Though our meeting is running late, I am instantly grabbed by her level of confidence as she smilingly approaches my table. The only word that comes to mind is dynamite! She is beautiful, short and extremely energetic. I brace myself and order a cup of coffee as she, in turn, requests hot chocolate.

I ask her to tell me a bit about herself. Presently a Law student at the University of Western Cape, twenty year old Sisi obtained her Diploma in Entrepreneurship whilst in high school. As I marvel at the concept of schhol scholars studying part-time for Diplomas, she continues to astound me by describing the rest of her impressive resume: she runs an events concept: “Sinful Sundays” at Club 91, upon which night she also manages the club; and she co-owns Cape Town Entertainment , Cape Town Party People, and Cape Town V Entertainment.

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She mainly organises events, and one of her most successful projects was the hosting of one of the J&B Met after-parties. Her latest (and probably most ambitious) endeavour involves her quest to establish her reputation in the industry.

The ‘Sinful Sunday” concept involves hosting a line-up of amazing entertainment for as long as demand allows. One of the most exciting aspects of this concept is the fearlessness of the team to go all out: at the  launch party, the guests were entertained by industry heavyweights ‘Tear Gas’. “The turn-out was beyond our expectation… This weekend we could have DJ Lloyd!” she exclaims ecstatically.

Although she enjoys events management, her passion is firmly planted in the legal industry. Since the innocent age of twelve, she has maintained a strong desire to become an advocate. She stresses that she could never let anything, including events management, hinder her from achieving that goal. With only two years left of her degree, Sisi strives to achieve even more than she already has, taking it upon herself to also produce two artists: dj Hlubi and an M.C Linz Mbeyiya, whose albums will be launching later this year.

Much of the work she does requires a great level of time and energy which inevitably requires the assistance of a dedicated team. One of the most significant lessons she has learnt is to never be shy to ask for help. “Not everyone wants to sabotage you; in fact, you’d be surprised to see how many people are willing to help if you provide them with realistic requests.”

Even with her hectic schedule and extreme level of popularity, this socialite is impressively grounded. When I asked her at which point she will know whether she has made a success of herself, she replies a rather unexpected answer that emphasizes both her uniqueness and humility: “When I have a house to my name!”

It is clear from our relatively short interview that this woman knows where she wants to go. For now, Sisi will be focusing on the managing and marketing of the Sinful Sunday concept at Club 91. Catch her there, every week, and look out for more information on her other projects on her Facebook page.

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I first met Vida Schiff at my favourite spot on Long Street, and she instantly grabbed my attention with her confident nature and quirky style. When she told me that she had embarked on a brand project with one of her best friends, I had to find out more. It was thus my privilege to sit down with Vida and her partner in crime, Jessica Lange, and quiz them about their brand, be.collective.

They are dead on time for our meeting at a restaurant on Kloof Street, and as they walk in I start analysing them before we’ve even greeted. The only word to do them justice is edgy. Vida, in her characteristic idiosyncratic style, is barefoot, even though it is not the warmest day outside. Jess is a surprise to me: in all the photos on their website she is blonde, but I am greeted by a redhead. She has just had her hair dyed a beautiful dark plum red that has a dramatic effect on her appearance. It is my first glimpse into their uniqueness, and particularly the differences between them. First impressions are unquestionably important when you are the face of your brand, and they did not disappoint.

Vida and Jess have been friends since high school; they went to Abbott’s College together.  They explain that it was on a road trip to Coffee Bay in Transkei last December that they started bouncing around ideas about a brand. The seed was planted. Upon returning from their trip, they sat down to consider their suggestions more seriously – and be.collective was born.

First things first, what exactly is be.collective? It is a brand which incorporates events, a magazine and a clothing line. The concept is effectively built around the events: the plan is to throw four parties a year, and produce a magazine following each party. The clothing line is complementary to the realisation of the brand’s concept. I guess the next question is, what exactly is the concept behind the brand? Having had it explained to me from the horse’s mouth, as it were, I now understand that the idea is to harness creativity, and to provide a platform for the construction of not only their own vision, but other artists’ original ideas as well.

And that is what makes this brand so exciting: they are not only aiming to establish themselves, but also to offer a starting base for young, talented designers and entrepreneurs who have great concepts. Vida explains, “If someone came to us with a new idea, a new concept, we’d take it on; we’d put it on the website, [which would mean] exposure for them… and then they can branch off when they’re on their feet…” They describe their upcoming clothing line as simple, almost ‘American apparel-type stuff’; Vida specifies that the clothes will be easy wearing, and cut to fit. The line hasn’t been launched yet; although they gave out t-shirts at the first event – a smart move which doubles as marketing for them.

