These five ladies are dominating social media with their style, beauty, activism, etc. Get to know each lady by reading how they influence Namibian grounds one post at a time.
STYLIST
46
What made you interested to take up a career in fashion?
I’m not quite sure, how to answer this question, but I think the most honest answer is my passion for making people look happy in their own skin.
What are your thoughts on the Namibian fashion industry’s standards?
When I look at the Namibian fashion industry and its standards as such, I see a lot of potential. I personally think that there’s a lot of talent in the industry, but I also see that many talented people get discouraged, because they don’t make a breakthrough immediately. Sometimes I see lack of commitment and expertise as well as lack of drive for improvement. On the other hand I see great craftsmanship, determination and innovation. Namibian fashion industry isn’t only about clothes. Fashion industry is much more complex and it incorporates fashion design, makeup artistry, design and production of jewelry, other accessories and of course shoes and production of materials, which are used to produce clothes and accessories.
What inspires your personal style?
My personal style is mostly inspired by the fact, that I want to feel comfortable in my own skin. I like simplicity in my clothes and I like to pay attention to details. I usually accent one particular aspect of the look and the rest just falls in place.
How do you determine a client’s personal style?
Client’s personal style is a result of a conversation with a client. We discuss they’re needs and wants and then we discuss, what they want to achieve, what makes them feel comfortable in their own skin, what color preferences they have and from there we move on.
Which recent fashion trends give you the “ICK”?
MSCHF boots - most definitely.
It's a NO from us too...
Name three things you can’t live without? (work related or not)
Family (in the widest meaning of this word), dark chocolate and curiosity to learn new things every day
MEDIA STUDENT, YOUTH ACTIVIST, WRITER, RADIO PRESENTER AND ENTREPENEUR
21
How did being an entrepreneur start for you. Was it planned?
Being a business owner was not planned, I was simply a blogger when my former business partner approached me with the opportunity of starting a business together, that I accepted because I had the writing experience from blogging and the rest, as they say, was history.
What are you majoring in? And how does your course play a role in the industry you thrive in?
I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Media studies at the University of Namibia. Studying this course made sense to me after I had a dream in December of 2019, that I was a journalist and I had cut my hair and bleached it strawberry blonde. The next morning, I woke up and thought to myself “You know what? this makes sense”. It made sense because at the time I was the co-owner of a digital magazine, so it made sense for me to study journalism/media studies to reinvest my skills into my business.
It definitely plays a role because what I am studying is what I am doing, so it helps me become better at my job and at running my business.
Tell us about your newest business venture. What is Infinity Youth Magazine?
Infinity Youth Magazine is Namibian youth-owned and led print and digital magazine that aims to inspire the youth through telling inspiring and relatable Namibian youth career stories, educating them on current affairs and politics in an unbiased manner, to foster knowledge of social issues amongst the youth, and providing a platform for young people to share their business ideas, foster economic growth and entrepreneurship, as well as to educate on economic activities that the youth can get involved in.
What inspired Infinity Youth Magazine?
I decided to start Infinity Youth Magazine because when I left my former magazine, I realized I couldn’t just sit and do nothing, I needed to continue fulfilling my passion of telling youth stories. I found that as young people, we are not aware of what is going on in the political spaces in our country, we do not know what political parties are doing, we do not know what bills are being passed in parliament and how they affect us. I further believe that in small or big ways, we are all involved in growing the economy but I want us to get more involved, to understand how to grow the economy. Lastly, young people’s ideas are not supported, everyone focuses on educating us on leadership but we are not given the funds, we are not given training or mentorship and I want to create a platform where young people can learn from other entrepreneurs, where we could potentially provide young people an opportunity to share their ideas and receive support.
Being the tender age of 21, how do you balance work (radio, presenting, running your own magazine…) with school and being an activist and somehow be excellent at all of the above?
I’m not going to lie, I don’t have any tips or tricks or some amazing formula or anything like that, I definitely struggle with balancing everything that I need to balance. My business, radio presenting, school, being a daughter and being a friend is definitely a lot. What I can say is I do what needs to be done, If I have business that needs to be done, I will do it, I have work at home that needs to be done, I’m going to do it.
Do you think Namibian women are getting to a better point in terms of equality compared to men?
In Namibia there is effort being put, but it’s not groundbreaking. For example ,looking at our leadership, people in parliament are trying to reach this 50/50gender representation but I’m not sure if that reflects on the ground as well. I think we could be doing a lot better.
We have witnessed a rapid increase in your social media following, being in the public eye do you see yourself dating someone in the public eye as well or do you prefer someone a little more low-key?
I see myself dating someone that is a little more low-key, the public eye is not great and when you are both in the public eye, there is a lot of pressure that comes with your relationship. For me, a relationship needs to be a peaceful place, I cannot be under duress in the public eye and in my relationship too. It’s not going to work out.
