PHOTOGRAPHY FEATUREWE TAKE YOU THROUGH A SHOOT BY THABANG MOKHELE AND NDLALIFA MQWATHI

Model- Ndlalifa Mqwathi Photographer- Samuel Mokhele

Thato shot by @jdart_24 Make up by @lesa_moloto

AN ENTERTAINER IN HER OWN LEAGUE.

Thato immaculate Mokoena is a young creative born and bred in Meyerton. She has taken the Vaal by storm with her videos. She’s either dancing, being featured in national TV ads or she’s leaving us in stiches on her skits. She’s an accountant during weekdays and her weekends are spent shooting content for her social media platforms. This is her story. What is it like balancing your profession and your personal life? Do you ever feel the need to choose one over the other? It’s extremely difficult to balance the two. One often has to be compromised in place of the other , so what I try to do is to stick to strict deadlines and schedules so for example on weekdays I will work an extra 2 hours so that I can have time on a Saturday to myself and attend to my personal life without deadlines looming in the back. Tell us about your YouTube channel. What’s it like being a YouTuber? How do you come up with content? The name of my YouTube channel is Thato Immaculate and I just hit 1k subscribers! Being a YouTuber is a lot of fun but also a lot of work you can film for 2 hours for a 10 minute YouTube video that will take an additional hour to edit. It is however the most fulfilling thing because I sit down and I am just myself…so that’s how I create my content I speak about and film all the things that I love and I am passionate about with a dash of humour and a lot of my crazy personality.

Our theme for this issue is “Women in power”. What would you say is your power? It’s going to sound cliché but I always say that your biggest power is that you are you. No one has ever seen a person exactly like you. You are the first and only of your kind and that is powerful. Now add the fact that you are a woman, a nurturer, a life-giver and a pillar for society? Absolutely special! How do you think your talent has impacted the Vaal? I think that the only impact my talent has had is to show everyone from the Vaal that you can do absolutely anything you put your mind to, you don’t need fancy equipment and props just work with what you have and sooner or later someone will notice. Does being based in the Vaal limit you in any way in terms of expressing your creativity? Meeting other creatives? For many years this was my excuse, there are not enough opportunities in the Vaal like theaters, talent agencies and even access to the entertainment industry because the entertainment industry is in Joburg. However, for the past year I saw this as an opportunity rather than a set-back, it means we have the power to create our own industry and platforms, there are no gatekeepers which is great. All you need to do is take out your phone and create because the power is now in what you create rather than where you are from thanks to social media. Anyone can go viral; anyone can be seen and anyone can create their own platform all you need to do is create good content.

What’s the importance of collaboration in the Vaal creative industry? Extremely important, crucial! Collaboration in any industry is vital , it exposes you to a market that you never would have been exposed to on your own and like the word of God says “Two hands are better than one because they have a good return for their labour”. There is power in numbers and the more people you can collaborate with the better for both of you.

You are an open person on social media. What’s the one thing no one knows about you? Quite a lot of things (laughs) I don’t really express my inner most feelings I would rather discuss what happened to me and not really delve into how I feel about it, so I guess that , that’s what people don’t know about me I am extremely guarded with my emotions. Something a little light-hearted is that I speak Afrikaans fluently because I went to an Afrikaans high school.

How has Covid affected you? COVID has been tough and for the most part scary. My mother and grandmother tested positive for COVID and that was emotionally taxing. It has also affected my finances because besides being an accountant I am also an event MC and dancer and due to lockdown regulations events and shows were cancelled and it has been extremely tough. However on the positive side I have been able to create way more content and that has been a blessing in disguise because due to the content I created I landed an Outsurance Ad which was amazing.

What kind of child were you? Loud, energetic, confident, a class-clown and extremely active because I was an athlete, netball player and hockey player. I was also a nerd because I always received academic excellence awards and certificates throughout primary school and high school.

