Woman You Rock: Capturing Moments through the soul - Xolisile Vilakazi

There are certain stereotypes that although have been dealt with, would still take some time to demystify from our minds. There was a time when photography only belonged to men an now we see women coming up and owning their space as women and not competitors of men. I first met Xolisile at an event I was an MC at and her captions were gorgeous. She then later helped out with the Gorgeousity In Me project and she was amazing. She is my inspiration and here is why...


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,

Me: Top five books you have read?
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.

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.

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…

 

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

https://www.facebook.com/UlaniPhotography

instagram: Ulani Photography

xolisile@gmail.com

#SuperShero Shoot by 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"

Woman You Rock : From Emergency room to Serenity room - Dr Tumelo - Maditsi Makamu

"And a day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom" - Anais Nin. When I met Tumelo, this is the quote that came to my mind. I am totally blown away at her strength and courage to leave what many deem a "dream profession" to follow what her heart truly beats for. I have always believed that when you are aligned, life is a bit sweeter than when you are out of balance. Please be inspired

Me: Please describe yourself?

Tumelo: God fearing, family orientated, passionate, perfectionist, go-getter

Me What is your favourite quote?

Tumelo: For with God, nothing is impossible (Luke1:37)

  

Me: Top five books you have read?

Tumelo: The only books that i almost completed are Rich dad, poor dad (Robert Kiyosaki), Screw it, let’s do it (Richard Branson)

I’m such a bad reader Malebo, I've got lots of business, motivational, spiritual books that i never get to finish

  

Me: In your experience as a woman in this country, what is the significance of women’s month in South Africa?

Tumelo: It’s about the history of women struggle, about the women of our nation who tirelessly fought against the Apartheid government.  It is about reflecting who we are today and how can we carry the mantle to continue bringing liberation in our country.

Me: What do you think is the biggest issue facing women in South Africa today?

Tumelo: The numbness when it comes to Violence/abuse against women.

The levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment

Me: How important is it for women to find their own vision and dreams?

Tumelo: It’s about time that we as young women start taking charge of our lives, equipping ourselves with all that is available to us, being independent to some extent, securing a good future for ourselves and families

Me: You initially studied medicine but are currently doing something else, what made you leave medicine?

Tumelo: It all boils down to what you love doing. I am grateful for the experience I gained from being a doctor as that allowed me to truly find where I belong. I’m now doing what I love, just following my passion. Working in state hospitals can also be a torture, not encouraging at all.

Me: What are you currently doing?

Tumelo: I’m now doing Decor for events (not just any Decor but Exquisite Decor).  I believe we need to be a cut above the rest and maintain excellence in every sphere. 

I also run a hair salon with spa facilities.  The experience at the Spa is like no other. You should come through and experience it for yourself.

Me: What are the challenges you have faced being an Entrepreneur in South Africa?

Tumelo: Access to funding for a start-up.

The expectation to succeed at being everything (mother, wife, household, business, sibling, daughter, friend), and time management. Society kind of expects you to put on a cape and become Super Woman.

Me: How are you overcoming them?

Tumelo: I will not allow barriers to stop me from living my dream so I make other means. Creating networks and connections is also very important as we grow when we are united. I also find that being truthful to yourself helps, you need to know that one can only do so much. In that way you can find trusted advisors and role models to guide you along the way. I have also had to start managing my time and delegating more.

Me: How has your partner played a role in supporting your move from medicine to entrepreneurship?

Tumelo: It was hard for him as well at first but he's been very supportive and encouraging.

He's come to realize that I'm more productive and happier with what I'm doing so he supports me all the way

Me: How do you balance family and your work being a young woman?

Tumelo: That is very hard.  I will not pretend that I am a Super Woman so I had to become honest with myself.  It is actually one of the reasons I had to stop practicing as a doctor, so I can have time to raise my kids, run household, and for my partner.  You need to know what your priorities are in life and honour them.

Me: Who is your biggest influence?

Tumelo: My father and my husband.

I also admire the following women: Basetsana Kumalo, Johanna Mukoki, Khanyi Dlomo, Carol Bouwer, Dr Anna Mokgokong

Me: What has been the best advice you have ever received?

Tumelo: "Modimo o gona" (There is a God), that’s by my dad, even when he did not have pocket money to give us, that’s all he would say

Me: What are the main virtues you live by?