MISS NAMIBIA 2022
22
HOW DID PAGEANTRY START FOR YOU, WAS ITY PLANNED?
Pageantry is something that has groomed me into an independent young woman, aspiring to be the best version of myself. I started with smaller pageants and worked my way through to regional pageants, national pageants, and competed internationally at Miss Teen Continents 2018 in Las Vegas Nevada, as well as Miss Universe 2022 in New Orleans Louisiana. I started off with runway modelling and my academy instructor motivated me to do pageantry, and my parents approved. None of this was forced onto me , since my intensions were not just for the advancement of myself, but the advancement of those around me, and how I can impact them.
DID YOU EXPECT TO WIN MISS NAMIBIA 2022?
I have not been active in pageantry for 4 years, prior to Miss Namibia and I told myself, I would never get involved in anything else but my school work. In that time, my father asked me whether I would consider taking part in Miss Namibia, and I told him, I would have to think long and hard about it. Given that - through experience- I understood the mandate the title carries, and I wanted to be emotionally, spiritually, and physically prepared to compete. I entered Miss Namibia, not thinking I would win, but knowing that regardless of the outcome, I would be a winner. I still consistently worked as a paramedic and as a BA student whilst partaking in Miss Namibia. I did not doubt my ability to win but I was content with any outcome, regardless.
HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO STAND OUT AS A PAGEANT QUEEN IN A COUNTRY OF MANY?
How I stood out, was putting in the work. I knew that if I was going to stay relevant, I need to work towards that. Soon after I got crowned, I planned out every photoshoot, I contacted every sponsor, and I scheduled every meeting. It was hard work, especially knowing that all expenses were to be covered by me. I managed to get sponsors for every trip to South Africa, and the flight to Miss Universe. It all comes down to networking, building relationships, and remaining consistent in your work ethic. Namibia has not placed at Miss Universe in a very long time, however, I can honestly say that the organization definitely noticed Namibia at the last competition in New Orleans Louisiana.
HOW DID BEING PART OF MISS NAMIBIA (DURING AND AFTER) SHAPE YOUR LIFE TODAY?
With being a public figure, it helped me realize who were my truest friends and who was my foe. Many relationships were affected and many people walked away, simply because they didn’t think I actually stood a chance to win, which -in my opinion- was reason enough to realize they were not loyal friends. My family has always been very supportive in my pursuit of the crown and the success thereof. They were involved in every consultation, every emotional rollercoaster, every moment that I needed assistance , my family was there. Not just my family in Namibia but also my family in South Africa. Through my family in South Africa, I gained a lot of support from the South African people as well.
DO YOU FEEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO DIM YOUR LIGHT A LITTLE TO FIT INTO THE CRITERIA OF BEING MISS NAMIBIA?
I definitely do feel I have to act a certain way than I normally would not. Cassia is a tomboy, laid-back, paramedic. She always says something as it is and can never be fake about it. With the Miss Namibia title, there is a lot I cannot say to protect the Miss Namibia brand, however, Cassia would have probably addressed certain things without the title of Miss Namibia. It comes with the mandate of Miss Namibia and the agreement you made with the organization. I can honestly say, many people know Cassia as Miss Namibia, but very few know Cassia, as a regular, nerdy, mixed raced girl that’s actually quite the introvert and shy.
KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW, DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD HAVE ENTERED MISS NAMIBIA, OR PAGEANTRY AS A WHOLE?
I always say, I am not a pageant girl, I do pageants for the greater good of helping people around me. Pageants have the ability to carry great influence, if it’s in the right hands of the right people with good intensions. If it was up to Cassia now, I do not think she would ever do pageantry ever again, however, pageantry has created a platform of influence that the Cassia 10 years from now will look back at and be grateful. Nothing of value comes without sacrifice. There is great value in the name you carry and the influence you have as an individual , and I can safely say Miss Namibia has done that for me.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR SCHOOL LIFE AND PAGEANT LIFE? DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL DRAINED OR IS IT A PARTY EVERYDAY?
I feel drained every single day, but I just keep going. I have made peace with the fact that being tired and drained is my new norm. Being a paramedic, you wear a uniform with no makeup and hair tied back, a pageant girl needs a slayer outfit, a full face beat, and hair styled to the T. Many times I have had to get ready in the car on my way from lecturers for my events, just to look the part.
KNOWN AS PUKUU or MS.P
PRESENTER, YOUTUBER, REALITY TV STAR, MODEL, BRAND AMBASSADOR, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER
21
When asked how she juggles all this, She says,
"I honestly just prioritize my time, I have a schedule, I have a planner, I dedicate a certain amount of time to certain amount of things throughout the day. So I make sure that I pour into every single thing with the most attention and energy that I can. This includes TV, promotions, YouTube and finally school which takes up most of my time as it remains the biggest priority because I’m trying to get this degree Chile!"
