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What does gorgeous mean to you? Is it the perfect pop of lip colour, is it a feeling of empowerment and purpose? Or the Gorgeous notes of a favourite perfume to instil confidence? Scent has such a powerful place in our emotions and sub-conscious, finding something that smells as beautiful as Michael Kors new ‘Gorgeous’ perfume could help you feel confident and well just that – gorgeous.
We all have something that makes us feel beautiful and confident, but at its core – gorgeous is about leaning into your magic to reveal the ultimate version of yourself.
Multi-award-winning actress, Linda Mtoba and author and entrepreneur Ntandoyenkosi Kunene know just what it takes to be a boss babe. From big career wins to growing families, each of them, juggle a host of responsibilities and place being a mother as their greatest role. Join the conversation as these two boss moms share their advice on how to unleash your confidence and empowered side - and what makes them feel gorgeous.
LINDA:
Hi Ntando!
Today we’re going to unpack the word ‘gorgeous’ - What does it mean to you?
NTANDO:
Hi Linda. To me it means being comfortable in your skin - being comfortable in your personality, just everything that makes you, you. A gorgeous woman, is a woman who is comfortable in all her glory. And you?
LINDA:
I love that! It is about being comfortable in your skin, especially as moms, where our skin and bodies go through so many different changes. I know that I've had to learn to feel gorgeous again. I've had to learn what makes me feel that way.
Which moment in your life made you feel like ‘I am gorgeous, I am strong, and I'm fully empowered’?
LINDA:
It honestly would have to be when I felt all my power and might on the day, I gave birth. Maybe it's a cliché answer but I felt so much strength and so much inner beauty at that moment. Being able to push myself, push my daughter out, and being present in that moment is not easy. I felt what my body can do. Being a woman is a struggle every day, especially in South Africa, we are superheroes by just surviving a day. So, I feel like every day I feel gorgeous, every day I feel empowered. And what would that be for you?
NTANDO:
As women, we have so many roles that we fulfil. I’m a sister, I’m a mom, I'm a friend. And in all of that, you then face moments of doubt. But the moment you can sit back and take in everything that is happening - good or bad, and still be able to say, ‘You know what, I can still come out of this on top!'. That is a moment where I feel gorgeous, strong, and empowered when I'm able to stand in my truth and look forward and see the light, wherever I'm going.
LINDA:
Speaking about your life and where it's going, what has been your career highlight so far?
NTANDO:
It has been launching our children's book called Cory in the Universe. I've always wanted to write a children's book that has always been my market with my teaching background. To be able to do that last year was such a beautiful moment for me. It was just also reminding myself that, ‘Hey, you can do it.’ Another thing I've always wanted to do is my MBA. So, those two at this moment in time, are the career highlights that make me believe I am on the right track. And for you, Linda?
LINDA:
Gosh, I think the fact that I'm just existing in this space for me is a highlight because it's not a space I would have ever thought that I would be in. It was never a dream I once had, but it came to me. I recently worked on a movie and I loved it! It was my first local production, which is great. It was my first local film which was streamed on Showmax and Mzansi Magic. I believe in South African stories being told by South Africans for South Africans because only we can honestly tell our truth. And to be part of something like that was really, really something special.
NTANDO:
You mentioned that you bumped into being an actress, you were a teacher before, right?
LINDA:
I was going to study towards being a teacher. I was a student teacher for almost a year because I’m a firm believer in trying things out to see if it will be a good fit. I was studying marketing management and fell into teaching and decided to test the waters. I was teaching and really enjoying it and it would have been a career path that would have been next for me. I also believe that life sometimes comes at you and that you should follow your passion and journey and take the road less travelled to see where it leads.
NTANDO:
That’s amazing! Would you consider connecting the two in the future?
LINDA:
Now that you mention it, I think I have. As much as I am an actress, being a teacher to young children means you must be theatrical in the class with the kids and grab their attention and keep them entertained. I do a lot of Mama Conversations and have done quite a few webinars, and it goes back to the fact that I do enjoy teaching and connecting with other people. And now, I would say, I’m using it to teach and share education with fellow moms. So, I think it’s influenced each other. And yourself, what made you decide to pursue a career as an author and publish your book?
NTANDO:
It’s always been a dream of mine to write for children, even before I had my son. It started off with studying to be a teacher and wasn’t about becoming an ‘author’ but rather about creating resources to facilitate learning in kids. During the COVID pandemic, my partner and I decided to take this historical event and create a resource future kids can turn to and learn about what happened in the year 2019 – 2021. It’s always been a dream of mine to create these resources that allow kids to reflect on their lived realities.
How do you keep ‘imposter syndrome’ at bay?
LINDA:
I’d say it’s having people to remind you why you’re there in that space. When it comes to my career, I’m fortunate to have an amazing manager - Ntando. There are so many days I tell her I can’t do this, and she reminds me why I’m here and reassures me that she believes in me. And for someone to have such unwavering belief in you, there’s no way you cannot look back and think, ‘I can do it’. It’s really a gorgeous feeling!
I’m sure you can agree, who keeps you believing in yourself?
NTANDO:
I recently had a bout of imposter syndrome and had to, like you said, draw on people that believe in me – especially if I get a grade back, I’m not too sure about – good or bad and feel that sense of imposter syndrome. When it comes to being a mom, you sometimes don’t know what you’re doing. So, I always turn to my friends and parents to reassure me when I doubt myself much. As a working mom I’m showing up as best as I can so I need to remind myself of that and that we’re doing the best we can to raise a conscious son.
LINDA:
I agree, my husband and I are very intentional about what lessons we impart to our daughter as well because this is the foundation of forever.
NTANDO:
Lastly, what message would you like to impart to young girls in South Africa?
LINDA:
Never dim your light for anyone else and only let people in who will brighten you light. We are magic and we can do incredible things no matter where you are.
What would your words be?
NTANDO:
Just keep on pushing through. No matter where you are in your life – keep pushing forward because you can do it and reach your dreams. There is always a gorgeous moment right around the corner.
This post is sponsored by Michael Kors produced by BrandStudio24 for W24.