Tumelo: Never give up, if someone else has done it, so can I, and respect for humankind

Me: If people need more information about your projects, where can they get hold of you?

Tumelo: saditumelo@yahoo.com, 082 786 0262. 

Since I am a new Entrepreneur, I’m in the process of setting up a website and social media networks. Watch This Space

Me: Words by Dr Ntombi Khumalo: I have never experienced such a luxurious experience at a spa before. It is indescribable, you have to go and experience it yourself 

Please do take the time and email Tumelo for an unforgettable experience

Woman You Rock - Young and Spiritually Inspired by Bulelwa Mpinda

Women who do not sit and allow situations to defeat the nation truly inspire me.  Bulelwa recently profiled me on her Mentor Mondays feature on a platform that she runs. She has tons of vision and is a change agent for such a time as this. I am extremely honoured to have had the opportunity to share her with you. Please enjoy 


Me: Please describe yourself in five words?

Bulelwa:

Introvert
God fearing
Driven
Writer
Open minded

Me: Where were you born and what do you love about your country?

Bulelwa: I was born in Durban. What i truly treasure about South Africa is the diverse nationality in the country, because we learn varied lessons from each and every nationality and have learned to respect and love each other beyond race, colour , culture, and religions.

Me: What is your fondest memory?

Bulelwa: One of my fondest memories would be when i travelled to England to experience a different country abroad, one thing about me I love to observe different ways of loving and how people treasure life and relate to each other.

Me: Top five books you have read?

Bulelwa:

Coconut by kopano Matlwa
Adventist Home by Ellen G White
The lady, the lover and her Lord by Td jakes
Significance by Vincent Mafu
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Me: What do you think is the biggest issue facing young women in South Africa today?

Bulelwa: I strongly believe we still need to build a conducive environment where woman can be free and not judged to state their rape cases. Where they won’t be belittled, we need to also council families in how to handle cases of their children who have been raped too many times we feel that the woman will carry on with life yet she is silenced with emotional death and slowly builds a grave for herself where her self-esteem is wounded and most cases she thinks that the way of living is the recurring abuse and even takes all forms of abuse, so as a country we need to open platforms where families are educated. Greater to the extent  of our churches because the wounded are in our church pews crying in different ways, of immoral dress, hatred for men, giving themselves more to men ,breaking marriages, I deal with a lot of young woman and the stories that come to me are woman who have been bruised and all our country needs is united woman who are placed in a forum that will heal their wounded souls, devise programmes that will deal in showing the greater essence of their true being, too many woman are crying and all they have are the scars and silence.  I love the quote by the late Dr Maya Angelou “EACH TIME A WOMAN STANDS UP FOR HERSELF, WITHOUT KNOWING IT POSSIBLY, WITHOUT CLAIMING IT, SHE STANDS UP FOR ALL WOMAN”

[The wounds of the past are often buried in woman who have found it so easy to seek attention from the opposite sex, the wound of the past are found in the sugar daddies supplying for our young ones because the daddies have gone missing, the wounds of the past are found in woman trading sex for attention thinking its love, the wounds of the past has had all woman fashionably dressed up yet spiritually barren ,the wounds of the past have men running into church for their drug called woman ,it’s all part of the list bets have been played forget tithing for my ransom lies in the flesh, wounds of the past has men tattooing their fists on woman passing on their insane legacy of the family, like father like son]-B Mpinda

Me: As a young woman making strides in South Africa, what has been your greatest achievement thus far?

Bulelwa: My greatest achievement has been finding my purpose and it helping me to start Young and Spiritually Inspired, that for me has been the greatest growing achievement, I could name a lot yet this for me is the core root for everything that has happened and that is going to happen, staying on purpose opens gates to the seasons of elevation and the greatest achievement is knowing that you’ve opened the right gate and walked into the right path.

Me: What are your thoughts on mentorship?

Bulelwa: I am a growing product of mentorship each and every woman and man should find themselves a mentor aligned to their purpose, it is very vital to be guided by those who have walked the steps of your journey proverbs 13:20 supports the mentorship basis. Mentorship programmes should be introduced at schools whereby the child at high school level is aligned to what he/she will venture into after Matric, where during the holidays children could be going to work with their mentors. I believe it also can limit the vast gap years that are happening due to lack of direction. Mentors should be consistent with their mentees, that impact of the time you give to your mentee boosts their esteem in acknowledging that they too are worthy and can achieve far greater, and mentees should always know that they need to jump in faith and actions to reach for their destiny and impart the same wisdom they’ve received from their mentor to someone it’s a cycle of humility to pass what you know with love. I am because, you are, UBUNTU.