I ask them to tell me a bit more about themselves. Vida studies brand management at Vega Brand Communication School. Ironically, be.collective is streets ahead of the first year projects that she does at college. She contradicts the ‘arty’ stereotype that some might impose on her by saying, “I never saw myself as a creative, but I’ve always wanted to work with them.” Jess studies music production at Audio Visual Technologies Institute (AVTI), specialising in sound engineering. She is also the manager of Karma Lounge in Camps Bay: “I only got the job because of what I do for be.collective… It helps me a lot because I get to meet sponsors and people in the industry every day…” It bears mentioning that Jess was in fact approached to take on the manager position; which just goes to show what taking the initiative can do for one’s prospects.

There is no point in denying that being ‘connected’ definitely played a role in their ability to set up the brand in such a short space of time: there were only four months between starting up and throwing the first party. Creating a brand takes capital – so how exactly did they come up with it? Luckily for them, it was possible to approach their parents for a loan. Let’s be clear, however: it wasn’t just handed to them on a silver platter. They drew up a proper business plan, and the finances were provided based on their comprehensive articulation of their ideas and goals.

Their motivation for starting their brand seems to be the ‘I can do it better’ notion – and they appear to be on the mark with that. They felt “ripped off” by the typical Cape Town parties. Jess explains that although international artists come down and perform, they don’t feel that there is enough effort put in to making it a truly memorable experience. And that is what they want to offer: a party that you’ll never forget. She elaborates that they want to provide high quality entertainment, where people have a chance to interact with what they have to offer at the event. Vida adds that their parties are about far more than just a drunken night out; they are rather a creative experience that you’ll remember, and of which you’ll want more.

So it is about getting people involved, and combating the apathy that comes with the perceived banality or predictability of Cape Town’s regular party scene. They’re encouraging people to step out of their boxes, and giving them something new and crunchy to chew on. So they construct the concepts for their parties around what their ultimate party experience would be.

Vida and Jess are a perfect fit for each other, and for this project. They complement one another because they have different passions. When it comes to the events, Jess focuses on the technical aspects with regard to the sound and set up, whereas Vida directs her attention towards the marketing side of organisation. For the ‘creatives’, they built a team of artists, graphic designers and deejays.

Building a team was certainly not the hardest part of formulating the brand. The girls’ diverse group of friends is just brimming with creative energy, which made bringing about a team “really easy”, according to Vida. Jess elaborates, saying that “It’s about getting people who we think are amazing and who have talent, but who don’t really do much with it, and we’ve kind of pulled it all together – that’s how we got the whole thing going: by directing people and helping them, pushing them…”

What strikes me as they describe the members of their team is the evidence of passion throughout. They explain that be.collective is ‘everyone’s baby’, not just theirs; something which speaks to the importance of combined vision in realising the brand’s potential. The ages of the people in the team range from eighteen to twenty five years old, and there are no prizes for guessing who the youngest two members are. As it stands presently, their team includes Gordon (DJ), Catrina (magazine editor), Graham (graphic designer), Ranon (events manager), Matthew (marketing manager, artist), Dean (marketing manager) and Callen (photographer).

As Jess and Vida sit with me, animatedly describing their brand, sipping on grapetizers and puffing on cigarettes, they unconsciously belie almost every stereotype out there. They are only eighteen, not to mention they are girls, and physically, they are both particularly petite. Needless to say, they are simply not the type of people you would expect to break into the events industry in the manner that they have done. But these girls demand your respect, and you happily give it to them. And what’s more, they are gratified to receive it. Their humility is far from a false attempt at modesty – they are genuine, and they are determined. It is totally infectious; their dynamism is inspiring to bear witness to.

It hasn’t been easy for them to earn respect from some, however; they describe how they got shot down by many people established in what is metonymically referred to as ‘the industry’. People who didn’t believe that they could do it. How wrong they proved those people to be, as the success of their first event made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The first event was held on the seventeenth of April at Butterfly Studios on Bree Street in Cape Town. It was definitely the perfect spot for them. It is all white inside, which effectively gave them a blank canvas to work with, an opportunity to start from scratch. And they definitely made the most of it; one of the stand-out features of the night was the ‘live art’ produced by some of Cape Town’s finest artists and graphic designers – including Bison, One Horse Town, Colourbox, and TOE. Besides providing distinctive live entertainment, the artists themselves benefited as well; a lot of their showcased artworks actually got sold from the event. The other main highlight of the event was, of course, the music. Jess made it her objective to have the best sound quality possible, and they had some exceptional artists utilise it, including PH.Fat, Niskerone, Haezer vs. El Gordo, Lilphil, Ish, Kennedy and Ranon.

