Skincare 101 - Your makeup is only as good as your skin

A few months ago I was looking at refreshing my makeup collection so I was frequenting beauty bars and makeup counters at various shopping malls. Besides building a solid collection of beauty products I got what I believe to be the best beauty advice from a makeup artist: Your makeup is only as good as your skin.

Many of us have our makeup routine down pat; we know what we need to cover up and we cover it up well. However there are some skin concerns that we can reduce or eliminate by taking better care of our skin. A simple, consistent skin care routine can alleviate skin concerns and improve the health of your skin. 

There are numerous skin care products in the market and at times it can be hard to determine what exactly it is that your skin needs to be clear, radiant and healthy. With five basic steps you can be on your way to beautiful skin and a better foundation on which to apply your makeup.

Included in the steps below are some products that I have tried and tested and found to have worked for me. I have combination skin that can be dry and flaky in the winter months. 

Step 1: Cleanse and exfoliate

Cleanse your face with a cleanser of your choice. Cleansing removes pollutants from the skin and helps unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne. 

Clinique 3-Step: Cleanse

Depending on the strength of your exfoliating scrub and personal preference, you can remove dead skin cells by exfoliating at least once a week.

Clinique Exfoliant Visage

Step 2: Apply skin toner

Toner is said to help pores appear smaller and to further cleanse the skin in preparation for moisturising. As with the cleanser, select a toner that is suitable for your skin type.

Clinique 3-Step: Clarify

Step 3: Apply serums or oils and any other treatments to skin

This is the stage where you address specific skin concerns like dry, flaky skin, fine lines, blemishes etc. For example, if you have dry flaky skin, a serum that provides intense hydration would be suitable.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+

Step 4: Moisturise

Moisturisers help to keep the skin soft, supple and hydrated by locking in the moisture. 

Clinique 3-Step: Moisturise

Step 5: Sun protection

UV radiation can age your skin and cause cancer; that is why it is important to use sun protection/sunscreen. There are moisturises that contain SPF; with such products you can cover steps four and five simultaneously. If your moisturiser does not contain SPF then you need apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.  

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Lotion SPF50+

For a demonstration of the beauty process outlined above, please view the How to Layer Skin Care video by Beauty Heaven.

Author: Char

Images: Clinique.com.au Chanel.com Trilogyproducts.com Chemistwarehouse.com.au 

Blaq Carrie - Hip Hop 'Femcee'

Hip Hop has proved to many as a tough industry to tap into, a male dominated game in which only the toughest survive. However, female rappers have been fast emerging proving to be fearless and capable of not only being contenders to their male counterparts but also outperforming them. Meet Blaq Carrie, a ‘Femcee’ who is not only taking careful steps to fix this ratio slowly & surely, but also proves that as a female artist- you do not need to shake some ass to be recognized. 

Hailing from the city of Harare, in Zimbabwe, Blaq Carrie whose real name is Tsitsi Mafuta fell in love with Hip Hop at the age of 15. She cites artists like JayZ, Lauryn Hill and Nas as her biggest influences at the time.  When asked about how she got into the game, Blaq Carrie says “I  grew up a tom boy and seeing people like Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah, who appeared to be tom boyish as well  made me realise that I could make this work for me too and that is when I decided to start making my own music".

Realising her lyrical and performing talents through participation in local talent shows at a young age, it wasn’t until she moved to Australia in 2004 that she decided to take a step forward towards achieving her dreams. She released a couple of mixtapes and performed in various clubs around Brisbane from 2008 to 2011 in efforts to get her name out. It was a step in the right direction, and despite personal and professional obstacles that she faced during these times, in years to follow she would reap the payoffs. 

In 2012 and 2013 she got her big break when she was selected to participate in the 100 Songs Project, an Independent Music Research Project held in Brisbane. In 2013, she solidified her mark in the Hip Hop community when she won Triple J Unearthed Spring Hip Hop Festival competition and also went on to win the Queensland Music Award for Best Urban Song and the Australian Independent Award in the same event for her breakout single “Let There Be Hope”.   This was followed and complimented by the release of a two-part YouTube video where she talks about the making of the single and breaks down the meaning of the song.