Me: Tell us more about YSI?

 

Bulelwa: YOUNG AND SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED is a teenagers and young spiritual adult’s empowerment organisation, We empower young lives with the holistic approach encompassing the socio-economic, emotional intelligence, spiritual guidance and knowledge empowerment facets. The primary objective of the organisation is to develop high-end leadership talent of young males and females. This a forum of young people who  are united to say  WE ARE CALLED FOR A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING that being the slogan for YSI, this is a call to the youth that you can make a difference with what you have to impact the world not for fame yet for significance, we are powerful beyond measure. If we stand together as the youth to try eradicate the injustice that is happening in this country further on to do it worldwide, to say we are liberated today because we are permitted to make a difference and make our voices be heard and advancing spiritual mentorship .Redress existing injustices and bring about change of image and self-perception among  the youth of our country in how the perceive spiritual matters, we aim to should the world that it is possible to be in Christ. To create an effective Forum for young people across Africa that will fairly articulate the needs of young women and teenagers in all sectors of the economy and society at large.

Me: Why did you start YSI?

Bulelwa: When I started Young and Spiritually Inspired, I was at a phase where every door seemed shut, I wanted to rush into a career which was not aligned with my purposes, and I’ve always been a writer, I use to write poems in my small scrap book and bring in them to church and some of my church mates would read them, I even composed songs that they sang. I never really took to account that is where my fulfilment lies after matric when all doors shut, God then said Buli you have that one thing that is the gift of words, I took it very lightly so I started  a page on facebook and after I saw how it impacted people that moved me to say this is it, this is me and has always been me, and  it makes more sense now because I have a story to share ,I was adopted at the age of 3years and I  never knew my biological parents from birth and God gave me a family so grounded in God and that has been my calling to inspire people that beyond where you come from and what happened to you ,you can RISE ABOVE ALL. Your hardest battle gives birth to your greatest victory and this is it seeing people liberated from emotional wounds, emancipated from life’s hurts and to stand together and talk about our trials as treasures of lessons.

Me: What fulfilment do you receive from YSI?

Bulelwa: The more I speak life into someone, the more I heal myself from past wounds , past tragedies. Inspiring people has been my antidote and I never knew it till the day it dawned that my purpose would be my remedy and would medicate other people and help them advance in leadership , in their moral paths and have them climb the elevator of the spirituality in prayer.

Me: With your experience, what word of advice would you give young woman who are struggling to find their calling?

Bulelwa: I would say to that woman stop looking around yet above. Many times we are trying to solve our own equations yet I believe it all starts with our genesis; you need to allow GOD to direct you.  Your purpose is that very thing that when you don’t have money, your car, house, anything yet you still feel whole and still pursue it beyond the odds and when you find it ,start with what you have, start now and celebrate basement beginnings ,applaud yourself.

Me: Who has been your greatest influence?

Bulelwa: Candy Lindsey now known as Candy Moyo, she is one woman who has constantly checked up on me, to the extent one time when we lost contact how she got my numbers to this day I don’t know yet she’s been a constant aura of hope.

Me: What has been the best advice you have ever received?

Bulelwa: LET NONE DEFINE YOU.

Me: What are the main virtues you live by?
Bulelwa:
Exellence-I truly believe in giving off the best of what you can take yourself. Never offer anything lower than you can take, don’t tolerate mediocrity.

Commitment- when you commit to something, you are saying you are aligned to that vision and are willing to advance it so it reaches its full potential

Faith- knowing God has already approved all things that are coming to me aligned to my purpose and having the faith to know it’s made possible by Him.

Consistency-keep pursuing the same thing till it comes running to you #purpose

Love-love heals

Forgiveness-Let go and let God

“When people show you who they are the first time, believe them”-Maya Angelou

“You can have it all, but not all at once”-Oprah Winfrey

“People don’t know what they want until you show them”

Me: If people need more information about your projects, where can they get hold of you?

Bulelwa:

Facebook page: Young and spiritually inspired by Bulelwa Mpinda

Twitter: @ysi_bm

Instagram:@Team_ysi

Website: www.teamysi.co.za

                  Email: bulelwa@teamysi.co.za