HOW DID INFLUENCING START FOR YOU, WAS IT PLANNED?
Influencing started for me when I was in grade 12 and it started more as form of creativity. I became very interested in the beauty industry, makeup, hair, fashion blogging etc. So I turned my art into content, and that was the beginning. At the time I did not think of becoming an influencer necessarily, it was more of showcasing my art on the different platforms I was on. So no it was definitely not planned.
WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING AND WHERE? AND HOW DOES YOUR COURSE PLAY A ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY YOU THRIVE IN?
I am currently pursuing an Honors degree in Media studies, majoring in Public relations at the University of Namibia. My course definitely plays a huge role in the industry that I’m in. TV, journalism, presenting and YouTube, I can do it all. My course actually makes me better at what I do and I feel like studying in media has has made my work a lot easier to do. Understanding the theory behind the craft, art and actual career is very essential to thrive in the career you are in.
DID YOU EXPECT YOUR FOLLOWING TO GROW SO RAPIDLY?
No, I did not expect my audience to grow very rapidly, honestly it was not about the numbers for me. I just became more consistent in my uploads and I became very intentional about the content I put out. I made that the content was great quality, clear representation of me and my interest and what I like to do, afterwards people started picking up on that and I guess they related to it.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO STAND OUT AS AN INFLUENCER IN A COUNTRY OF MANY?
I think my authenticity makes me stand out, I feel like I have my own style, my own presence, I don’t think of myself in everybody’s lane, I feel like I’m in my own lane and I feel like everyone is in their own lane! It comes down to you as an individual, what you bring to the table, the content that you bring, the audience that you bring. Staying true to myself has been the thing that made me stand out, the things I was shy about, my high pitched voice, my bubbly personality, my girly girl character. I feel like I stayed true to who I was and what I like as a person and that makes me stand out.
HOW DOES BEING IN THE PUBLIC EYE AFFECT YOUR DATING LIFE SINCE YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP WAS PUBLIC?
It definitely affects my dating life, you obviously can’t do things that you did before, you need to be very selective about the people you associate yourself with and surround yourself with. Because if you are at the wrong place at the wrong time then it’s going to be “you’re with who or you’re dating who.” So I prefer to be very private in my dating life which is actually nonexistent but if I do decide to venture into dating again, I think it would be very private for the first couple years.
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DATING SOMEONE IN THE PUBLIC EYE OR SOMEONE A LITTLE MORE LOW-KEY ?
I don’t have any preferences, I really haven’t thought about dating again but if I do, I wouldn’t mind if they are in the public eye or more low-key. I feel like if you are interested in a person, you are just interested in a person.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A NAMIBIAN WOMEN STAND OUT IN OUR SOCIETY FOR YOU?
A woman that is goal oriented, a woman that knows what she wants for herself, for her future, a woman that is comfortable in her craft, in her creativity, a woman that is able to make something out of nothing and really just having the courage, spirit and motivation to constantly try to elevate your life, to constantly try to move to the next thing while staying true to yourself. I feel like a woman with purpose stands out, a woman with a vision, a woman that makes a difference in society, a woman that strengthens and uplift other women, a woman that motivate other women to be greater, to be the best versions of themselves. It comes down to just women that make a difference by being themselves, and using what they have to make a difference in their respective industries and careers.
HAIRSTYLIST
40
HOW DID YOU START OUT BEING A HAIRSTYLIST AND HOW DID YOU MAKE ROOM FOR YOURSELF IN THE INDUSTRY?
I started helping my aunt with her clients at the age of 8, she had an in home salon. But, it wasn't all fun because, my friends would be playing outside and I would be working with my aunt. Nonetheless, I think my hard work surely paid off.
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO FOR INSPIRATION?
A lot of people inspire me, everyday. I believe that in a way, our destinies are intertwined. I get inspired by big grand gestures and I could be inspired by small yet unique qualities. Everyday is a day to be inspired. You just need to be aware and open minded to new ideas.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CLIENTS YOU DREAM OF WORKING ALONG SIDE?
Any client willing to understand the brand and want to see it grow and flourish. its important not to only want to work with big names/brands, but to acknowledge each client as important.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING A HAIRSTYLIST?
Being able to bring back hope with someone's hair. Bring a smile to their face. Gaining clients and family all in one, as well as fixing relationships and friendships, through the work of my hands.
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACE FREQUENTLY IN YOU LINE OF WORK?
This industry has no structure. Stylists are not protected, and anyone can do whatever they want. The industry is to flexible for my liking, and I understand that creativity is flexible. However, I feel like there should be some sort of order within this line of business.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKE A NAMIBIAN WOMAN STAND OUT IN SOCIETY?
Being Unique for sure. Everybody is unique, use your uniqueness to your advantage.
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