 In 2014, Blaq Carrie released the critically acclaimed EP “Best wishes” which boasts production credits from Hamley and Tristan Hoogland (who has previously worked with Kevin McCall, Jessica Mauboy, & Jason Derulo).The single has garnered some positive feedback and is her most critically acclaimed to date. We met with Blaq Carrie to talk about the success of her single and her upcoming projects.

For those that don’t know much about you and your music, who is Blaq Carrie and how would you describe your sound?

I am a Hip Hop artist. My sound is still a work in progress but i call it the ‘Labour of Love Music’ which gracefully falls under good music.

Having grown up in Zimbabwe, what are some of the struggles that you have faced trying to break into the music industry in foreign country?

I would say right now in my current situation, firstly is trying to connect with people (music lovers/listeners) just for people to get to know your sound and style. Secondly, is trying to staying focused and in my lane. This requires me to find the right people to surround myself with, positive people, who can support me, inspire me and challenge me to push my music career in the right direction.

 What do you think of the future of Hip Hop in Australia?

I personally think right now Hip Hop in Australia is on a verge of a burst (in a good way). There are a lot of good artists here and they are slowly getting much more recognition now.

 Congratulations on winning the Queensland Music Video Award of the year and Best Hip Hop Music Video Award at the Independent music video awards for your song Let There Be Hope. What does this award mean to you?

The making of that video I and Sarah Robinson, my music video director can trade war stories about it….haha. But to answer the question, right now in this very moment I am definitely filled with nothing but gratitude for the support that i got while working on the song and the people that voted for it to win.

 What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on my next EP ‘Til We Meet Again’. People can find and follow my updates on

 www.blaqcarrie.com

Facebook (Blaq Carrie )

https://soundcloud.com/blaqcarrie263

Author: Mini

Photos: Blaq Carrie

#Mini #Char #MiniandChar

Cynthia Moyo - Simply Cyee Style

When I think of effortless chic and elegance, I think of Cynthia Moyo. The creator of Simply Cyee Style (Simply Cyee) is arguably one of the hottest fashion bloggers on social media at the moment. Her self-styled outfits bear testament to her natural stylishness and the promise of a long successful career in the fashion industry. 

In just over a year since its inception, Simply Cyee has taken social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram by storm. With over 12,000 followers on Facebook and a growing following on Instagram, it is clear that women around the world are looking to Cynthia for style inspiration. Cynthia’s talents were recognised when she was voted Blogger of the Year at the 2014 Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards (ZIWA). 

As a fiancée and mother to her active toddler Pearl, Cynthia made a conscious decision to venture into Fashion Blogging & Styling. Being self-employed allows her to do what she loves and by taking Pearl along when she works Cynthia is able to spend time with her daughter.

Cynthia has recently left England for South Africa and is planning on expanding her brand. It is thrilling to note that Cynthia is thinking of expanding to kids’ fashion, perhaps owning a boutique and providing more personalised shopping experiences. Keep an eye out for new developments on the Simply Cyee Facebook page. 

The interview below gives more insight into Simply Cyee Style:

So, who is Cynthia and what is your raison d’etre? 

I am simple woman, a fiancé and mother, who loves my family and probably a major shopaholic too.

What is a typical day in the life of Cynthia?

My day involves nursery runs, errands, shopping for clients, responding to tonnes of emails and messages, time with my child after nursery, household chores etc. I really don’t think my day is different from most except what I call work is shopping…and I love it! 

You are the creator of ‘Simply Cyee’; what is ‘Simply Cyee’ about and what do you hope to achieve with your blog? 

'Simply Cyee' is a platform I created to share my love and passion for fashion with like-minded people. It's meant to be realistic day to day wear. I don't blog stuff I don't wear. It's grown into a place that creates style inspiration on a regular budget and that really is who I am. 

There are many fashion bloggers on various social media platforms - when you first started blogging, were you worried about being seen as “just another blogger”? How do you differentiate yourself from other fashion bloggers? 

