Empowered and Grateful – Reflecting on the Journey and What’s Next
As we step into the second half of the year, I’m filled with gratitude and momentum. It’s been a powerful season of reflection, celebration, and vision, and I thought it was time to catch up with you here on the Mall For Women blog.
In February, I had the honour of advancing to the semifinals of the Mrs. South Africa 2025 pageant. While I didn’t make it to the finals this time, I’m proud to share that I’ve joined the Mrs. SA Alumni Program, a vibrant sisterhood of women doing meaningful work across the country. And as they say, third time’s a charm… so yes, I’ll be entering again! I’m not done yet.
It’s been a season of transformation, empowerment, and bold new beginnings, and as we prepare for the next chapter, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and share what I’ve been up to since my last blog in April.
What an unforgettable journey it’s been! To the incredible women who made it to the finals, congratulations! The Semi-Final Showcase was nothing short of spectacular, and I was in awe of the energy, grace, and sisterhood that filled the room. You can watch the highlight here.
I also want to take a moment to give a special shout-out to Joani Johnson, the visionary CEO of Mrs. SA, and to Marlene Reddy-Ribeiro, who held our hands with such compassion and strength throughout this journey. Thank you both for your leadership and for creating a platform that truly uplifts women.
The Semi-Final Showcase also happened to fall just as I turned 40, and I can honestly say, it was the most amazing birthday celebration I could have imagined. I felt seen, celebrated, and empowered. I’m deeply grateful to the entire Mrs. SA team, my fellow semi-finalists, and my silver sponsor, Umnombo, for making it all so special.
Raising My Voice on the Global Stage
As if the momentum couldn’t get any better, I was honoured to speak at the Global SME Ministerial Meeting this week, doing what I love most: advocating for women’s economic empowerment and inclusive trade on a global stage. I shared how the legacy of Nelson Mandela continues to guide my purpose and how platforms like Mall For Women can unlock real opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.
A New Chapter: The Mall For Women Podcast
I’m also excited to share that we’re launching a brand-new podcast, where I’ll be speaking with powerful women to explore topics such as purpose, entrepreneurship, leadership, and identity. In the first episode, I reflect on the story of Eve — the first woman of the Bible — and what she means for us today as modern women. It’s going to be real, heartfelt, and deeply intentional, and I can’t wait for you to tune in.
You're Invited: Women’s Day Celebration & 5th Anniversary
We’re getting ready for a milestone moment at Mall For Women, and you’re invited!
Women’s Day & 5th Anniversary Celebration.
Date: Saturday, 9 August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Platform: Hosted on iME, the title sponsor of Mrs. South Africa. Register here: https://bit.ly/MFW5RSVP
Theme: Beauty. Power. Purpose.
This isn’t just a celebration, it’s a powerful moment to honour our journey, spotlight women-led brands, and unveil our exciting evolution into a Lifestyle Hub. From fashion and beauty to wellness, business, and beyond, we’re building something extraordinary for women, by women.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Every step, every voice, every shared vision matters. I feel incredibly hopeful and excited for what’s ahead.
Here’s to rising together.