From High-Powered Criminal Attorney to Catwalk Queen and Everything Else In-Between

Good morning, beautiful souls and aspiring change-makers. As you sip your morning coffee and scroll through your daily reads, I invite you to join me on a journey—a tale of transformation that has taken me from the structured corridors of legal institutions to the dazzling lights of the world stage.

Once a criminal defense attorney with a heart for justice and a mind for the law, I found myself entrenched in the noble mission of Legal Aid South Africa. But life has a way of nudging us toward unexpected horizons, and for me, that nudge came with a crown and a sash. Today, I stand before you as a businesswoman, an entrepreneur, a wife, a mom, and a beacon of hope for many who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.

Michelle Obama once said, “There’s absolutely no limit to what we as women can accomplish.” These words resonate in the deepest chambers of my heart, affirming my belief that the titles I hold are mere beginnings of a story yet to unfold.

Let me share with you my story of becoming—my metamorphosis from the girl who grew up in the vibrant streets of Soweto to the woman who now embraces a multitude of roles with grace and tenacity. My parents, a teacher and a bank teller’s instructor, instilled in me the value of education, shaping my path toward a Bachelor of Laws degree and later, a postgraduate diploma in labor law.

The legal world was my playground for years, from serving as a public defender to navigating the corporate maze as a non-practicing attorney within a large ICT corporation. Yet, my career was not without its trials and tribulations, including a brush with unemployment that taught me a critical lesson: when you’re backed into a corner, the only way out is up.

My ascent up the corporate ladder was swift but not without its challenges. By 31, I was managing a crucial department, thriving against all odds. It was during this time that I learned my first lesson: start with what you have. Too often, we lament our lack of resources instead of harnessing what is already at our fingertips.

Then came a pivotal moment—a job offer that vanished just as quickly as it appeared, leaving me to humbly request my old job back. My former boss’s willingness to rehire me led to my second lesson: let your work speak for itself. It’s the standard of your work that leaves a lasting impression.

As time passed, the monotony of corporate life nudged me toward change, and a suggestion to enter a beauty pageant set me on a path of rediscovery. I was skeptical—pageants were not my world. Yet, this brings me to my next lessons: never fear reinvention, and do it scared. Embrace the detours and let fear be the fuel that drives you toward greatness.

Throughout my corporate journey, relationships proved to be the stepping stones to success. This is my next lesson: our success lies in the company we keep. Networking isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a lifeline.

Fast forward to the present, and my life has been transformed. Winning a prestigious title has propelled me onto a global platform, shattering the myth that victory is reserved for a select few. I stand as living proof that it’s possible to rise from obscurity to prominence, to start a business from scratch, and to find your voice when you’ve been silenced for too long.

In the end, it all comes down to authenticity. As an influencer and a public figure, I strive to be real, to be the everyday woman who juggles multiple roles and faces her imperfections with courage. I am no longer chasing an illusory ideal of perfection; I am embracing the full spectrum of my humanity.

As I continue my journey from corporate attorney to entrepreneur, I am reminded daily of the power of mentorship and the value of authenticity. My business, though still in its infancy, grows with each new challenge, and I am grateful for every client who trusts me with their legal needs.

So, here’s to the journey of becoming, to the power of resilience, and to the beauty of purpose. To every woman reading this, know that your uniqueness is your superpower, and there’s nothing you cannot achieve when you support one another.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. I hope it serves as a reminder that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, your potential is limitless, and your story is worth telling.

Now, go forth and write your own narrative, one bold step at a time.