I have never really been worried about being labelled as “just another blogger”. Fashion blogging is a personal thing. We all have different takes to the same thing and there is enough support and success for everyone as long as you work hard, improve and stay consistent with your niche. It was also important to understand that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. As long as I do good, I am happy. 

For those who are not aware, you are not just a pretty fashionista, as a Law Graduate you also have the brains to back it up. Why did you make the switch to styling & fashion blogging? 

Law was something I was passionate about as a child. It was a dream I shared with my late father and I’m ever so proud of myself for that achievement but the dreams you have as a child don’t always translate as you grow older. After having my daughter I wanted to find work that would be flexible and allow me to be with her when it suited me. So finding myself self employed and doing what I loved worked out better for me as I can take Pearl with me when I work. I don’t know if I would have been the mother I am working in a highly competitive law firm and I’m glad I took the alternative route.

Congratulations on your ZIWA – what does this award mean to you?

Ahhh the ZIWA, that was just amazing. My first award and to be recognised and appreciated by my fellow Zimbabweans. The thought that people actually voted for me is just super. I was literally breath taken. It truly felt like WE had done it, all the people that supported and voted. It was our achievement. 

In just over a year, you have over 12,000 followers on Facebook, over 7k followers on Instagram and you have featured in TRUELOVE (South Africa) magazine, not to mention your ZIWA 2014 Blogger of the Year Award – did you expect to have such a huge following and this much success in such a short timeframe?

I had very little expectation to be honest when I started blogging. I think I was just hoping not to be judged harshly by the social media public. The more support I got the more I grew confident so I’m grateful to those that have supported me from the beginning and along the way. 

A lot of your outfits are from H&M, Zara, River Island and the occasional Primark – these brands are accessible to the average woman. Are these your favourite brands or do you purposefully showcase these brands on your blog? 

See, my life before blogging was exactly the same as it is with me blogging. I didn’t really change the places where I shopped. I’m just conscious to take pictures now. So yeah those are pretty much my regular and favourite brands. Simple accessible high street stuff. I also love places that cater for me and my daughter under one roof. 

What is/are your favourite brands and why? 

I love ‘Zara’ & ‘River Island’ shoes. They are comfortable and worth the price you pay.

I love ‘Primark’ jeans! African girls need that stretch! Most of my clothes and basics are ‘H&M’ and most of Pearl’s clothes and shoes are ‘H&M’ too so I’d safely say it’s my favourite brand. I’m not too fussy with accessories. I love ‘New Look’ for their variety in jewellery and I love ‘River Island’ bags!

To be fair I love anything that I connect with whatever the brand. I really don’t discriminate when it comes to pretty things. 

I follow Simply Cyee on Facebook and Instagram; and I must say I love how you put an outfit together – do you provide personal styling services or are you focused mainly on blogging? 

I usually do provide personal shopping and personal styling services but I have put that on hold indefinitely as I am sorting out personal things in my life right now. I will probably resume once I’m settled or have a new project providing a similar service. And yes, during my down time I’d like to up my blogging a bit. Find new material and improved quality. 

Do you plan on expanding your brand? If so, how?

Yes I do plan on expanding. There is always room to grow and do better. Perhaps a boutique, online store, more personalised shopping experience, more focus on kids’ fashion now that Pearl is keen on joining me when I’m blogging. I have so many ideas it’s just about reigning in on what direction I’d like to take. All in due time. 

We have to talk about Miss Pearl! What’s it’s like being Pearl’s Mum? How do you balance the demands of your career, running a household and being a Mum to an active toddler? 

Pearl. Lol. She is just so energetic. The girl does not stop, from the time she gets up till she goes to bed, it’s like running a marathon. She is the sweetest, most loving little person and everything i do revolves around her. Everything I do is for her to be happy. Even my style is highly influenced by her. We make such a great team so getting through our day isn’t so hard because we have been doing it together from the start. 

So what’s next for Cyee – as a person and as a brand?

Well…I’m taking a huge step and leaving England for a while. Time for a change and new things with my little family. I’m hoping the brand will grow with me as I take my next steps. We will all have to wait and see.   

