DW Fastrack Kgoshigadi Edition [August]

NOITIDE 1202 TSUGUA ENIZAGAM KCARTSAF NAMOW ROTCERID fastrackTheKgoshigadiEdition DIRECTOR WOMAN FASTRACK AUGUST 2021 EDITION KENYA'S Writing. Reading. Healing. Being. PICNIC DARLING TUMENLkeOse MASTER'S STUDENT, Sharon. ENTREPRENEUR, ARTIST & MENTOR SUBSCRIBE! + MEDIA MAJESTY MOC.LRIG4EPYT.WWW NO ELBALIAVA NOITIDE IDAGIHSOGK EHT ATT: GIRL BOSSES Ke KGOSHIGADI Fashion + lifestyle JOIN THE SMART GIRLS blogger & radio CLUB - SUBSCRIBE ON personality WWW.TYPE4GIRL.COM LIVING HER BEST LIFE, HER WAY! S I B I SSmangele I FOUNDER & CEO, INDALO NUBIAN NATURALS

CONTENTS August 2021 10 SHARON 4 TUMELO AWACH– NKESE MUTEMBEI FOUNDER, FOUNDER, TRUFAITH PICNIC REAL ESTATE PLANNERS 17 12 KGOSHIGADI SMANGELE RANGATA SIBISI FOUNDER, FOUNDER, KE KGOSHIGADI INDALO NUBIAN Cover NATURALS DISCLAIMER Copyright type4girl. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the prior written and explicit permission by Director Woman or Director Woman Fastrack Magazines or type4girl. While due diligence, i.e research, has been performed to ensure accuracy and credibility, any advice and information given or presented t readers for consumption in any article contained in this Issue or Edition, whether generated and written internally by the Director Woman Editorial Team or an external contributor, the Chief Editor, Editorial Team, Contributors, Director Woman and Director Woman Fastrack Magazines and type4girl cannot accept responsibility for any damage, inconvenience or loss that may arise therefrom. Please read this disclaimer with our Feature and Submission Policy available on www.type4girl.com.

FASTRACK ED'S NOTE KGOSHIGADI sepedi for Queen This issue is an awe-inspiring collection of stories summed up perfectly by one of our featurees' name - KGOSHIGADI (please, we're all jealous of this name.) And she truly is a queen by the way - she knows it, can back it up and isn't afraid to say so, I love her! Her story is on page 18. I was really left in awe by these queen's stories. You have Sharon, a mommy and entrepreneur who calls herself outrageous, Tumelo who, at first glance, might almost come across as having 27 hours a day, Smangele who's passion and talent for hair took her all the way to the M&G top 200 Young South Africans and finally, Kgoshigadi who walks in reign and navigates the media industry with grace. A note on GBV. Like we unfortunately have these last few years, we're closing yet another \"Happy\" Women's Month (yeah right) with heavy hearts and fear at the hands of GBV. There doesn't seem to be any or enough urgency in our government's actions and its frustrating. We're angry alright, but women are starting to feel like the government, along with the leagues that supposedly built for women, aren't angry with us. The people with seats at the table are not angry enough to put down their political costumes and show up with and for the women of South Africa. Everyday \"AM I NEXT?\" becomes less and less a question... and more a statement. That is why I want justice to be loud and harsh, we need justice to be aggressive and decisive. 3 l AUGUST 2021 Masekane. www.type4girl.com

\"Everything is as it should be, and it is well with my soul. I pray that I will never be jaded to appreciate a good cliche like \"cherish the day\", \"life is good\" or \"happy girls are the prettiest\".\" TUMELO NKESE

