Me: Please describe yourself in five words?
Xolisile:
- Loud
- Kind
- Ambitious
- Creative
- Sensitive
Me: What
do you like about South Africa?
Xolisile: The freedom to be our cultural diversities. How things like music and dance brings us together. The politics. Generally there is never a dull moment, but we just continue living,
Xolisile: The freedom to be our cultural diversities. How things like music and dance brings us together. The politics. Generally there is never a dull moment, but we just continue living,
Me: Top
five books you have read?
Xolisile:
Xolisile:
- Yesterday I
cried - Ayanla Vanzant
- Khabzela –
Liz MacGragor
- Goodnight
lady – Martina Cole
- Rich dad,
poor dad – Robert Kiyosaki
- Capitalist
Nigger – Chika Onyeani
Me: Please
tell us more about Ulani Photography?
Xolisile: PHOTOGRAPHY
IS THE GOLDEN WORD. We take photography to the people. In this fast paced Joburg
some people hardly have time but would love to take pictures. So my studio is
mobile, I come to your door step. I feel people are more relaxed and
comfortable in their own surroundings. We capture moments. We do family
photography, maternity, newborn, weddings and parties, indoor studio set up its
all up to you. No event is too big or too small. We also offer layout, design
and print of photobooks and calendars. A personalized cheerful, fresh and
vibrant service with a woman's touch.
Me: Why
Photography, have you always loved taking photos?
Xolisile: Pictures never lie … I’ve always been fascinated by visuals. I remember growing up how I loved paging magazines just to look at the pictures , though at the time it’s not something I considered as a route I’d take but now it's all making sense. It’s true what they say: never ignore the things that make you come alive when doing. Where your interests are is where your destiny lies. It’s been quite a journey and there is still a lot to be done.
Xolisile: Pictures never lie … I’ve always been fascinated by visuals. I remember growing up how I loved paging magazines just to look at the pictures , though at the time it’s not something I considered as a route I’d take but now it's all making sense. It’s true what they say: never ignore the things that make you come alive when doing. Where your interests are is where your destiny lies. It’s been quite a journey and there is still a lot to be done.
Me: What
barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field?
Xolisile: Historically
Photography was a white male dominated Industry and despite the change in
dynamics; many people still regards it as so. I have had a lot of instance of
people who do not know me but need my services address me as “bhuti”. So that
somehow creates a barrier because it’s like you can’t be trusted fully to
execute the project as a woman, Black woman as a matter of fact.
Me: How
did you overcome them?
Xolisile: By
being professional at all times, making working with me a memorable experience.
I am generally a friendly person which brings a lot of ease to my clients and I
let my work speak for itself.
Me: With
your experience, what words of advice would you give to women considering
pursuing a career in your filed?
Xolisile: Practice
makes perfect. There will be days when your camera just betrays you ; keep calm and try to make
things work. The tricky thing with being a photographer is you work with
people, and people have their own standards and expectations so you really have
to step up or stomach all the criticism and try to make the client happy.
Me: Do
you think South Africa is progressive as far as the arts are concerned?
Xolisile: It’s getting there slowly, still need to educate the general public about the arts so they appreciate it more. I just feel it’s a profession that’s not taken as serious as other sectors such as medicine or accounting.
Xolisile: It’s getting there slowly, still need to educate the general public about the arts so they appreciate it more. I just feel it’s a profession that’s not taken as serious as other sectors such as medicine or accounting.
Me: What
are the great lessons that life has taught you?
Xolisile: Things don’t always work out as you hoped but you are still in control of your emotions and aspirations just keep moving forward, pain is temporary it can last for a day or a year but eventually it will subside. Time heals…
Xolisile: Things don’t always work out as you hoped but you are still in control of your emotions and aspirations just keep moving forward, pain is temporary it can last for a day or a year but eventually it will subside. Time heals…
Me: Who
is your biggest influence?
Xolisile: My
mother. She is a phenomenal woman, I wouldn’t trade her for anything. She is a
simple example of the saying “the best things in life are free” My mom is not formally educated but has a “PHD” in simply being a mother!! Her love and warmth suppresses all understanding.
She taught us the power of simplicity that in life you just have to play your
part with the little you have. She worked in small firms but had big dreams for
us. Her role modeling on the importance of discipline, hard work, respect,
humility, strength. My mom is love and happiness and that what life is to me
just that. Material possession is a bonus because we have to leave.
Me: What
has been the best advice you have ever received?
Xolisile: You
don’t have to be that talented just be committed.
Me: What
are the main virtues you live by?
Xolisile: Kindness,
Love, patience,Humility, tolerance.
Me: If people need more information about your company, where can they get hold of you?
Xolisile: They
can visit me on
instagram:
Ulani Photography
Words by one of the SuperSheroes after the shoot: "I cannot believe how beautiful and worthy I felt today, Xoli is amazing and patient whoooooo"
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