Last words?

Last words….Confidence, consistent hard work, self belief, humility and politeness will get you further than you ever dreamt.  

You can get style tips and inspiration by liking Simply Cyee on Facebook and following @MamaKaPearl on Instagram. 

Author: Char

Images: Simply Cyee

Lani Masuku - Phro Group

When it comes to growing African hair we all know that the struggle is real but, for a lucky few with either good genes or a good hairdresser - “good hair” can be achievable. From experience, my  own hair has reduced me to tears on endless occasions, product after product not only depleted my merger bank account but even the few thin strands I was born with did not seem to respond to any form of pampering or pimping despite the vast amount of time I spent getting it done. I was literally at wits end, forget bad hair day, I was having a bad hair life! Enter Lani Masuku, entrepreneur extraordinaire when it comes to looking after natural African hair. Her best recommendation? Her own glossy jet black mane that would put a Revlon model to shame.

Lani has always been blessed with great hair, if she wasn't so generous with her secrets through her consultancy work with numerous hairdressers, her amusing blogs and informative YouTube channel it would be easy to hate her. Through her business Phro Group; an online business that is dedicated to supporting and providing advice to women with Afro hair on attaining healthy hair, Lani has recently launched her newest invention – The Aphro Comb. The Aphro comb is a multifunctional comb designed to nourish the scalp in ways that saves money and time.  It is said to be the most effective applicator bottle on the market for oiling the scalp and conditioning the roots.  

Recently, Phro Group has announced that they are embarking on a growth challenge with their clients and are inviting all women across the world going through some hair growth challenges to participate. We caught up with Lani to talk more about the Growth Challenge, hair tips and more.

Check out the interview below:

You offer some one on one consultancy through your online business  Phro Group. How does this work?

Phro Group is first and foremost a consultancy for people who are having issues with their hair, as well as for hairdressers who would like business support. A one on one consultation is the most effective and fastest way that I can provide carefully thought out and tailored support that caters to individuals’ unique needs. All consultations are conducted online, in the comfort of one’s home, where they are most comfortable. It gives a person a chance to really get comfortable sharing their hair secrets that they wouldn’t even share with their closest friends. Comfort and privacy are the basis of all my consultations.

Each consultation is an hour long and gives my clients time to go through their specific battle and how they have been coping with it. I then provide a tailored solution from over 5 years worth of experience consulting with 100s of women internationally.  I follow each consultation with 3 months worth of support, allowing both of us to see how effective the recommended changes have been and live through the results together.

Booking a private one on one Skype Consultation is easy, visit us at www.phrogroup.com/shop/skype-consulation  to make your reservation.

Is there a fee for this service and how much is it?
A consultation fee is $20. During this private hour, we go through the following things: understand how you got to the stage you are; introduce you to a tailored approach to fix the issue you’re currently facing; discover a new way of taking care of your hair and scalp and ensuring it fits into your lifestyle and provide a tailored approach to fix the root cause of your hair issue. We also provide follow up personal support for 3 months after the first consultation.

You have recently launched the “Aphro Comb” which is proving to be really popular. Can you tell us more about this product and why you came up with it?

The Aphro Comb is THE most effective oil applicator bottle on the market. It’s an innovative tool created to make it easier to nourish your scalp. It’s actually brought down my scalp treatment time to just 30 seconds. The Aphro Comb is important because it buys busy women time and it also saves them money. I love solution driven products, the Aphro Comb has really bought me back much needed time to do more important things with my time. I do love my hair, but I don’t want it to take over my life, which is why I love using this comb.

You are about to embark on a hair growth challenge with your followers. Can you tell us more about this?

The Growth Challenge is 5 years worth of knowledge on how to effectively grow hair shared with everyone that registers to join. Your readers can journey with me as I regrow my own hair in 2015. They will learn from a seasoned blogger and consultant the tricks to get past that dreaded ‘growth plateau’ that everyone has experienced at sometime.

The growth challenge introduces people to the right way of taking care of afro textured hair. We’ve tried a lot of ways that haven’t worked, this way is effective and people who join will see results. 