FASTRACK TUMELO NKESE I KWNwOHhWOo II LOVE AM BECOMING! AS A YOUNG WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE, TUMELO CONTINUOUSLY SEEKS TO BREAK BOUNDARIES, RESHAPE CONVERSATIONS, CHANGE THE DYNAMIC, DRIVE INNOVATION AND LEAVE A LEGACY – ENSURING THAT THE VOICES OF WOMEN ARE HEARD AND HEEDED. umelo describes herself as she says. a ‘trailblazing change- Her track record at UJ speaks for itself maker and businesswoman and reaffirms her drive to excel. In 2015 with a heart for people, a and 2016 respectively, she attained her passion to make a undergraduate (Information Technology sustainable difference with Management) and Honours (Informatics) an unwavering eagerness degrees with multiple distinctions from the Institution. “At the end of the 2015 to constantly learn and evolve.’ And academic year, I was also blessed with everything she’s managed to achieve is being honoured with The Best Female testament to that. The young powerhouse Honours Student Award. This was an currently serves as the Director of her award from Entelect and the University of Real Estate Investment and Development Johannesburg in recognition of the company, TruFaith Real Estate; is a Overall Best Female Honours Student in Master’s student at her alma mata 2015 from the Academy of Computer University of Joburg (UJ); a mentor at Science and Software Engineering Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and a (ACSSE),” she proudly recalls. freelance artist signed to 33 and Me Talent That ceremony proved to be an important Agency. steppingstone to her first corporate role. “Soon after [the ceremony], I was invited DRIVEN TO EXCEL me to Allan Gray head offices in Cape The 29-year old shares with that she is Town (which was my first time in a plane currently working towards attaining her and seeing the coast) to interview for both Masters of Commerce Degree in a technical and analytical position in the Informatics at UJ and has the personal IT departments. Both interviews went goal of ascertaining her PhD before well so the decision was mine to take turning 30 as an ode to her parents and regarding which track I preferred to their passion for academia. “My beloved pursue. I naturally gravitated towards the late grandmother was an esteemed analytical track as I believed it allowed me Principal of a school (Kim-Kgolo) she to excel in what I considered to be one of founded in Kimberley during apartheid. my best attributes. From January 2016, I My dear late mother was a Professor in then worked in my first corporate role as Social Work at North-West University and a Test Analyst.” Within 9 months, [cont[ my father is currently a Medical Doctor,” www.type4girl.com 5 l AUGUST 2021

FASTRACK TUMELO NKESE she would go on to be promoted to Junior spoken word poetry. “The beneficiaries Business Analyst. In addition to excelling academically, were The Haven Night Shelter in Tumelo was also very active in university student and ‘res life’ life serving on Kensington and Inkamva Youth in multiple residence committees, creative and religious societies and as a tutor and Gugulethu. Proceeds to an estimated mentor. value of R30 000 were raised that night in BIG IDEAS, BIG HEART Young, smart women like Tumelo are addition to contributions of clothing, what you’d call the salt of the earth. Not because they proclaim it, but because non-perishable food, toiletries, even without saying much, their selfless deeds and heart are a golden ode to stationery, books and computers,” she Ubuntu and philanthropy. Over the years, she’s invested a lot of time and effort into says. paying it forward and helping where she can. In 2017, Tumelo organised and Similarly in April 2018, she organised an executed an arts fundraiser titled 'Matters of the He[art]' showcasing local talent in arts fundraiser “in aid of the physical and the form of stand-up comedy, music and psychological rehabilitation of children with burn injuries. The beneficiary of the 'Trek for Avela' Fundraiser was the Avela Foundation. This was particularly important to me as children from my hometown, Kimberley, were helped and the Kimberley Hospital Burn Ward was refurbished with new and much needed equipment.” Trek for Avela was one of several initiatives aimed to aid in helping [cont] 6 l JUNE 2021 www.type4girl.com

