A research participant's use of social media to communicate with her strong ties

I have explored a research participant’s use of social media and her communication with her strong ties. In doing so, I have asked numerous questions that yield both qualitative and quantitative results.

The questions are as follows:

1. How many people have you communicated with today?
2. How many people did you communicate with via Facebook today?
3. How many people did you communicate via the phone today?
4. How many people did you communicate face to face today?
5. How many people did you communicate with via email today?
6. How many people do you communicate with every single day?
7. How often did you interact with this particular person?
8. What form of communication was used?
9. Did the conversation relate to social or work matters?
10. What is the relation between you and this person?
11. Did you communicate in the morning, afternoon or night time?
12. How long did you communicate with this particular person for?
13. Was the communication planned or unplanned?

Findings

Feroza Petersen was my research participant and agreed to answer the questions above for my short pilot interview to gain an insight into her use of social media to communicate with her close ties. She communicated with 119 people on the 25^th March 2015. She communicated with 7 people via Facebook, she spoke to 15 people face to face, sent and received 72 emails, whatsapp’d 5 people and sent and received 8 SMS’s. On a daily basis, she communicates with the same 4 people, namely Ghaalid, Aeysha, Layinah and Shaheen.

Ghaalid is her employer. She communicated with him 6 times, via whatsapp, email, on the phone as well as face to face communication. They spoke about matters concerning work and social throughout the day for approximately 45 minutes in total. This communication was both planned and unplanned.

Aeysha is her friend. She communicated with her thrice times via whatsapp and a phonecall. They spoke about social matters during the day for approximately 20 minutes. This communication was unplanned.

Layinah is her daughter. She communicated with her 4 times via whatsapp, Facebook, on the phone and face to face. They spoke about social matters throughout the day for approximately 1 hour in total. This communication was unplanned.

Shaheen is her husband. She communicated with him twice in person. They spoke about social matters in the morning and evening for approximately 10 minutes in total. This communication was unplanned.

Rationale

Although Feroza has a high number of people she communicated with on the 25^th of March 2015, the bulk of this communication was via email about matters concerning her job. She regularly stays in contact with the same 4 people every day. This is an indication of the importance of maintaining close ties with these 4 people. Work, friendship and family are important to her and require her to continuously maintain communication with these relations throughout the day. Feroza has communicated with 3 out of 4 of these relations on more than one platform. She communicates with people    

My Oratane Journey

I was that girl with the fruitcake face, the one who had a long term relationship with bad skin. It started at the end of primary school and sadly it carried with me through until high school. I wasn’t the one to pose for pictures because the result was always disappointing - to the point where there’s a gap between baby pictures of me and recent pictures of myself. It was a painful journey. I thought I could just wait it out, drink more water or perform my facial ritual as often as possible, but no…just like a persistent stalker, it just kept coming back.

So I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and seek help. I visited the dermatologist, and we decided that I should try the Oratane product. I’m sure many of you would be afraid to be popping any hormone pills and I’m sure the process is different for everyone. But, I am pleased with the results and I can confidently recommend this for all those who are also struggling with teenage acne following you into your adult years.

Oratane is a tablet that controls your hormones. It decreases the secretion of the oil glands in your skin. So you will find that your skin will become extra sensitive to the sun. I had to avoid the sun as much as possible. I pretty much became secluded to the outside world. But with any life changing processes, there are always a couple of sacrifices you need to make in order to get what you want, right? Sunblock needs to become your best friend. The thought of having to paint my face in white sunblock everyday killed me but I found a product that actually enhanced my skin complexion. Pop into dischem or your nearest pharmacy and ask for “Bioderma” sunblock.  It’s a block that has a tint, so when you put it on it will look like you have a light layer of foundation. Killing two birds with one stone I say. So, number one rule, AVOID THE SUN.

The second tip I can give you is to keep Lip Ice on you at all times. You will find that your lips will get chapped and if you don’t continuously maintain it, it can become painful. I became obsessed with Lip Ice, I had 3 or 4 at a time. Also, this may seem like a weird concept but your eyes will also dry out a little bit. Try and get eye drops to help you out when they get a bit irritated. Lastly, you will find that headaches and backaches will be frequent. It is one of the unfortunate side effects from taking Oratane, but the effects are different for everyone and also to a different degree. These are the few that I experienced when I was on Oratane.