How can other people participate and where can the register?

Anyone with afro textured hair can join. They just need to visit us at www.phrogroup.com/grow-hair and register their interest. We are launching on the 1^st of December 2014.

What other products and programs are you working on?

Alongside the launch of this growth challenge, I will also be introducing people to my newest product range that is essential in hair and scalp care. Make sure to look out for it when we launch on 1 December!  

Having worked with thousands of women since you started, what has been the most common hair issue and what did you recommend?

The most common hair issue is hair breaking along a woman’s hairline due to styling, also known as traction alopecia. All the women that I’ve worked with personally have reversed damage to their hairline by simply nurturing their hairline back to health and then maintaining their hairline through a hair care routine that I formulated on my blog ‘the hairline challenge’.
If readers join the Growth Challenge, this is something that will be tackled during their hair journey in 2015. 

What are your “must have” hair products?

Staples for any household would be Castor Oil, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil … they are so versatile, but most importantly have been organically formulated to effectively nourish your scalp and your hair. A well-nourished head of hair will realise real growth.

What are some of the most common mistakes that women make in regards to caring for their hair?

There are so many, and I think they are just symptoms to the one big mistake that drives our hair decisions. That mistake is the belief that African hair is hard to maintain. Consequently, we make bad decisions based on that premise. So my growth challenge, and really why Phro Group exists, is to erase that initial premise and introduce a new order, ‘our hair is beautiful, versatile and like any gentle fibre, needs to be treated really gently.’ I truly believe and have witnessed time and time again that when you nourish your hair the right way, it will attain health.

For more about Phro Group, visit www.phrogroup.com. Check out her her YouTube channel and subscribe.

Author - Mini

Images : Lani Masuku

#Miniandchar  #PhroGroup   #LaniMasuku 

Brian Lunga - Photographer and American Football Coach

Years ago, a father presented his son with a Nikon film camera. That one gift sparked in his son an interest in photography that grew into a passion for the art of capturing images. Almost two decades later, Brian Lunga is making a name for himself as the owner and head photographer at Brian Lunga Photography. 

In his career as a photographer, Brian has photographed high profile people like Pope Benedict XVI and major events like the 2011 England Riots. Despite the experience of covering major events, Brian specializes in wedding photography stating, “I get a buzz from the whole wedding atmosphere. The tension, the love, the emotions, the nerves…you feel it all from everyone…” 

In addition to photography, Brian is an American Football player and coach. Having started playing football at university in 2007, he has kept it up and currently plays for the Sandwell Steelers. When he is not on the field playing, he coaches the Worcestor Royals, the University of Worcestor’s American Football team. 

Brian is also an award nominated radio presenter; having been nominated for ZAA Best Presenter Award in 2012. The nomination was for his work on Visions Radio where he was involved in the hosting, presentation and production of three radio shows. 

Read more details of Brian’s story in the interview below. 

So, who is Brian Mduduzi and what is your raison d’etre? Where are you based?

Mduduzi, which means ‘comfort’ (for those that don’t know), is the soft, gentle, rational half. Brian on the other hand is the go getter, aggressively passionate and has tendencies of losing logic from time to time.

I am based in Birmingham, UK. 

What is a typical day in the life of Brian?

The day starts off with a morning gym session three times a week, on the other four days I walk instead. I have a shower, meditate, have breakfast, check emails and newspapers; from there each day is different. It would vary from photographing to meetings and just laughter.

You are the owner & head photographer at Brian Lunga Photography; how did you get into photography? Is it something you were always interested in?

My first love for photography was in 1999 when my dad bought a Nikon film camera. 15 years later it still takes beautiful photographs. I rekindled my love for photography in 2009 where I picked up a Nikon D70 and from there one thing lead to another.

What types of photography services do you provide?

I provide mainly wedding photography services. I get a buzz from the whole wedding atmosphere. The tension, the love, the emotions, the nerves; you feel it all from everyone and you feel it for everyone too. 

I recently got married and I was particularly worried about having smart phones, iPads & cameras showing up in the professional photos of me walking down the aisle. What is your photography pet peeve? 