FASTRACK TUMELO NKESE raise funds towards a targeted collective began in August 2016 when she ran a goal of R2 million for the Avela tuckshop from an unused cabinet in her Foundation. “From this event, proceeds to then office. The key driver for starting an estimated value of R40 000 were this tuckshop was to subsidise her income raised and the company I was working for so that she could pay her 1st rental at the time matched what was raised. property off in 3 years. “The unique spin Although the event was a success, this of this story lies in the fact that the was a bittersweet moment for me because tuckshop was run using an the very next day, my beloved mother honesty/honour system [because] I passed away suddenly. After the needed to focus on my core conclusion of the several initiatives, the responsibilities during office hours. I targeted goal of raising a collective would purchase the stock and present it amount R2 million was not only met but neatly in the makeshift tuckshop with the exceeded!” pricelist, a Snap Scan barcode and an These initiatives are only 2 of many that honesty box filled with cash for change. Tumelo has spearheaded or collaborated Trust was imperative for the successful on. running of the tuckshop as I [counted on] customers to not only give themselves the WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES right change for the products that they After the tragic and sudden passing of her purchased using the honour system but beloved mother, the young professional also not take any money from the had to make the difficult decision of unmanned box filled with cash,” she resigning from her job and relocating to explains. Johannesburg to be closer to her brother Ultimately, the tuckshop was a great and grandmother. “This was essentially success and Tumelo managed to blow when I, with the help of one of my past past her goal and paid off the property in lecturers, found a more technical position under 3 years! as a Systems Engineer – Planner at MTN Soon after, she founded TruFaith Real in November 2018.” Estate which she hopes to expand this Unfortunately, with the advent of the year. “I currently have 5 investment global pandemic, tragedy struck again for properties under my belt, across South the small family. Her dear grandmother Africa and aim to have at least 10 before I contracted COVID-19 and passed away. turn 30.” “This has and still affects me quite She shares that her love for the Real severely as she had not only raised me but Estate industry was motivated by the idea was my best friend. Not long after that, I of attaining financial freedom and was hospitalised and diagnosed with inspired by her elder brother. She adds, clinical depression, post-traumatic stress “he is a self-employed creative and disorder, and insomnia. As a result of the relying on a single stream of income was loss of both of my parents, the strongest never an option if he wanted to live out and most phenomenal, intelligent and his purpose.” hard-working women I have ever known, I concluded that life was too short not to WHAT IS THE MOST IMPACTFUL take a risk on making our dreams a THING YOU’VE LEARNT ABOUT reality. Thus, I took a bold step and YOURSELF AS A PROFESSIONAL? embarked on the journey to continue with “In a nutshell, my colleagues (old and my Masters studies and Entrepreneurial new) would mention that my greatest pursuits in Real Estate on a full-time strengths are inversely my greatest basis,” she shares. weaknesses. [For instance,] my strength is that I am a natural servant-leader and JOURNEY TO ENTREPRENEUR have a heart for people. This is also my Tumelo’s journey with entrepreneurship greatest weakness as this [cont] 7 l AUGUST 2021 www.type4girl.com