To market the event, they went beyond the popular advertising realm that Facebook provides – they turned to what is known as ‘guerrilla marketing’. Examples of this endeavour include distributing jars containing little origami birds (as in their logo) with details about the party on them, as well as hanging a giant poster on De Waal bridge. Needless to say, normal is not enough for them. It speaks to their determination to stand out, to be different and original in their approach. Guerrilla marketing gave them a chance to reach a wider audience in a short space of time; next time however, Vida asserts that they want to employ a more personal form of advertising that reaches people on an individual level.

It was ultimately a success: the attendance exceeded the capacity of the venue, and more importantly, they didn’t make a financial loss. They faced many challenges before and on the night, but met them head on. One of the effects they experienced was the ‘stream-lining’ of their team: it turned out to be a case of trial and error; although they started off with roughly ten people, they have whittled it down to about five people based on the contributions and effort put in by the individual members.

Given the success of their first party, I ask why they intend to hold it only four times a year. They explain their desire to ensure that it is regarded as something special; to avoid becoming commonplace. Vida emphasises that it also takes a lot of planning to make it as unique as it is. Also, the time in between each party will provide them with an opportunity to make sure that the events will grow, and get bigger and better each time as they learn from the mistakes and successes of the previous party.

The girls speak wryly of many nights spent in Vida’s garage, pacing around and worrying that they had potentially “created a monster”, and dreading failure and the inevitable debt it would drag along with it. Their determination won out though; according to them, the key is to push through that moment where less passionate people would give up. “You have got to motivate yourself through the doubt,” they say, looking at each other. Their relief at having pulled it off is almost tangible.

So what is the ultimate goal for be.collective? They speak of a “realistic” four year plan, which they say takes into account the fact that popularity of events wane as they become more ‘common’. In accordance with the ‘each time bigger and better’ plan, they hope to bring down a “really amazing” recognised international act to perform at one of their parties. And they are certainly on their way to achieving that goal: they have already procured a couple of renowned international acts for their next event, which will be held this Friday the sixth of August.

For me, one of the most important questions to consider is, what makes them different? What gives them an edge over similar brand ideas? Something Vida said springs to mind: “We are the target market.” And who better to know what the youth want than the youth themselves?

If there is any advice I can give those who read this, it would be: WATCH THIS SPACE. They have started with a bang, and it is only going to get bigger and brighter. If you’re interested in finding out more about the brand, or if you want to get involved or in touch with be.collective, then check out www.becollective.co.za for the relevant information. For details on their next party, follow this link: http://www.becollective.co.za/events/

Whatever you do, don’t miss out!

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As I sat down one morning to put on the brown pair of boots, I began to think of feet, which lead me to think of shoes and the industry at large.

Although our feet have not changed much over the decades, how we have chosen to dress them has been a diverse expression or our time, culture and personal style. From simple comfortable sandals to one-of-a-kind couture Jimmy Choo’s, the shoe industry has blossomed over the years – standing its ground in the world of fashion design – whilst providing endless investment opportunities for the ‘creatives’ and the buyers.

Whilst researching the facets of this fascinating industry, to my surprise, I discovered a simple factor relating to the road to success: you don’t need to live in New York or Paris; you don’t need to go to an expensive design school; what you do need is skill, persistence and perseverance. A reality that corresponds with a truth that many aficionados have discovered in their career: in the words of the legendary Christian Louboutin, “Magic in shoes comes from hard work and effort.”

So if you are considering venturing into shoe design, you should consider that making a brand successful takes 80% business skills and 20% design. The idea of starting a shoe line is daunting to any individual on the street. Consider Manolo Blahnik, and imagine creating a name that has and will continue to change the world! A combination of drive and a great team made it the fashion powerhouse that it is today.

In my endeavour to discover the industry secrets, I stumbled upon a quaint shoe boutique in the heart of Cape Town. The shoes were simple in design and clothed in materials unusual for a shoe line. For example, there was a very heavy gladiator sandal made of bronze and leather, as well as a chic Mary Jane peep toe design dressed in black leather and white silk finishes – and both were absolutely stunning. In conversation with the designer, I learnt a lot about the shortcomings of the industry.