My photography pet peeve is people trying to direct how I should do my job. You have a lot of people with DSLR cameras nowadays and they all think they are professionals. Thankfully the end result always shows the difference. 

Do you do celebrity photography aka paparazzi shots? Who’s the biggest celebrity you’ve papped & what’s the biggest event you’ve photographed?

I am not a paparazzo. The risk factor is too much, you can spend a few days without actually getting good shots that can be used by the media. Would you class Pope Benedict XVI as a celebrity? If so, he is the biggest celeb I have photographed. The two biggest events I have photographed were of the England riots that took place in 2011 and Britain’s Next Top Model Live 2009.

Up until recently you were in broadcasting, producing and presenting at Visions Radio. What was your show about?

I had three shows at Visions Radio. I had the ‘Love Zone’ which I produced and presented myself, it was mostly about connecting lovers and family in different parts of the world.

I co-hosted ‘Dr Love’ which was centred on relationship problems and a panel trying to help solve them. I also co-produced and co-presented ’Talking Soccer/Talking Football’. It was an amazing experience which was facilitated by Ezra Sibanda and Eric Knight. I also got nominated for the ZAA Best Presenter Award in 2012.

Why did you leave broadcasting and is it something that you will get back into in the future? 

I wouldn’t say I left broadcasting as I still help out once in a while with a few stations around. I think I may go back soon especially to try facilitate a show like ‘Talking Soccer/Talking Football’. The show had amazing support from all parts of the world. 

At the moment you’re an American football player and coach. That’s on the other end of the spectrum from photography & broadcasting. When did you start playing American football?

It is not the other end of spectrum (in my thinking) haha. Reason I say so is that everything I get involved in mainly involves interacting with a lot of people from different backgrounds.

I currently play for Sandwell Steelers. I started playing American football in 2007 for the university team the Greenwich Mariners.

Which team/s do you coach? How does your team rank in their league?

I am currently a running backs coach with the Worcester Royals who are a university team (University of Worcester). They are a brilliant bunch of lads who this past season (roughly Sept to March) made history by recording their first win in 32 games. They went on to win two other matches finishing the season with 3 wins and 5 loses the best season since the team was formed in 2009.

How do you keep your players motivated? Is there a ritual that you follow pre & post match?

I think player motivation comes from you showing belief in them all the time no matter how bad they seem to have prepared or played. That unwavering belief slowly makes them grow and believe in themselves. My pre game ritual is to individually shake every member of the team’s hand just before kick off.

In Australia there is ‘Mad Monday’, where Australian football players celebrate the end of the season in what would be described as a “go hard or go home” approach to partying. What do you and your teammates do to celebrate the end of the season?

Our ‘Mad Monday’ is every week haha. We try have socials every so often. We usually have an awards night which always promises good food, good fun and a lot of falling over in the early hours.

What’s next for Brian?

Well I guess I have to conquer the world now haha. This year has been brilliant, I have a few things lined up in the pipeline. Just follow me on my Facebook (Mdu Brian Lunga) and Instagram (brian_lunga) to keep updated.

How do we get in touch with you for photography services?

You can email me on contact@brianlungaphotography.com or my Facebook page Brian Lunga Photography.

Author: Char Images: Brian Lunga

#nov. 10 2014#brian lunga#brian lunga photography#american football#visions radio#mini & char#november 2014

Catching up with Former Beauty Queen Lorraine Maphala-Phiri

The modelling industry in Zimbabwe has for many years been subjected to ongoing criticism over the lack of accolade compared to other countries. Even Miss Zimbabwe, the most prestigious pageant in the country, has been struggling to survive over the years. 2013 in particular saw the trust fail to hold the annual event despite the outstanding natural beauties from the home land. Many will agree that once the beauty queen finishes her reign, we rarely get to hear or see them ever again. However as we went through the long list of the former beauty queens there was one woman that stood out, having been a household name in recent years after her win nearly 10 years ago.