FASTRACK TUMELO NKESE sometimes leads to me taking on tasks Through constant reflection and ongoing and roles beyond my core introspection, I have come to learn a great responsibilities, sometimes causing me to deal about myself and life. I definitely do overextend myself.” not have all the answers, but I have come to enjoy the continuous pursuit of them. WHAT ARE THE TOP 2 TRAITS GOD is so sovereign above any and all VITAL TO SUCCESS? situations. Life, as messy and chaotic as it “Being purpose-driven and consistent are can be, is also incredibly breath-taking. just a few of the characteristics which I Happiness is even better when it is would describe as pivotal to succeeding in shared. Continuous evolution is vital. any field.” Substance is key. Happiness is not only the destination but also the journey. A NOTE ON GRATITUDE + GRACE Everything is as it should be, and it is well “I am [so] grateful for my mother and with my soul. I pray that I will never be grandmother’s prayers and being blessed jaded to appreciate a good cliche like enough to have witnessed what virtuous \"cherish the day\", \"life is good\" or \"happy and selfless female leaders look like first- girls are the prettiest\". The challenges or hand. Learning the importance of being growth do not stop here or now or with passionate, long-term oriented and living me, oh no, in fact this is only the a life of purpose. beginning. I am truly grateful and filled Every time I switch on the with joy today because I know I LOVE radio/television or read an article on the who I am becoming!” internet, I can't dispute the fact that something must be done about so much LOVE, TUMELO happening in my hometown, province, “Professor Thuli Madonsela put it country and planet right now. . Instead of beautifully when she said, “When you find dismissing that responsibility on someone yourself seeing what's not yet visible to else, I have realised that we are the others don't be discouraged for such is individuals who can \"be the change [we] the burden and gift of leadership”. want to see in the world\". Me and you doing something, paying forward the Lastly, I used to have a whiteboard in my opportunities that have been granted room as a student and would often recite unto us, has the potential to make an this quote by our former President Thabo impact that will be felt for generations to Mbeki to keep me motivated to not just come. survive university but thrive. “Those who complete the course will do so only 8 l AUGUST 2021 because they do not, as fatigue sets in, convince themselves that the road ahead is still too long, the inclines too steep, the loneliness impossible to bear and the prize itself of doubtful value.” I hope that motivate young girls to not be afraid of what they are capable of and reminds then that with GOD, impossible is nothing. Young womxn, you are limitless!” f www.type4girl.com

KENYA'S PICNIC DARLING s h a r o nOutrageously

FASTRACK OUTRAGEOUS! Happy mind, HAPPY LIFE! \"OUTRAGEOUSLY SHARON\" IS A BUSINESS OWNER, WIFE, BOY MUM & CONTENT CREATOR. THE KENYAN BASED MOMTREPRENEUR IS THE PROUD FOUNDER OF PICNIC PLANNERS. or Sharon Awach– Mutembei, 31, event planning was always a passion that she was going to see through. When the pandem- ic hit, she knew that big social events were out of the question as a viable business venture for the foreseeable future, so naturally, she scaled her idea down. “I thought intimate picnics would be a great business to start,” she tells us. How do you absorb the effect of the pandemic on your profits? I have cut down on outsourcing as much as possible. So most of the time I do the setups myself. I only outsource vendors for things I genuinely don’t know how to do. What did you do before Picnic Planners? Before I had my son I had a corporate 8 – 5 job thereafter I started my content creation journey which wasn’t doing so bad but it wasn’t doing great either. That’s when I decided to fully venture into event planning which I have been passionate about for about 10 years now. Why do you refer to yourself as ‘outrageously Sharon’? Funny question! This got me laughing. People have carved out a list of how wives/mothers should behave - societal standards! I don’t conform to those standards. Life is for the living! I love to live life and enjoy it despite me being a wife and mother. I have unorthodox conversations that people consider taboo or very intrusive. That’s why I chose [cont] 10 l AUGUST 2021 www.type4girl.com

FASTRACK OUTRAGEOUS! “Outrageously”... I live unapologetically. grace and understanding. I’m forever grateful to God for blessing me with such I’m Outrageously Sharon and an amazing partner! this is my TEDxTalk! What are some of the challenges Go after your dreams - I know this might that you encountered starting sound like a cliché, but go after your Picnic Planners? dreams! Let me put it this way, there is no To be honest I can’t think of any because shame in trying & failing! Try different for every challenge I faced I knew things until you get the one that gives you someone who knew someone who could purpose, increases your bank account fix it. God has been good! balance and fills you with joy! Then stay there but keep growing, keep reinventing What about who you are inspires yourself! you? Interesting question! I really enjoying Where do you draw your reinventing myself. Seeing myself do inspiration from? better and be better! The constant need to be better than yesterday. That really I draw a lot of inspiration from Amina inspires me! Also the fact that when I Abdi Rabar, a Kenyan media personality decide to do something nothing can stop who wears so many hats in different fields me - not even the little voices in my head. and is undoubtedly one of the best on the continent. She is in her bag and she does it What do you think black women so effortlessly! In business, that would need more of? have to be Boity from South Africa! She is Help and guidance from women who are absolute goals. From her beverage line, to already in positions of influence. It doesn’t her hair care line, to being an have to be hard for everyone! internationally renowned musician and so much more. I stan! What are the top lessons you’ve learnt being your own boss? How do you ensure there is The two most important things I have harmony in the different learnt are how to silence the negative and dimensions of self-destructive thoughts, and how to be day? your life every patient with my business, especially when business is slow. f I have such an amazing husband who continues to be very supportive of me as I continue to discover myself and my capabilities despite him being a very private person. In situations where I am not able to step in he does so with so much [WOMEN NEED] HELP AND GUIDANCE. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD FOR EVERYONE! 11 l AUGUST 2021 www.type4girl.com