He had chosen to open his own store largely due to the barriers inherent in the brand exposure. He found that many low-end retailers have a specific look which may not correspond with that of a new line that a start-up designer may be offering. Furthermore, such retailers aren’t keen on taking a chance on a ‘different’ look, which results in great difficulty for new designers to have their brands available at such stores.

High-end retailers, on the other hand, are committed to a specific brand; thus the opportunities they provide coincide with designing for that particular brand, which effectively puts you in an employer – employee relationship. ‘There is not much space for newcomers in this industry, but if you are willing to push your way to the top, then you will succeed.

If you find the notion of designing, sewing, manufacturing and promoting your own line too intimidating, take a deep breath and consider the representatives of the many different facets of the industry:

1. Technical designers: From your ideas, they create technical patterns and prototypes.

2. Manufacturers: They make the actual product.

3. Sales representatives and distributers: They find retailers to carry your products.

4. Fashion weeks and trade shows: Events such as these help you to get the media exposure necessary to penetrate the market.

The greatest advantage to this sector is the timeless appeal of shoes as design creations, and the manner with which they magically find their way to complement almost everything we wear. Also, unlike clothing, there are no ever-changing seasonal trends to keep up with. Research has shown that women’s footwear leads the market with over 50% of the share, closely followed by sportsmen’s shoes. The outdoor footwear market has illustrated a significant growth in recent years, making it one of the best investment opportunities in the industry.

It is undeniable that the opportunities offered by the shoe industry are married to many challenges. However, if it is want you want to do, then you need to look at the proverbial ‘bigger picture’. Nothing is impossible if you have drive, perseverance and creativity.

Take your first step, and keep walking until you succeed!

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This was the headline that angered many South Africans when a journalist from a British tabloid, Steve Hughes, attempted to warn the English about a potential race war back in the World Cup host country – South Africa. This ‘war’ was supposedly to be provoked by racial tensions following the murder of the leader of the Afrikaner Resistance Movement (AWB), Eugene Terre’Blanche.

Given the fact that Hughes’ warning was sensationalist at best, a more feasible ‘threat’ may have been described as: ‘Vuvuzelas – Threat to England Stadiums and Sanity’. As the World Cup unfolded at home, it was reported that vuvuzelas were being sold on the streets of England at a rate of two per second. Many of the British citizens that bought and adopted our ‘noisy horn’ have tried to blow them at various club stadiums, but were largely shunned. Despite this, general consensus seems to be that vuvuzelas may just have been given sufficient platform to become an inextricable part of football worldwide.

Our sixty five centimetre plastic device, often dressed in colourful patterns and designs, has achieved huge success as a well-marketed product which was sold among many informal business traders. And despite much controversy, it has achieved international recognition.

​Since the day South Africa won the bid to host the World Cup, businesses (both formal and informal) and government began preparing for the influx of foreign investors masked as soccer fans that would grace our land armed their much welcomed Euros, dollars and pounds. Tourists and locals could choose from more affordable products to the most lavish places of accommodation, travel services and events.

Our national government also began to improve various agencies that would support and advise small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in order to encourage and assist local entrepreneurs. But did all the upgrading translate into national and potentially international success for these various businesses, or more specifically, for the entrepreneurs of SMMEs?

A young man in Johannesburg named Themba took the opportunity provided by the World Cup to flaunt his talents. He created and sold various products, among which were unique dancing puppets made from recycled material. He would entice those passing by his stall with a short dance performance from the puppets. Not only did this grab the attention of the locals, but also of the international visitors that came to shop and eat at the beautiful Mandela Square.

Themba explained that he had often thought to entertain shoppers and customers seated in the nearby restaurants; given that no other entertainers were present in his particular spot, he saw the potential to create a profit. As soon as preparations for the World Cup were in place, he ensured that he would benefit from the business opportunity that was provided, and set up his stall in various places, including at the Nelson Mandela Square where he said was making a lot of money.

Similarly, in Cape Town, Greenmarket Square flaunts the designs and crafts of many diverse African artisans. Stall owners confirmed that they profited considerably during the tournament. But this was not the only consequence: prompted by publicity from various international news broadcasters, including BBC and Al Jazeera, the market was inspired to venture out into new avenues; one such endeavour was the creation of an online site, which serves to advertise on behalf of the various traders of the Square.