This former beauty queen is now mostly known for being one of the hardest working young business women in Zimbabwe today. With a successful hair product line under her belt, Lorraine Maphala-Phiri is now looking into launching a handbag collection and hopes that her work ethic inspires other young women out there to always aim to reach their fullest potentials. We spoke to the former Miss Zimbabwe to find out more about her business ventures, what she is currently working on and what keeps her motivated, and she did give us an insight of what life has been like for her since being crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2006.

It’s been nearly 10 years since you were crowned Miss Zimbabwe. Your title has since expanded to being a wife, mother, mentor and businesswoman. How easy was it for you to get started in new these ventures and what are some of the challenges that you faced? 

I found it quite easy for me because when I stopped competitive modelling, I had achieved what I wanted to achieve therefore I felt ready for change.

I knew that professional modelling would eventually come an end so I always had a clear picture of what I wanted for my life and I feel blessed that my life turned out exactly as I wished for. I am now a wife, a mom and a business woman and I manage to maintain a good balance.

The only difficulty that I faced during my transition is learning to be responsible for more than just myself. Luckily, I was blessed with a husband who loved me as I was. He was very patient and I found that very helpful.

How do you balance it all?

Balancing motherhood, being a wife and being a working mom is a skill. I’m still trying to be perfect but when you have the kind of help like I do at home, everything else comes into place. I priorities my work so that I can accommodate all the important things in my life like my family. I have the greatest support system at home, my husband is great help as well and that helps make things manageable.

There has been a lot of media interest in your life since you have been in the public eye. How do you manage to keep your life private and how do you handle negative media?

I didn't realize my life will be so publicised when I first started modelling. However, I have since made sure that l focus on what makes me happy and not dwell on negativity.

Now that you are not doing competitive modelling,what are you working on at the moment?  

I launched a hair line, the ‘’Real Hair by Lorraine (RHL)’’ which specializes on 100% human hair.  This includes Cambodian, Indian, Brazilian, Malaysian wigs, weaves and lace wigs.  I’m hoping to expand the brand to offer more products as well.

I have recently launched the Lorraine Maphala Mentoring Program which aims at inspiring young women and motivating them not to give on their dreams.

I’m also working on the launch of my handbag line ‘’LMP’’handbags, it is inspired by powerful and hardworking career women which is why our logo on the bags is a power button, a symbol of POWER. A sample of these bags can be seen on my face book page. 

I also work with my husband in our finance company which provides small business loans. The company also offers assistance to women trying to start their own businesses.

There is definitely a lot going on for you at the moment.  How can your fans living outside Zimbabwe purchase your hair products, LMP Hair.?

I’m currently in the process of designing the website which will have all my merchandise. We do currently we have a lot of clients overseas particularly in Europe who contact us via our Facebook page 'Real Hair by Lorraine'. We are doing our best to get the website up and running as soon as possible to be able to cater for our clients internationally. 

Do you feel pressure in the way you look and present in public as a former Beauty Queen?

When I started out, I did it for the love of modelling.  I didn’t realize how much I would be in the spotlight and the fame that came with it. Thankfully, I never allow myself to be pressured to be what I’m not or what people expect me to be. I have always done what felt right for me and that has helped me live a normal life.

Your presentation is always flawless. Can you share some of your beauty must haves?

Thank you, I drink a lot of water, it’s amazing what water can do for your skin. Every woman should have a good perfume, my favorite at the moment is Givenchy’s Very Ïrresistible.  Lipcolour is a definite must have, I use the Hot Raspberry by Bobbi Brown as I prefer bold colors. A nude lip gloss from MAC is also one of my favorites, it works particularly for professional women that prefer a more natural look.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

Having a clear vision of where I want to be and what I want for myself and my family. I believe in prayer and God’s faithfulness and I know that everything I have achieved has been a result of my prayers therefore I know more will be done as long as I keep working and praying.

Check out more about the LMP hair range and Mentoring Program on Lorraine Maphala-Phiri's Facebook page.

Author: Mini

Images: LMP

Neo Pitso - Obsessed with Success

Neo Pitso is the walking billboard for success. With the mantra “obsessed with success” the name Neo Pitso has become synonymous with winning and the constant desire to live a purposeful life.