fastrack24AUGUST2021 S I B I SSmangele I FOUNDER & CEO, INDALO NUBIAN NATURALS

FASTRACK COVER STORY A LEGACY OF TOUCTHHINAG NMOHhRAEaHRiEr.ARTS OFF OF A CHILDHOOD DREAM AND SHEER TALENT, INDALO NUBIAN NATURALS FOUNDER & CEO SMANGELE SIBISI HAS BUILT A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN NATURAL HAIR BRAND. t has always been hair and the Over the years, she’s styled household belief in her inevitable success in names like Claire Mawisa, Rami Chuene, the field on Smangele’s mental Zenande Mfenyane, Renate Stuurman, vision board. While it may take a Sindi Dlathu, and Stilo Magolide. One of while for some of us to figure out her most notable accolades is being listed what makes us tick, Smangele amongst the 200 Mail and Guardian South decided at the tender age of 9 that African young leaders (class of 2019.) But she would go on to own a salon. And for Smangele never wants people to refer or close to 16 years before she finally think of her as a celebrity stylist. founded and opened her natural hair “People typically assume that I am a salon Indalo Nubian Naturals, the celebrity stylist (meaning I serve mostly creative’s dream of sharing her love, celebrities) and it never sits too well with finesse and knowledge of natural hair me. I respect everyone that walks in and only grew stronger. The proud sits in any chair inside the salon and I entrepreneur now dreams, and is praying treat everyone with the same kindness,” and working towards one day owning a she emphasises. natural hair academy. “I remember an article The natural hair maestro by Glamour Magazine in 2018 or 2019 shares with us about the humble titled “TOP 3 NATURAL HAIR SALONS IN beginning of her passion. “I had my first SOUTH AFRICA” and we were listed paying client was when I was 10 years old, amongst the 3! What a fulfilling moment it and from [then] I knew one day I [would] was. It was like getting a pat on the back, own a hair salon,” she says. Although a a reminder that I was doing great. As hairstylist in her own right too, her late entrepreneurs we devote ourselves, our mother never quite figured out where she hearts and souls to this journey, hoping picked up her keen hair affinity and for the best, for recognition. In that impressive talent… But she was always moment I felt like my dedication was there cheering her on, along with her finally paying off.” grandmother. MENTAL HEALTH, EMPLOYEES AND At just 30, Smangele and Indalo Nubian FINANCIAL STABILITY Naturals have built quite the clientele, and We all know, through experience or some received the awards to back it up. article, that running a business is a [cont] 13 l AUGUST 2021 www.type4girl.com