Usually the doctor will prescribe it to you for 4-6 months. I suggest you do it during the winter season so it will be easier for you to avoid the sun, without missing out on all the fun. For some, the side effects may put you off. Think of it this way, you are sacrificing and dedicating a few months of this process for permanent results and a lifetime of great skin. Just remember, it always gets worse before it gets better – don’t freak out!

I know for my part, those couple of months were highly annoying for me, even frustrating. But I’d do it again to get the results I have today. Acne is a thing of the past. I can’t remember when last I had a little visitor on my face. I can eat what I want and not have to worry about the effects it will have on my skin. The sacrifice was definitely worth the wait. I can guarantee that a new level of confidence will beam across your face when you know that your skin has been taken care of, FOREVER! 

Adios to bad skin days.

XOX

Trend Alert: Nike Free Runs

Another trend is dominating my twitter and Instagram timeline – it’s the funky range of Nike Free Runs! I must say, usually I’m the sensible shopper, buying only the necessary. However, someone once told me that if you’re constantly going back and forth deciding on whether to buy the item or not, you should just buy it. That’s how I became the happy owner of these beauties. I checked high and low at the different Nike stores, compared prices and compared colours. I just could not give it up, especially when these ‘tumblr girls’ or fitness models kept reminding me of how pretty they look - a pure example of how the media can manipulate you into buying the goods.

Guilty as charged, I found a watermelon pink pair and it was even on sale. After all, their logo is “just do it” so I couldn’t resist! It’s a pretty delicate sneaker, so I wouldn’t advise doing mountain climbing or anything drastic of that sort. But it’s incredibly light, so it would be perfect to tackle those 101 UCT stairs that I will be climbing once again.

Hoping that this pretty pair will get me back on the road - mastering that 10km in no time. Here’s to training in style. 

Witness the fitness. 

XOX 

Trend Alert: Colourful Lips

Another must have this season is bright and bold lipsticks. Tis the season where a pop of colour is essential, be it make-up for the day or night. MAC has a wide variety, offering you different shade textures. I have been fond of the Matte collection because it has this subtle femininity needed for any occasion. You don’t have that unnecessary shine - something that could rather be worn during the evenings. With Shashi Naidoo's new fashion blog, we have seen how she plays with different colours that just add an extra bit of glam to her outfits. MAC offers a fairly decent price of R185.00, giving you that great quality you need to look fresh the entire day. 

I have picked a couple of shades that could match up with what Shashi is wearing. Also, I’ve included a few of my favourites that I have added to my collection.

Style Inspiration: Kardashian sisters

South Africa has Lee-Ann Liebenberg and America has Kim Kardashian. I’m talking about the hottest and the most stylish mommies out there. I have always admired the utterly sophisticated style Kim K has and for many years this reality star has graced the covers of fashion magazines, making numerous appearances on the ‘best dressed’ list. After giving birth to the adorable North West, you would assume we’d see Kimmy in track-pants or the easiest outfit to slip into. However, this fashion icon has showed the world that style does not need to take a backseat when motherhood calls. She has been my style inspiration for as long as I can remember, coming out with the blazer as her iconic piece. They say you’re either born with style or you just don’t have it, which is safe to say that the Kardashian Klan has indeed. Kourtney Kardashian comes in a close second with regards to my style inspiration. Kourt is more of a daring dresser, opting for outfits that go on the eccentric side – something I’m not too confident to pull off. But, she does have amazing pieces that are well co-ordinated with the sleek look Scott Disick pulls off. 

After teaming up with Kanye, the world saw Kim's wardrobe take a 180 degree turn with Black being an everyday colour. Thankfully she has put the gothic look at the back of her wardrobe for now and has come to her senses. What is great about her recent collection is that the outfits are not over the top, because as we know, less is more. Replicas can also be easily found in more affordable stores for people like me who work on a budget - a budget that is very difficult to stick to! Nonetheless, she gives me great ideas for both formal and casual wear. These are some of my favourite outfits...

Cream top by Velvet, White jeans from J Brand Jeans,
Saint Laurent shoes 

Hermes Birkin bag was a Christmas
gift from Kanye

My favourite colour, Coral works
well with a tan belt. Perfect colours
for summer.

Curves and a big booty has never stopped Kim from flaunting what her mamma gave her. She works well with her figure, choosing items that best accentuate her hour-glass physique. This pencil skirt neatly carves out her body and with a simple shirt/top. She also brings back the pointy stiletto making this outfit look sleek and sophisticated, fit for any occasion during the day.      