Clearly, formal businesses were not the only beneficiaries of the great opportunities provided by South Africa’s hosting of the World Cup. Informal businesses and entrepreneurs that capitalized on the occasion and expanded are now reaping the benefits. And like the millions of vuvuzelas that are now roaming around the world, they are echoing the South African success that is being internationally acknowledged.

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The booming HOUSE of LILLY brand, brain child of vivacious third year student, Lerato, is situated within two different industries: fashion and marketing. ALIYANA recently met with the Lerato to find out what makes this 19-year old the success she is.

ALIYANA: What is it like being an entrepreneur at this age?
Lerato: So exciting. People usually try to climb someone else’s corporate ladder; whereas being an entrepreneur means that you set your own goals. Every project becomes an opportunity to improve.
In the beginning it was difficult to convince people to take [me] seriously because I’m young, but once I took advantage of my strategic position of being a young, everything came to place.

ALIYANA: When did you start your company?
Lerato: July 2008. However, I spent much time on the foundations ensuring that people understood what HOUSE of LILLY stands for; [in other words] spending time planting seed for the brand.

ALIYANA: What was the most difficult task you had to perform for a client?
Lerato: There is a restaurant close to campus which needed to position itself as the destination for students, rather than the shop they walked pass and did not notice. [My job was] therefore not only create a marketing strategy but also [to] go back to the drawing board, in terms of redefining the customers the business wanted to attract. Companies can’t be all things to all people, so it’s important to always look to the business plan. And once we had discovered this, everything became organic – with Jazz evenings, poetry sessions, the project was a success.

ALIYANA: What makes you tick?
Lerato: God has been the most important factor in my life. Every time I discover a truth it brings me closer to God – almost like enlightenment. Sometimes people are separated from God when they discover something, almost to say they are too smart for him… And of course my relationship with him is a continuous process.
Besides spirituality, any opportunity to work with my hands is purely amazing. I find that there are many creative people out there, and when they work together things tend to work out.

ALIYANA: What do you want for yourself in the next ten years?
Lerato: I want to live comfortably and not have to think of money. I want to be able to do what I want when I want without at least financial constraints.

ALIYANA: Any advice for our readers?
Lerato: Discover yourself and everything will fall into place.

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The Devil Owns Prada

Good things come to those who wait. Right?

Nonsense. That well-known adage is possibly the second biggest lie ever told to mankind (the first being ‘Big Mac’: is that honestly not the smallest burger you have ever seen?). The ‘good things’ that come to those who wait are in actual fact the leftovers of those who got there first. This notion of ‘patience’ is a disguised form of laziness which has spawned generations of passive followers who have the collective ambition of a peanut.

Seriously though, no one dares to be daring. Complacency seeps in through self-made cracks in your vision, and sooner or later, you forget how to dream. The best work is done by people who are inspired; people who push themselves harder to break down boundaries and enter the realm of the unknown.

Bearing that in mind, I challenge you to be daring:

Dare to dream.

There are no limitations to life when you are young and zealous. You can never be too successful. There isn’t really any landmark on this road to success; no mark that you can reach and say ‘I’ve officially made it.’ The idea of jetting across an ocean for breakfast meetings and lavish dinners appeals to nearly all of us. We wear the status that comes with achievement with well-earned pride. After all, who wouldn’t want the lifestyle of a multi-billionaire?

But that is not all you are after, is it? You want the credentials. The authority. The thrill that sets your heart racing every time you wake up and look out over your legacy. You came that far. And you probably scratched your name onto that rock with your bare hands. So set your default dream mode to ‘larger than life’. Nevertheless, always bear in mind that it does not make sense to strive for perfection.

Perfection is unattainable – Bart Starr.

It makes far more sense to strive for excellence, and yes, there is a significant difference between the two goals. One of the most frustrating things in the world must be to set your goals so high that it becomes impossible to have any hope of reaching them.

Dare to be exceptional.

Normal is, quite frankly, boring. To make it in almost anything you do in life, you have to be extraordinary – in your own right. You have to be phenomenal. You have to take everyone’s breath away. Whether you are brimming with potential to take on the world of fashion design, or you’re the next candidate for CEO, give it everything you have, and then some. Talent is wasted when it is not cultivated. Even gold doesn’t come without the rough ore hiding it from the naked eye. You have to possess that unique quality that distinguishes you as, well, gold.

Too often, we are our own biggest obstacles, our own biggest critics, and the reason we can’t see ahead to the finish line is because we are standing in our own way. In the words of Marianne Williamson in her widely acclaimed book A Return to Love; ‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure… There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.’