14 l AUGUST 2021 FASTRACK COVER STORY tough job… Smangele learnt the hard lessons, the hard way. It is common for start-up entrepreneurs to run into multiple stressors on their journey. Thanks to social media, more and more entrepreneurs have moved to share their experiences and mental health struggles building their businesses. Smangele admits that in the beginning she didn’t much attention to her mental health. “I was running my business with all the strength I had, mind, body and soul. The burnout was real but I wasn’t bothered, I had a vision and a dream to chase. In 2018 I had a meltdown, everything started getting overwhelming and I knew something was wrong,” she shares. “I eventually sought help. I started with my therapy sessions and they helped a great deal. I was able to manage and balance my time better and delegate work to other employees.” For most business owners, hiring employees is usually a sign of growth or profitability, or both. However, it’s not always a cut and dry experience. “When I started my business, I knew I wanted happy, fun, creative and job passionate individuals for employees. Some of the first batch of employees I employed were the complete opposite. It was terrible! I’m talking late coming and others taking too long to grasp concepts from training… but we had to made it work. There was a lot of hiring and firing and praying to God to bless me with people that will understand me and the dream, share the same drive and be able to serve our clients with respect. Eventually God heard me and blessed me with amazing beings for team members.” The last of the big three stressors came in the form of funding and finance management. “As an entrepreneur one thing you fear is either misusing funds, struggling to secure funding and how to maintain your cash flow.” Smangele shares with us that after several unsuccessful attempts at securing funding for Indalo Nubian Naturals, she simply decided to focus on working extra hard and smart to ensure the business kept generating income. “One thing I always did and still do is to separate myself from the business, I earn a salary and if its finished, I’ll have to wait for month end. This discipline helped me a lot,” she adds. [cont] www.type4girl.com

FASTRACK COVER STORY WHAT I WISH I HAD DONE WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DIFFERENTLY THING ABOUT YOURSELF? “I wouldn’t have signed a 5-year lease agreement with my previous landlord. That “My sense of humour! Being an was probably one of the worst decisions I entrepreneur teaches you a lot of ever made but it was a tough lesson learnt. I things, but I believe other qualities was 25 years-old at the time and I was just so you are simply born with. I love excited to have found a space to rent for my how I create a pleasant salon. My mistake was not reading through or environment for my employees getting someone to assist me with and clients.” [cont] understanding the contract because I later learnt that the contract tied me into a 5-year lease period that I wasn’t going to be able to cancel even if I wanted out. Needless to say, our relationship went sour after just 2 years.” HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED? “More than anything, I want to be remembered as a black girl with a dream to teach people about black hair. That in all aspects of my life, I touched more hearts than I did hair and I was driven by passion to pursue my talent.” HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ENTREPRENEURSHIP? “They say start a business and you will never work a day in your life. I say be ready to be the owner, the secretary, social media marketer, cleaner, consultant, driver, an all- round employee, a motivational speaker and everything else. It’s unavoidable that’ll you’ll sleep in the A.Ms and wake up earlier.” WHAT DO YOUR CLIENTS APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT INDALO NUBIAN NATURALS? “The realness! We stay true to what we believe is the right way and we do it with passion. We don’t back down from our mission - which is servicing black hair. We don’t compromise in our teachings and we are what we call ‘die hards’ HAHA. We survived and are still standing after harsh lockdowns and the closure of both our big salons. Our salon might be small with minimum employees but we still have the fighting spirit that our clients have come to know us for!” 15 l AUGUST 2021 www.type4girl.com

fastrack24AUGUST2021 WITH GRATITUDE, SMANGELE. “I can never thank the community we have built enough! My clients are my petrol, they fuel my goals, they set my creative spirit on fire. Their consistency, love, warm and comforting messages and constant calls to check up on me keep me going. No matter how bad things get sometimes, these people will show up for me again and again. I appreciate Slindile Mabuza, Matshidiso Maimane and Nthabiseng Moletsane. These women carried me on my worst days, they showed up at work on days when I didn’t even have the money to pay them. They would almost shout at me for not telling them that things were bad. They are understanding prayer warriors and they can definitely stand tall and fight for Indalo Nubian Naturals, I will forever be grateful for them always being by my side, crying and celebrating with me and I wish God can carry on lighting up their own journeys of life as well as the path we walk together. Lastly I would love to appreciate my mom who is in heaven right now. She essentially gave me my talent. In her happier days she was a hairstylist and I can never forget our ‘hair dates’ - where I would do her hair and she would do mine and complain about how advanced I was in the hair business compared to her. My mother has always cheered me on and would brag to her friends every time an article was printed about me or she saw me on tv or heard me on radio. She was low-key a fan, her and my grandmother - amazing women. I love you mom.” f 16 l AUGUST 2021 www.type4girl.com