Vintage Alaia mint skirt,
Celine top, Manolo heels



Top shop top, Kardashian Kollection
skirt, Gianvitto Heels, Bottega
Veneta bag

Kourtney Kardashian has given birth to two incredibly cute children, Mason and Penelope. She has bounced back into her gorgeous shape. Both Kourt and I share a petite figure - something that is not always easy to maintain. I'm always having to dress in a certain way that gives me extra length. The worst is to look short and plump. One of the ways I do this is to wear skinny jeans, short shorts, leggings or a petite dress. I love following Kourt's mixes and matches. Unlike a few celebrities, she's not afraid to use and reuse certain fashion items. 

Kim and Kourt differ in that Kourt dresses down to family outings, where as Kim has to make a fashion statement everywhere she goes. I guess, people turn to her to get fashion inspired, but for people like me who cant afford or simply don't have the energy to doll up to perfection every time I leave the house - I adapt to Kourts laid back style. 

Kourt is wearing a Current/Elliot denim jacket with Vince leggings, a Lanston tshirt, Ralph Lauren cashmere beanie and Dita sunglasses. I love this whole beanie look and I've been waiting for winter to wear one. I would pair this outfit with black combat boots and perhaps add a gold linked necklace or a gold statement watch to bring some pizazz to the outfit.

She is wearing Alexander Wag shoes, a Prada diaper bag, black Orchid jeans, Kymerah top and an Elliot Label leather baseball cap. Kourt blends a punk rock look with a classic black shirt. I love that the peak-cap look is coming back in style, adding a tomboy edge to it.

This is a simple outfit that anyone can pull off. Short shorts elongates your legs and that is what I need for my petite size. Kourt shows a bit of leg with a vintage Levi's jean shorts, Chanel espadrilles, Lna tshirt from Dash, Hermes bag and Kardashian Kollection sunglasses. This has been my summer look so far. I either match it up with white converse, the shoes or the boot. But if i want to be more feminine, I mix it up with thong sandals and a statement necklace to finish it off. A great wedge sandal would also add a great deal of femininity.

Although Kourt and Scott may have not yet tied the knot, they do make a great fashion statement as a couple. Scott is known for his well-tailored suits, like the real life Chuck Bass. Scott has opted for the street casual look that I absolutely love on a guy. Kourt is wearing a Kardashian Kollection top, Bardot pants from DASH, Dita sunglasses, Hermes bag, Roberto Cavalli  booties. I adore this outfit from top to toe - just the whole colour co-ordination and the sophisticated ummf it exuberates. The high waisted pants also elongates her figure. A++ Kourt!

The Kardashians are bringing back the pointy heels. I'd say it disappeared for a while, being replaced by the pump heels. I like how Kourt mixes femininity with the masculine bow tie. Her dress is the key item in her outfit so, she made a great decision to go for a low-key hairstyle and natural make-up. It can easily be transformed from an outfit for the office to a night out on the town by adding a blazer or enhancing her make-up. 

We don't need Cavalli Booties or Ralph Lauren beanies to steal some style tips from Kourt. I love how I can pop into TopShop or Cotton On and get the same outfit for cheaper and still have a thousand dollar look. Campus is around the corner and having to choose a suitable , comfortable outfit everyday can leave me lost in thought the night before. So best believe I will be posting these pictures up in my cupboard for my daily dose of Kardashian style inspiration.

  XOX

Going Green

Every family gathering we have, there always seems to be someone who feels the need to comment about my weight. My father is the biggest culprit. They ask why don’t I eat? Am I starving myself? Frankly, food is just too good to let it go to waste like that. So, of course, I do eat. I began to lose weight without knowing how. So then what’s your secret they say?

2013, is the year I finally dropped a jean size. I would give thanks to the 101 stairs I climb every day at UCT upper campus. But also, I found a new addiction… GREEN TEA! Don’t get me wrong, it tastes terrible but with the numerous health benefits it has, I couldn’t give it a miss. I found a box full of it at home and thought ah, why not. So slowly but surely, I started to lose weight - without even trying!