Dare to be unforgettable

What will you be remembered for? Where are you leaving your mark, and how permanent is it? Maybe the world will never forget you. Or perhaps it will be one individual whose life you will have made an unforgettable impression on. Whatever the answer may be, the one person who should never forget you, is yourself. In everything you do, don’t lose who you are. Don’t lose that drive and ambition; the attributes that define who you are. That is who you will be remembered for. You embody your legacy in everything you do. Find your passion, and thrive on it. Live through it. Now and then, you’re going to have to get creative about how to take the next step in life. This is the time where you must step out of that shoebox (it’s pretty claustrophobic in there anyway).

A friend of mine once said to me; “I don’t climb corporate ladders… I build my own.”

Don’t just wear the Prada, own it.

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Q:What inspires you to do what you do at such a young age?

A:I was lucky to find my passion at such a young age, I have always known that I wanted to venture into fashion it is what makes me happy and gives me that constant adrenalin rush. I remember as far back as when I was 9, I designed little stick figures in outfits.

Q:What has been the most challenging factor that you have faced?

A:Not to be pessimistic, as people always give you a look of disapproval when you say you studied fashion design.

Q:Your strength comes from…?

A:God always

Q:Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A:I see myself as an entrepreneur with my own label, ideally I would like to have a chain of boutiques across the country but I suppose realistically that would happen over 10 years give or take.

Q:What legacy do you want to leave behind?

A:Its not the economy that shapes your success but its God and your passion for fashion (in my case)

Q: What advice would you give people who aspire to do what you do?

A:Retail experience is very important if you want to work for a retailer in order to understand your customer and processes; ideally you should do this part time while you are studying. There is a future in fashion do not hesitate be bold and passionate about it and you will definitely see the outcome.

FASHION:

Q:Since you live, breath and eat fashion, what can we expect from this winter?

A:Leather biker jackets, tunics with placement face prints or bold rose prints and etc, leggings whether printed or patent, waterfall knit pieces, acid wash skinny jeans, lace detailed and, studded ankle boots, knee high boots and embellished tops.

Q:How would you advice South Africans to incorporate their love for fashion and their country for the world cup?

A:South Africa is one of the most diverse country’s in the world, incorporating our cultural diversity in our clothing would definitely make a statement of national pride.

Q:What can we expect from Woolworths in the coming seasons?

A:Quality and style. Our brands are involving rapidly both classic and modern; and new ones are being born. We continue to cater across all lifestyles, genders and races.

Q:What is your favourite item for autumn and winter?

A:Woolworths leather biker jacket

Q: Since SA is a year behind in fashion, what will you be wearing come summer 2010?

• Embellished dresses and tops
• White is hot, this is achieved through fabric interest
• Grecian styled tops and dresses
• Leggings
• Soft harem pants
• Hem interest: uneven hem, hitched or bubbled
• Bra tops
• Bandeau tops
• Body con dresses
• The short : from supper short to rolled up cuff
• The newest trend to watch out for across all clothing styles is military which will also be key in W11

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ALIYANA INTERVIEWS BONANG MATHEBA

She is young, talented, inspiring and successful: Bonang Matheba shares her secrets to success with ALIYANA.

Having started out in the entertainment industry at the tender age of fifteen, Bonang has made her name for herself. She sports a range of amazing talents, which she exploits through her work as a radio host, model, television personality, fashion designer, business woman. This stunning young lady has proven herself to be versatile and determined. This determination is visible in all the fruits of her labour, including the launch of her new website. Read on to discover Bonang’s secrets to success!

Congratulations on the new website! I have seen it and it looks amazing. Tell us, what motivated you to create your own website?

Thank you! A friend of mine, who’s also quite successful in the industry, suggested I get an “online profile’ where visitors can read and find [out] everything about me, from my past work all the way through to my current work, my achievements and my goals etcetera. It’s a great business tool. Most international and local personalities have websites to document their lives and stay in touch with their fans. I’m slowly working towards that too. I also believe a great or successful “brand” needs to have a website that represents them and one that also acts as a singular port of communication to all relevant markets.

You discovered your passion for performing at age 15. What exactly made you realise your talent, and what projects did you get involved in that finally got you recognition in the industry?

It was a dream of mine after watching countless hours of TV and believing that I too can do what the people on my TV were doing – only better. The difference is with me, I did something with that dream and have been hard at work ever since. Live was the show that catapulted me into the industry. That show is the reason why I can do most of the things that I’m doing today, [for example]: YFM, Kaizer Chiefs TV and my fashion line. My “stardom” is the result of Live.