WE NEED TO RAISE OUR HANDS MORE; WE NEED TO REALISE THAT OPPORTUNITIES OFTEN TIMES REQUIRE US TO RAISE OUR HANDS AND ARTICULATE EXACTLY WHAT WE DESIRE. LIVING HER BEST LIFE, HER WAY. KGOSHIGADI

t wouldn’t be an exaggeration to refer www.type4girl.com to Kgoshigadi “Kgadi” Rangata as a modern-day media maven. She’s a radio presenter, fashion designer, fashion and lifestyle blogger, Voice Over artist and entrepreneur. She holds a Bachelors degree in Fashion Design and Technology. Three years after obtaining that qualification, she ventured into media and obtained a Diploma in Media Relations (Public Relations). The media all- rounder is also the founder of fashion and lifestyle blog Ke Kgoshigadi and Kgoshigadi Says, a series of Instagram Live chats. DW Fastrack had a chat with the vibrant Kgadi about all things self-commitment, building brands and living her best life, her way. IN 2017, YOU TOOK VOWS OF COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF – HAVE YOU LIVED UP TO THEM? Firstly, thank you for reminding me of those vows. I read them again and to my delight I’ve lived up to most of them. The hardest pill to swallow has been developing and reinforcing my boundaries, the superwoman syndrome was beneficial to many people except for me. It was the most self- destructive trait I had before I wrote those vows. Another thing that has changed is my relationship with pleasure. I’ve learnt to prioritise the lighter side of life; the laughter, the day out with the girls, hiking. The vows are a reminder to travel light, life doesn’t have to be deep all the time. YOU SIGNED YOUR VOWS OFF WITH “… STILL WALKING IN REIGN.” - HOW DO YOU DEFINE WALKING IN REIGN? Walking in reign is finding your path and walking in it. We take for granted how difficult it is to find your path and how challenging it is to have the courage to walk in that path. So everyday I consciously ask myself why I am doing certain things and if it aligns with my values. If it doesn’t, it’s again finding the courage to realign. That’s walking in reign for me. WOULD TEEN KGADI BE SURPRISED THAT YOU’RE HERE? The teen version of me would be shocked. I was shy and quiet at some point in my teens, I just wanted to disappear. But here I am working in spaces that are in the spotlight. My high school years were the [cont] 18 l AUGUST 2021

21 l JUNE 2021 FASTRACK KE KGOSHIGADI worst because I didn’t fit in anywhere, let alone be considered beautiful (by worldly standards). She would be delighted that I made use of the alone time in a constructive way, to carve the beautiful being she gets to be today. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR NEW OR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS? Firstly, get a mentor. Someone gave me this advise but I chose not to listen and started my first fashion business at age 21, straight after tertiary. It failed dismally. I was fortunate enough to be headhunted by Nkhensani Nkosi (Stoned Cherrie) who showed me the reality of the fashion world, and business in general. Getting guidance from someone who’s been around longer than me gave me the courage to start again. Secondly, figure out and cement your big “why”. Why are you starting your business? Why are you making use of social media? What do you stand to win and lose? Who are you doing this for? This will help you to stand firm no manner what life throws your way. Thirdly, hire a strategist or social media manager. It’ll save you the headache of trial and error. I see a lot of brands copy and paste content on all platforms, that’s not how you do it because the platforms and audiences are not the same. Why would someone follow all your platforms if it’s all a cut and paste? My biggest task as a strategist is to help you see blind spots that you can’t because you are too close to the business. WHAT WERE YOUR BIGGEST WINS IN THE LAST YEAR? Two things - My peace of mind. I feel like 2020 came to restore that, being forced to sit still brought me back to realignment. The second is Kgoshigadi Says. It’s a series of Instagram Live chats and fun content I release on Instagram. I’ve wanted to do this for so long, the first live edition was the Radio Edition where we spoke to radio professionals behind and in front of the scenes. We spoke to Thabiso Tema, Kwena Marara, Mpho Letsholonyane, Ikayeng Masinamela, just to name a few. The reception blew me away. I’m grateful I got over the fear and started. The second edition started this month and I’m so excited. ASSUMPTIONS, ASSUMPTIONS! Most people believe I’m an over-sharer on social media, that’s far from the truth. I am very [cont[ www.type4girl.com