Green tea aids in the increased ability to burn fat fast, reducing cholesterol. In addition, it naturally boosts the rate of your metabolism. So, along with regular exercise and healthy eating (bear in mind, this does not mean dieting) – green tea will just give your weight loss challenge an extra kick start. I really don’t believe in dieting. Salads are not appetising. There are only so many times that leaves could taste good. Ten-to-one, you’re going to end up eating regular food sooner or later so why begin to go through the torture? It’s really all about cutting down and cutting out. I started off with cutting out take-aways. I waved goodbye to McD’s long ago. But every now and then I go to Nando’s, Kauai or even Subway. That’s real good food, the healthy way. Another thing, I stay away from gassy cool drinks. It’s loaded with sugar and tends to make me feel bloated and uncomfortable. However, everybody’s body is different, so just try and see what works best for you. One thing I learnt about weight loss is that you shouldn’t be viewing your body under a microscope. Don’t measure yourself and step on the scale every day. That’s like watching a clock and expecting time to move by fast. The less you pay attention to how much you’re losing, the more surprised you’ll be. To track your progress, go according to how your body feels and how you fit into your clothes. That’s how I began to notice a difference. There is no over-night weight loss secret. Give yourself a couple of months to see some results.

As a university student, sleep is a privilege so I always relied on my daily, delicious cappuccinos from the cafeteria, but then I realised that my green tea actually enhanced my energy levels, naturally. Apparently it also eliminates the excess water stored in your body and suppresses food cravings, making it easier to burn that fat! The antioxidants in green tea helps flush out all the bad toxins that kind of make us feel … “bleh”. Your skin will thank you as well as the detoxifying agents prevents you from signs of aging - like wrinkles. In addition, green tea is packed with nutrients and vitamin C that will help strengthen your immune system by destroying bacteria in your body, making it easier to fight against infections.

Boom.

Great body, great skin and a healthy immune system… why have you not put the kettle on already?

You don’t have to endure the horrible taste. Spice up your green tea by adding perhaps a slice of lemon and some honey for flavouring. 

Enjoy the benefits, here’s to going GREEN!

"Do you think you're more beautiful than you say?"

#RealBeauty

Before reading this post, please make sure you are using a device that is compatible to view videos online as this post makes reference to the clips attached to this post. Thanks!

One of my favourite adverts has to be the Dove Real Beauty campaigns, it just gets me all teary-eyed with goosebumps. I mean, on one hand it’s really sad that society has somehow rubbed off on us. We women are just the worst critics of beauty – we can’t even see the beauty in ourselves yet we are so quick to point out the beauty in others. It’s sad because everyone is beautiful and everyone should be able to see the beauty in themselves, a quality that we all possess. We shouldn’t wait to be complimented to acknowledge this beauty. Then again, half the time we do get compliments, we easily brush it off. It got me questioning why is this so and why do the negative comments create a bigger impact on our self-esteem? Dove has a vision that is "committed to building positive self-esteem and inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential". The Dove campaigns are such a raw reflection on ourselves and its quite evident that we put a great deal of pressure on ourselves. We all possess beauty, it exists in each and every one of us… it’s just unfortunate that we find it so difficult to see it in ourselves. 

The reason why I wanted to write an article on this topic was to talk briefly about the effects, perhaps the media has on our perception of beauty, as well as our own perception and the unnecessary amount of pressure that we put on ourselves to reach this unrealistic expectation of beauty. Studies show that the greatest source of beauty pressure comes from ourselves. We find this source of ‘inspiration’ from magazines and advertisements inundated with beauty enhancing products. Half of the time, those very pictures are edited and enhanced. It’s unfortunate that we put this pressure on ourselves to reach these high levels of what beauty is perceived to be. We were not made to be perfect. It simply does not exist. 

I did a little research. I spoke to a couple of my friends about what they find to be beautiful about themselves and what they dislike about themselves. Like the Dove advert illustrated, we women are very hesitant to compliment ourself or unable to list a couple of our best qualities. Yet we are quick to point out our faults and say what needs to be changed.  Do we fear that we may come across as vain? It saddens me because we should be bold, we should confidently accept ourselves. Why do we, women have all these body insecurities. It’s always the issue when we are trying on new clothes, or dipping into the swimming pool. We’re always quick to cover up or quick to say “don’t look at me”. Why are we undermining ourselves? Like I said, we are the worst critics of our own beauty.

I spoke to a couple of my guy friends to get their perception about what makes a girl beautiful. Majority of them go along with the idea that "looks attracts but personality keeps" – in other words, one’s personality has the ability to overcome one’s looks. Yes, first impressions are really important. The way you carry yourself or present yourself gives another person a little bit of an insight into who you are or what you’re all about. However, physical appearances are not the be-all-end-all. I think we should really just work on ourselves and our character more than how we physically look. We should stop trying to constantly enhance ourselves. 