Born in Welkom, South Africa and raised in Adelaide, South Australia Neo’s interest in music and performing was obvious to his parents very early on. From a young age, he performed in talent shows where he always felt comfortable on stage. One of his fondest memories is a performance where he donned a cape and sang R. Kelly’s ‘I believe I can fly’ – sources say it was a performance carried out with great zeal!

Neo’s flair with words and undisputed rapping talent makes him one of the hottest up and coming artists in the Australian music industry. He has worked with International artists like the multi-platinum rapper Nas, the award winning Hip Hop artist The Game and rapper and founder of Maybach Music Group Rick Ross, to name a few. Despite his exposure to renowned artists thus far, Neo is striving to establish himself as a standalone artist.

With his award nominated hit single and video Veni Vidi Vici, Neo showcases his poetic ability along with his propensity to tell a story through the marrying up of powerful lyrics, a captivating beat and enthralling visuals.

Veni Vidi Vici is available to download on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/veni-vidi-vici-single/id859655284

In addition to the music, Neo is a motivational speaker and young leader, often lending his profile to worthy causes in the community. Most recently Neo was one of the speakers and performers at the Bring Our Boys Back Home rally in Adelaide. 

Despite his busy schedule, Neo was kind enough to share some of his story with us in an interview. 

What is your raison d’être?

In everything I do I want to win. I don’t do it for selfish reasons, I do it so that I can become a symbol of hope for all the people who look up to me. Many don’t know that the greatest source of wealth is between their ears and I want to help them find it and mine it. If my life serves as inspiration for them my job here on earth will have been done and I can rest easy. I’m obsessed with success.

Your mantra is “obsessed with success” - what is success to you?

Success to me is ‘…the progressive realization of a worthy ideal…’ as my good friend and mentor Earl Nightingale puts it. Waking up everyday with a purpose and living out that purpose is success to me.

You have refined your art over time & outdone yourself with each single; how has your journey been thus far and where are you headed?

Thank you very much that’s very kind of you. The journey has been rocky but enjoyable nonetheless. I have worked with my idols such as Nas, The Game and even local names such as Jessica Mauboy but, even after all that, I still feel incomplete. I want to establish myself as a stand alone artist and so far so good. Its hard to put the plan into words via an interview but the team I’m working with at the moment especially the producer (Chi) assists with the different steps we take as we carry on building the Neo Pitso brand. So for now I’m hustling until I no longer have to introduce myself.

I am loving Veni Vidi Vici at the moment, the video looks amazing. What is the inspiration behind the song & the video?

'Veni Vidi Vici' is a song set in the future with flash backs to the present, in other words it's prophetic. I know myself well enough to know that I'll become the success story I've always wanted to become, but will I succumb to evil? The definition of 'veni vidi vici' is 'I came, I saw, I conquered'. Now the music industry is said to be a very dark industry and people are always going on about how you have to sell your soul to become a success, so the question is: would I sell my soul if it meant I could conquer the world?

There are quite a few suggestive shots in the video and that’s all done with purpose. If you watch the video again consider the scene where I’m in between a character in all black and an angel-like character with my hands together in a praying position. 

At the end of the day I really wanted people to have their own interpretations; sometimes it’s better that way, because to define the video is to limit it’s potential to be something more.

I understand you are a motivational speaker & have your fingers in many pies. Besides music, what do you do for work & for play?

Yes I am, and if anyone reading this would like to book me to come talk at their school assembly drop a message on my website www.NeoPitso.com. On top of that I am also a connector of people and companies and a professional party-er.

You can stay up to date with Neo Pitso news and preview his upcoming singles by liking his Facebook page: Neo Pitso. You can also follow him on Instagram and Twitter: @TheOnlyNeo and subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/NeoPitso/feed

Keep an eye out for Neo’s new single We On featuring one of South Africa’s best songwriters AB Crazy; in the mean time be sure to get your copy of Veni Vidi Vici on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/veni-vidi-vici-single/id859655284

Author: Char

Images: Neo Pitso