You recently started working at YFM which means you are officially an accomplished TV and radio personality in the entertainment industry. How you are finding radio, and which you prefer between radio and TV?

Radio is a different environment altogether. [With] TV there IS a “reality” to it. With radio you need to create the “reality” in your listeners’ imaginations, which can be a little bit more difficult to do. My first love is of course TV because I have been doing it for so many years and have therefore become so comfortable in that space. Ask me the same question in 5 years and I will probably have a different answer…

Let us know a little more about your experience of hosting events of high social caliber, such as the SABC year end functions in 2008 and 2009 and the SAA Express Awards etcetera? Where you nervous?

I am nervous with every interview. Every radio show and every time I go on Live. Nerves are good. They mean you’re in the right space and that the adrenalin is flowing through your veins – proof that your body and mind are prepared and ready to pounce into action. Hosting events is probably the one area that not many people have seen me in and probably one of my strongest characteristics. I’m a stellar “live host/mc” and being part of such awards ceremonies and events is nothing short of a blessing and a dream come true.

I understand you also have your own business, and you certainly are an inspiration for many of our readers who are young women seeking empowerment and a bright future. Is Baby Star your only venture as a business woman and how did you get that going?

Baby Star is a fashion brand that I started together with Koketso Chiepe, who is a London-based but Botswana born designer. It was an idea that [I’d] had for years but was still looking for the perfect candidate to partner up with. I met Ketso in March 2010, and together we started Baby Star. It was also a dream come true. The reason I say this was because it came just in time to be launched with new website while all these years it had failed when I was doing it alone. God has a plan that’s way bigger than me. At the end of the day my destiny has been laid out of me, all I can do is live it out as perfectly and as successfully as I possibly can. How did I get it going? – With a lot of faith and a lot of money that I had been saving up. If things cannot happen immediately, they will happen eventually. I just needed to make sure that the money was ready when God and [I] were ready. It’s all self-funded at the moment: Koketso and I pay for everything. The rewards will come; with any business one needs to put in money in order to make money.

Have you studied anything directly regarding your choice of career? If so, how did it help in all the different paths of entertainment that you have excelled in?

I did a TV presenting course in my early teens, and yes it has paid off. Once I complete my degree, I want to do a short fashion course [because] clearly that’s where I am headed at the moment.

Tell us more about your “Just B” Legit range. Did you design everything yourself, and what do you think makes the range a success?

Yes I did [design everything myself]. It was a fresh, quirky and edgy collection that most South African girls could relate to. And the reason
why I think it was successful was partly because I believed in the brand. I wore the clothes everywhere I went: on TV, at events at school, around the house etcetera. It’s one thing to just put a brand in a store, but another to actually live and be the brand. The range is still the highlight of my career to date.

What are the plans for your career this year? Are you involved in any way in the FIFA World Cup? And are you going to any of the World Cup matches?

I am going grow my new baby – Baby Star – [and] try to get it into as many shops as possible, [and] ultimately into as many arms as possible. I will be going to the games and taking part in the World Cup. It’s a HUGE deal for our country, so I’m going to be embracing it as much as I possibly can. [I’m] glad to be living in this lifetime; I doubt my children will see a World Cup in our country, which is quite sad. I will be at the games, the pubs, the fan parks, the pre-, during- and after-parties, and I’ll be here after the World Cup. I wonder if anyone’s thinking [about] what’s going to happen when all the tourists and soccer teams are gone…

What is your message to all the aspiring business women out there, and what do you think is the first step to a successful career?

Have faith, hang in there and work bloody hard. If it’s written in your destiny it will manifest. Take advice and ask questions, leave that pride behind…. No one likes a know it all… The beauty of this whole thing is that there’s absolutely NOTHING you cannot do. What are you waiting for? First step: believe that it is possible!

Do you feel that there is a lot of support for women in the industry and that you are taken seriously? Do you also think that is it a necessity to venture out into other endeavors within the industry to be taken seriously in your skill?

Yes, yes, yes! Women aren’t successful only because they don’t believe in themselves; no one else is to blame. You do it, and [in so doing] make it easier for those who are coming [after] you…

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be? And what would say to them?

Oprah: How did you do it?

Now that you have heard what Bonang has to say about taking that first step towards achieving your dreams, just remember to never let anyone tell you that it is impossible. Nothing is impossible; your dreams can be realised with perseverance and willingness to heed reliable guidance.