Tell us about the team that helps your brand. Who are they and what are their roles? My team is people that I have collaborated with where our main goal is to help each other grow and I am truly grateful for them wouldn’t be here without them. They consist of Sebo Marobela, the owner of Caraci Clothing is who is passionate about African design and African prints, so whenever I need to look really good I call him up and he delivers i.e this top on the cover. I work with Sizwe Mahlaha who is an amazing D.O.P he shoots for the Cup of T talk show and ensures that my vision comes to life and then I work with him on his projects as an actress and model, we also recently started producing really funny comedy skits. I work with Reuben Motsepe as well who is also a D.O.P for the Cup of T talk show the episode with Maps Cressking was shot by him and Sizwe and was edited by him. I recently started working with Jean-Jacques from “JD Art” who takes great photos and amazing dance videos of me. They are not just a team they are my family and I would mountains for them and they would do the same for me, I thank God for them every day. The most important people on team are my mom and dad, bless their hearts, they are there to support every step of the way.

What piece if advice would you give to aspiring YouTubers? Just do it! Just go for it, be yourself all the way through it’s about YOU it’s in the name “YOUtube”. Don’t stress about equipment, ring lights and mics just start , if you give people something great they will tune in every time you post and be consistent don’t give up, persevere.

Soaicls: YouTube: Thato Immaculate Twitter- @callherthato Facebook- Page name- Thato Immaculate Mokoena Instagram- @callherthato

The mutlifaceted beauty

Nkosazana Ramahali-Kumalo is a dynamic and multifaceted creative. She is hardworking, determined and honest to the core. She is the owner of BraidsbyNKR which she started 6 years ago. She has come a long way in her entrepreneurial journey. This is her story

Tell us a little more about your business. BraidedbyNKR is a braids based business that I started actually about 6 years ago I just didn’t charge people for the hairstyles back then. I only started becoming serious with the business in 2019, and I must say I’ve come a long way and I’m not even half way to where I want to be yet. I still want to grow a lot in this hair business and definitely get more clientele.

When and how did the idea for your business come about? The idea to actually drive my talent to an actual business came in 2018/2019 when I needed a steady stream of income on my terms. I knew I needed to rely on something I was already great at and that so happened to be braiding that I started in boarding school. I started learning how to create different styles of braids on my own head and close friends first before I had enough confidence to start charging people for my services.

What have been some oyour challenges and how did you overcome them? The main challenge I faced and still face is learning new hairstyle in the time needed while they’re still relevant. It’s been an interesting challenge actually because of trends constantly changes. It keeps you on your toes and it’s a constant reminder that you can’t fall behind because your customers always want to be trendy.

How do you conceptualize new styles and where do you draw your inspiration? I do a lot of planning and a lot of research. I spend a lot of my time on YouTube to see how I can better my craft. I would never braid a new hairstyle on someone before trying it on myself first. I draw a lot of inspiration from what is trendy, beautiful and of course what the client wants.

How do you build and maintain a healthy relationship with your clients? I try to be as efficient as possible and communicate with my clients when I’m doing their hair. I never allow a client to leave without being satisfied and I think this is what makes my clients return, and more than anything I really do try create some sort of communication with my clients so they feel at ease with me doing their hair. What would you say are the top three traits required to become a successful business woman? You need to be resilient, especially in the hair industry because hairstyles keep changing. Always be willing to learn. Be good with people. Have customer service so that customers keep coming back. Make sure you do your job so well that they don’t have space to complain.

What has been your key driving force to becoming a young black woman in business?

I had a very independent mother that taught us about money, saving and all that jazz. She is one of my driving forces. I love doing things myself and having control when it comes to what I do, and starting this business has afforded me the chance to do that. I get a chance to do things on my own terms.

How do you market/advertise your business, and what has been the outcome?

I market my business mostly on social media. I first tried going the flyer route but realised that people don’t really pay attention to them. I then came up with the idea of promoting my business on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It was a trend and it made sense because a lot of businesses were making a lot of money from advertising on social media platforms. The algorithm actually assisted me to promote my service to the specific area I live in, which is the Vaal triangle.