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FASTRACK COVER STORY aware and strategic with everything I HOW WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE post. Everything is carefully curated to TO REMEMBER YOU? present brand Kgoshigadi. When I do I’d like to be remembered as someone share personal moments, it’s a drop in who wrote her own rules and lived by the ocean. I’m a very private person. them. I used to look up to a lady from my neighbourhood named Kgomotso Also, people are so disappointed with when I was younger. Kgomotso lived my height when they meet me. They her life her way, watching her gave me expect this tall model height, which I the courage to conquer my teen years. I am until I take of the heels. Lol. hope I am a Kgomotso to someone who’s watching me. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR TIME MANAGEMENT AND WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? BALANCE BETWEEN WORK, Mentoring girl children. There are a lot BUSINESS AND PLEASURE? of things I’d love to share and help the There is no such thing as a balance, my next girl child with. I’d like to speak to approach to life changed when I the girl child specifically because I can acknowledged that. Sometimes I suck only guide from lived experiences. Like as a lover because I focus a lot on work. I mentioned earlier, having someone And vice versa. I’ve learned to be kind more mature than me shed light and with myself and do what I can instead helped me navigate the reality of of overextending myself to being business. excellent at everything all the time. The fashion industry will always have a special place in my heart, I would love Having said that, arising early (between to travel the African continent and 3am and 5am) has been a huge game document the fashion scene. I would changer. I’ve found that when I start also love to be a lecturer. the day with myself (and God), the day goes well, and I can handle anything WHAT DO YOU THINK BLACK and everything that comes my way. WOMEN NEED MORE OF? We need to raise our hands more; we I also prioritise pleasure, my favourite need to realise that opportunities often saying “live Your best life” comes from times require us to raise our hands and that. This part sounds silly but when I articulate exactly what we desire. I see am happy and high (on life), everything that a lot ladies waiting for their turn, has a way of working out. but the magic is in asking and knocking on doors, unapologetically. I’d also love WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR to see more women celebrate their LISTENERS APPRECIATE THE femininity. It’s okay to be soft and MOST ABOUT YOU? vulnerable and gentle. The bubbly personality. My content on air and social media is meant to ARE THE 30S REALLY DIRTY? brighten up the space. Funny enough I Yes, the 30’s are dirty. It’s been a lot of consume the content I put out a lot. letting go and rebuilding. This applies When I’m feeling down, it brightens to friendships, relationships, career, ups my day. And when I’m in a good me. Especially me, there’s a level of space it reminds me to keep going. self-acceptance that the 30’s has given Hence my love for the colour yellow. I me that I appreciate. They’re also flirty, hope it does the same for others. very very flirty! f www.type4girl.com

fastrackTheKgoshigadiEdition NOITIDE 1202 TSUGUA ENIZAGAM KCARTSAF NAMOW ROTCERID DIRECTOR WOMAN FASTRACK AUGUST 2021 EDITION MOC.LRIG4EPYT.WWW NO ELBALIAVA NOITIDE IDAGIHSOGK EHT You get DETAILS OF NEW PROJECTS FIRST! YOU'VE GOT AN IN. + We're working on new and exciting projects that you'll love! SUBSCRIBE we're waiting! JOIN THE CLUB: WWW.TYPE4GIRL.COM