Make sure you check out Bonang’s new website at www.bonangmatheba.com. Also, catch Bonang on our screens every Friday at 21:00 on SABC1’s LIVE! And, of course, don’t forget about her new hip-hop radio show on YFM: every Thursday, 22:00 -24:00.

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Do you want to rub shoulders with the who’s who of South Africa, and share your thoughts (as well as a cup of tea) with some of the big names in the world today? If ever there was a great time to start networking, get some exposure and broaden your knowledge, now would be it – and ALIYANA would love to let you in on an upcoming event that will enable you to do all this.

World renowned Somali-born supermodel, actress and entrepreneur, Iman, will be hosting exclusive breakfasts along with our own local powerhouse, managing director of Ndalo Media and founding editor of Destiny magazine, Khanyi Dhlomo. The events will take place in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The focus will be on beauty and business, and both Iman and Khanyi will share their expertise on the subjects.

For those of you who think this could be one of those pretentious events filled with superficiality, don’t be fooled: beyond the mask of make-up, clack of stilettos, smell of alluring fragrances and abundance of expensive handbags, there will be lessons of endurance, self discovery and determination to be learnt.

The line up also includes international make-up artist Byron Barns and performances from various guest artists.

So come on ladies, with our futures in mind, let’s put our best foot forward and prepare ourselves for our destinies.

The event will be in Cape Town on the 23 March 2010 at the Table Bay Hotel, and in Johannesburg on the 25 March 2010 at the Sandton Convention Centre

Tickets are R250, and the price includes breakfast and a goodie bag. Book online at www.destinyconnect.com or call: (011) 3006748

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ALIYANA has compiled 10 tips on how students are able to save money:

1. Firstly, never carry more money then you actually need when you’re on campus – it will just lead to temptation! R10 or R20 should be sufficient. If you think about it, the only thing you should pay for is printing credits. You’re on campus for a reason, and that is to study – not spend!
2. Pack a lunch. And no, this doesn’t mean two sandwiches tightly covered in cling wrap then neatly tucked into a Hanna Montana special edition lunch box with a small orange lidded juice bottle on the side. Unless that’s what you’re into. It means that you can bring last night’s leftovers, quick sandwiches or maybe a fruit salad that you have prepared the night before or morning of. Find an empty bottle and fill it up with a drink of your choice. This could save you about R30 a day, which could be R150 a week, which translates to R600 a month! Hanna Montana lunch box = not cool; saving R600 = very mature.
3. For students who live away from home or in self-catering accommodation, buying food in bulk could save a lot of money, and help out during the mid-month run out (i.e.:  the period of the month when your food supply runs out and two-minute noodles are considered a full meal). Wholesalers should definitely be your destination of choice for the monthly grocery shop.
4. Make use of discounts. For example, if a certain carton of milk is cheaper than the one you usually get, buy it! Your bones need the calcium, not the taste.
5. Bank charges will leave you with far less then what you thought you had in the bank; we all know that that R20 could help out a lot. Don’t withdraw money too frequently. Estimate the amount you’d need during the week and withdraw a little extra if necessary, for emergencies.
6. Date Night? We all know that the price of a movie now costs about as much as a full meal. Save money by entertaining your significant other at your place. Hire some DVDs and enjoy a home-cooked meal, and be thankful of the money you’re saving!
7. For those with cars, listen up. Yes, you may have found the answer to quick no-hassle and personal energy-saving travelling, but remember that before you drove you made another plan. So, when you can, make another plan! If possible, make use of any shuttle services provided for students, walk wherever possible. Not only are you helping to save our ozone layer by emitting less carbon, you’re also saving money…
8. Calling people from your cellphone when you could text instead wastes unnecessary rand. Buy a certain amount of airtime for a certain period of time (e.g.: R50 twice a month). If there is not a specific need for you to be calling people, be wise and send a text.
9. Students are notorious party animals, but try party as cost efficiently as possible. Look out for specials, host get-togethers at a friend’s place and have each one bring food or beverages, maybe get to know the manager at the restaurant close by! Think of anything that would result in you saving money.
10. Lastly, stay true to your budget! This may prove to be very hard as (probably unnecessary) items you had ‘forgotten’ to include while writing up your budget have now set you back a few rand, and as a result; you’re eating beans on last week’s bread or two-minute noodles for the remainder of the month.

Homelessness, the times you were broke and the many times you begged your parents for extra money are all part of the exciting life of a student. But if you are wise and find (legal) ways of making money and spending it wisely, it should be a time you’ll enjoy reminiscing about.

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