsterdam, New York, Beijing, even good ol’ Cape Town right here in Mzansi. I really enjoy how the people dress there.

Brag a Bit: Biggest bag/s you’ve secured so far?

Revlon and Clinique have been the biggest bags for me.

Mzansi: Where do you enjoy spending your free time?

Get on a plane and fly to CAPE TOWN. For many reasons – my sister lives there, the food is amazing, the scenery is breathtaking. There’s just so much to do there! But if that isn’t possible then watching series, movies and documentaries in another favourite place of mine…MY BED, is a close second.

Wisdom: Some advice on how to stay relevant in the digital era?

C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-C-Y

Follow Back: Where can new fans catch you on all platforms?

Instagram: nandipha_mqoco / Twitter: @nan_deep / Facebook: Nandipha

 

Bridgette Makhela

Reabetswe Mooketsi On Public Relations And Founding I BAR PUBLICITY

Reabetswe Fortune Mooketsi aka “Rabi” / 26 / Founder & Director at I BAR PUBLICITY 

 How have you contributed to the industry so far?

Wow, it has been an interesting journey for me. PR really found me, in 2016 on a random day I got a call for my Mavin records (Nigeria) and they asked me to assist Tiwa Savage with PR, just a year later I was employed by Sony Music Africa as a PR intern – the greatest foundation ever! Having worked on the biggest projects; Dj Maphorisa, Riky Rick, Kwesta, Jabu Hlongwane, the list goes on and on! Six months later, I found myself at Universal Music as a Coordinator for the local division, 2018 releases had to become my babies; from Nasty C’s “Strings & Blings”, Lady Zamar, Prince Kaybee, Mafikizolo, DJ Ganyani, Kalawa Jazmeee, Dr Tumi, Khaya Mthethwa, I could literally go on. But I can confidently say I was truly blessed having worked with a quarter of the South African music industry and made a great contribution to that!

What does a typical day consist of for you?

My day consists of a lot of emails, long phone calls and seeking new opportunities! Re-Introducing myself, taking care of existing clients and ensuring that all is still going well.

What’s the one thing required when working with artists and celebrities?

Being selfless; having worked with number of artists has taught me to put the client’s needs first, and making sure their dreams come true!

Describe Public Relations in one word… 

Exciting.

Who’s got the dopest brand/image right now according to you?

Riky Rick! What an Influencer!

What’s the secret to a successful event?

Planning and dedication.

One item you can’t survive without?

My phone!

 It’s not easy working your way to the top, advice for upcomers? 

Stay true to who you are, don’t break but just crack and get up! Be open to learning, be humble, don’t be scared of introducing yourself! With each opportunity you get, whether it’s a paying or non paying gig, take it as an experience and give it your all! It’s okay not to know, just ask! Make mistakes and learn from them!

Where can people reach you?

Personal: @RabiMe on InstagramTwitter

Work: @ibarpublicity on Instagram & Facebook

 

Bridgette Makhela