One of my biggest dislikes, is when people feel the need to surgically enhance themselves. Hollywood known to be the home of plastic surgery – its filled with people who are not satisfied with themselves, nor does it seem they’ll ever be. One would only need to take a look at Joan Rivers – an example of someone who could simply just not get enough of altering herself. These Dove adverts really opened up my eyes and made me ask a whole lot of questions of what beauty really entails.

I have a friend who time after time undermines how beautiful she really is. This saddens me. I so badly just want to give her my eyes so that she can see for herself this incredible quality that she possesses. That no matter what she's wearing, no matter whether she has make-up on or not, she will continuously remain beautiful for the mere fact that she is who she is. I know you will read this post sometime and you will know without me having to tell you. You are beautiful my friend, just accept it.

Nonetheless, I hope that these advertisements have impacted you as much as they have made an impact on me and my perception of beauty.Let's work at finding our inner beauty, something that we ALL possess. Don't let the media fool you, don't let this unrealistic 'idea' get the best of you. Let the beauty shine through all our faults and imperfections. Let's be OK with the way we are and the way we look. I can guarantee you that if YOU see yourself as a BEAUTIFUL being and you're confident about that... people will be convinced to think the same.

Stay beautifully beautiful

XOX

Tribute to the Father of our Nation

Our Hero!

www.apple.com

Blessed am I to have lived in a time and country as you, Nelson Mandela. Never have I been more proud to be a South African than I am today. The effect you have on us is palpable. Pick up a newspaper, tune into the radio, flip through the news channels – everywhere you go there is a tribute to the great hero that you are to us all. I cannot be more grateful for the freedom that you have given us today. I may not have been born in the years of the apartheid struggle, but through the stories my folks have told me, you have been the rock for our country. You have provided a brighter future for our people and for that, we are forever in your debt.

We were prepared for the end, but the end is not something we wanted to accept. My heart aches for you. It’s like a light went out in our country. I wish I was privileged enough to have been in your presence. I wish you could live forever. But now it is our time and our duty to let your legacy live on forever. 

“You may have closed your eyes, but you have opened up the eyes of the world”. 

Thank you Madiba, Thank you!

The Empire State Building

Sand sculpture in India

Eiffel Tower, Paris

On behalf of the free youth of today, I vow to continue to uphold your moral values and always strive to create a better and equal South Africa for us all. One of my favourite quotes from you: “No-one is born hating another person because of the colour of their skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite” - powerful words from an inspirational being. It shows the potential us humans have of changing the course of history and I hope that the youth of today will honour his wishes of creating a world of harmony and equality.

South Africans from all walks of life
came together to celebrate the
life of Madiba outside the
City Hall, Cape Town

 Our rainbow nation mourns your passing but we also celebrate the life you had. May you rest in the peace that you have provided us with and may your spirit continue to radiate throughout the land. 

Paying my respects at the Grand Parade, outside the
City Hall, Cape Town

Long live Madiba! Long live!  

Trend Alert: The Gold Linked Chain

Shashi Naidoo

The gold linked chain has been my recent favourite accessory this summer and a definite must have! It adds a dash of Rihanna to any outfit, come day or night. I love the simplicity yet bold statement it brings, giving any outfit that perfect dose of pizazz.

I’ve paired mine with a plain white tee, a bright coral blazer, jeans and nude heels. Less is more, so I tried to keep it simple with stud earrings and minimal/plain jewelry.

Gold matches with every colour. I love how Shashi has paired it with both casual and formal wear and still manages to ooze with sophistication, no matter the occasion. 

www.instagram.com/shashinaidoo

Tip: I find that many stores are selling the gold chains that either look or feel like plastic. Try not to buy these ones. I guess there’s a fine line in turning the gold-chain look from classy to all out trashy, if you get what I'm trying to say. I've seen good quality necklaces at SassDiva or Lovisa, Canal Walk - so check those stores for good deals. 

Someone once told me that I’d look too gangster wearing a chained gold necklace…I responded: "I did not choose the gangster life. The gangster life chose me." Hahaha.

Nonetheless, my friends have agreed with me that its an accessory every girl should have this summer!

Kouthar: “I love them. They so funky and gives every outfit that edge.”