What does being a fearless woman in business mean to you and how do you portray this through your brand? To me it means being able to fight back all the stereotypes associated with how women in business are. Being able to react to the number of obstacles we face from those who still expect us to act in the same manner of that patriarchal point of thinking. Be able to accept the possibility of failure and finding solutions from my experiences as well as from those who have walked in a similar path. Even in those challenges I have to be able to take myself out of a comfort zone, be able to reinvent myself and the business as well as being humble enough to ask for help if I need it. The mere fact that I started this business without backup or a trust fund honestly means I’m fearless. I took a huge risk in deciding to not work for someone. I witnessed a lot of graduates sitting at home even after getting their qualifications. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint hearted. Me taking that step to start something from the bottom means I’m fearless.

How does one take care of their braids? Taking care of your braids is actually easier than people think. There is also this myth that you can’t wash your hair while it’s braided. As long as you keep your scalp clean with some leave in conditioner and some water and the occasional hair wash every 2-3 What is your biggest piece of advice to young women who want to go into business?

The biggest advice I have for women is that, stepping out on your own is not for the faint hearted but you have to keep going because at the end of the day you are your own boss and there is no greater feeling than that.

Socials Instagram: @Nkosazana_rk Instagram Business Acc: @braidedbyNKR

Lauren Kok is a goal driven, highly ambitious lover of life who desires to be a source of help to others. She is an online business owner selling NuSkin products, a skincare and wellness business. She is also a mother. It’s women like Lauren who continue to show us that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. This is Lauren’s story.

Tell us about Nu Skin care. NuSkin is a skincare and wellness company which is based in USA and operates in 50 different countries around the world. We have health supplements, protein shakes, skincare for men and women and amazing devices that produce unbelievable results! We also have hair products, and makeup, and all these products don’t just claim to do what they say but they actually do! Our angelic range is the best on the market and has been voted the best in the world a few times now and the results speak for themselves. NuSkin also promotes sustainability by creating less carbon foot print in their production and manufacturing and their heart of giving back makes me extremely proud to say that I’m partnered with them.

When did you go into business and how has the journey been? I started my business in May 2020. It has been a roller-coaster of highs & lows like in any business venture but I’ve learned so much and continue to do so daily which I absolutely love!

What have been some of your challenges and how did you overcome them? My biggest challenge has been my mind-set. Believing that I am deserving of my goals that I aim to achieve. Another huge challenge since starting my business has been battling postpartum depression and anxiety. Overcoming these challenges I would say I’m still actively working on them daily. Doing mindset training either by reading books, attending webinars, watching/listening to relatable motivational content, talking to friends and family regularly, reading my Bible daily, praying and journaling everyday. Lastly I remember to count my blessings, and living in gratitude.

What motivates you? My lavish taste in things and most recently my child.

How do you build and maintain a healthy relationship with your clients? I like to check in on my clients to see how the product/s is treating them and if they are enjoying it. I’ll also check in to find out if they don’t mind sharing before and after pictures that I may share on my socials and a product review. Lastly I always offer discounts to my clients and sometimes if I’m able I will personally deliver and package the products with a hand written note. I feel that that personal touch makes my clients appreciated which they all are!

What has been your key driving force to becoming a young black woman in business? I want to own my own everything and know that I did that for me not someone else. Another driving force is just being independent and a natural born leader

What would you say are the top three traits required to become a successful business woman? Self-discipline, drive/your WHY and consistency

What has been your most favourite aspect of being your own boss? I have 2 the first is time freedom! I love that I have control over when I do what I do and for how long. Everyday can look different for me. The other one is I’m not bound to one work space and I can work anywhere in the world.

Why is it important for both men and women to invest in good quality skincare products? Because your skin is the largest organ on our body and our first line of defence to the environment we live in so it’s important to treat it with love and invest with the best skin care you can, after all it is the first thing people see when they look at you.

What does being a fearless woman in business mean to you and how do you portray this through your brand? It means learning to tap into my power and understanding its magnitude. Realising how I can be a source of inspiration by being fearless to other men and women who want to do the same and helping women to do that.

What is your biggest piece of advice to young women who want to go into business? I have a few: Never say no to an opportunity you know nothing about especially when it’s free. Don’t stand in your own way by looking for excuses and everything that could go wrong. Focus on the amazing possibilities and things that could go right. Be an action taker and don’t try to do things alone. Team work makes the dream work literally.

Socials: Facebook: Lauren Kok Instagram: fitness_and_ stuff_bylauren