Naz: “Love it. It makes an outfit look so classy!”

Qaanita: "I love, love, love it. Perfect accessory for summer that goes with everything. It adds that bit of edge and funkiness to an outfit. It's a summer season must-have!"

Aqeelah: "It can make your outfit completely fabulous!"

XOX

Cafe Review: The Creamery

Recently, hidden café’s or petite coffee boutiques have really intrigued me. My latest obsession has to be “The Creamery” that has opened up in Dean Street, Newlands. It's perfect on a warm Sunday afternoon before we all head right into Monday morning madness. The 'calm before the storm', I say.

The Creamery specialises in handmade ice-cream and desserts.  I tried out the waffle with birthday cake ice-cream, chocolate espresso dust, topped with chocolate sauce. It was like heaven melting in my mouth!

What really blew me away were the extraordinary different flavoured hand-made ice-creams that they offered. The flavours are so precise to the label; Peanut Butter, Birthday Cake (my favourite), Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Choc Chip, Pistachio, Farm Cream, Rosetta Roastery Coffee, Naartjie Chocolate Chip and Lemon Curd Swirl. The prices are fairly decent, but definitely worth every penny (Single scoop R18, Double R28).

In addition to this, they offer Sundaes, various seasonal desserts and of course your tea and coffee.

You may find this brand a lil familiar. After only 18 months since launching their brand, The Creamery made an appearance on the second season of Masterchef SA as the nation's best artisanal ice-cream producer! So big ups on them for the incredible achievement!

I love the turquoise colour palette of this place and the boutique look and feel of it. Do pop in and give it a try be it for breakfast or a late night craving. For those sweet tooth lovers, it's pretty darn good!

Feroza Petersen: “The service was warm and friendly. It appeals to the young and trendy generations. Their ice-cream was absolutely divine and the flavours were to die for! It comes highly recommended for both adults and kids.” 

Visit their website for more information. Do pop in and give it a try.

www.thecreamery.co.za

Shop 4, Newlands Quarter,

Deen Street, Newlands

021 686 3975

Mon: Closed

Tues, Wed: 10am - 7pm

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10am - 11pm 

My Role Model: Shashi Naidoo

Every girl grows up with someone in their life that they look up to, to aspire to be like - someone that motivates them to do better, to be better. My role model has inspired me in more ways than I could have imagined. Not only have I had the pleasure in meeting her, but I have also been honoured to know her personally.

Shashi Naidoo

Shashi Naidoo is a highly ambitious and driven woman who has been blessed with not only impeccable beauty but brains as well. Her countless achievements continue to grow on a daily basis. She’s a model, business owner, chiropractor, actress, MC, TV presenter, winner of Come Dine with Me & Tropika Island of Treasure, a blogger, an ambassador for many brands, FHM’s most hottest woman in the world and as I run out of breath trying to list the things she’s involved in, you will understand why I say she’s one of many talents. Ask her to write up a CV, I’m sure she’d end up with an entire book!

My fascination, with who Shashi Naidoo is, all started off when I read an interview in the People magazine about her new role in Egoli. And of course, I tuned in every evening and was glued to a soapie that I’ve never really taken interest in before. From then, her career blossomed and Shashi became a household name. She graced the covers of many magazines and appeared on many television and radio shows. Everyone who knew me would know who Shashi was. If they didn’t, I’d be sure to tell them all about her and would no doubt convert them into being a fan.

Her achievements inspired me and the manner in which she carried herself set her apart from the rest. Often celebrities are tainted by the media. Nevertheless, I have only come across words that have painted Shashi in such a positive light. She has managed to stay so humble in spite of her rising fame and has continued to give back where she can. The way in which she values and cherishes her family and friends is palpable, and I admire her for that.  

She welcomed me into her home and I got to get a very surreal first-hand experience of “The Life of Shashi Naidoo” and yes I would say it is as glamorous as it seems, but a lot of hard work and long hours is behind it all. I remember the day she gave me a couple of tips the first time I did a commercial shoot. Or the day I told her I started off at UCT Radio and she said “And so it begins! I am so proud of you”. To have your role model motivate you and inspire you to be GREAT, makes all that hard work a whole lot easier.

I thank you Shashi for all that you’ve done for me and all the inspiration that you’ve given. Continue to be the phenomenal person that you are.  I am sure I am not the only one to be blown away by your heart of gold :)

Have a look at her stunning fashion blog: shashiscloset.com