Let’s Dive In
In a world where the roles of women are continually evolving, Yammie Mqikela Mswi, affectionately known as "Yammie," embarks on a journey that challenges the conventional narratives surrounding womanhood, wifehood, and motherhood. Through her participation in the prestigious Mrs. South Africa competition 2024, Yammie aims to leverage the platform as a beacon of inspiration, change, and development, not only for young girls and women but for the nation at large.
Some Insight
Yammie, a woman of grace and resilience, steps into the limelight, aspiring to redefine what it means to be a modern woman in society. With a background enriched by her passion for empowerment and community service, she embodies the spirit of leadership and advocacy. Beyond her achievements, Yammie's personal journey reveals a narrative of growth, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.
The Interview
What inspired you to participate in the Mrs. SA competition?
“Wanting to change the narrative of what it means to be a woman, wife and mother in this day, age, and time. I want to use the Mrs. SA platform to be the voice of inspiration, change and the development of not only young girls and other women but the country at large.”
How has your journey in the competition impacted your personal and professional life?
“Upside down to say the least. It’s a rollercoaster ride. With many ups and downs. So much self-development, alignment, and learning. Writing things down helps a lot. I always have to priorities deadlines and my family time.”
What challenges have you faced during the competition, and how did you overcome them?
“I’ve been struggling with rejection from potential sponsors, not being in my hometown where I am well known and comfortable enough to approach businesses and entrepreneurs within my communities. I have been slowly accepting that for me to grow, I need to be uncomfortable, and this is where I should be in this moment.”
Can you share your daily wellness routine?
“Make my bed, clean the house- dishes, mop, and bathroom. If there is laundry to be done, get that done but basically clean around me so my brain is not cluttered. Before sitting down at my desk and writing my thoughts done, things I need to do for the day. While doing that I enjoy a cup of Dallmayr coffee with Sarah Jake’s Robert or Tasha Cobbs in the background and get the day started.”
How do you balance your mental and physical health, especially in preparation for a competition?
“Physically go to the gym. If you look for good, you do good. And mentally, I offload on my husband. I write things down and bounce off ideas with friends. I go back to basics or the vision board.”
What's your philosophy on nutrition and fitness, and how has it evolved over the years?
“I am not the healthiest person, but I do have my veggies here and there. I don’t really like the process of making food and having to eat so I don’t eat as often as I should every day, but I try.”
What is your go-to beauty and skincare routines?
“I’m a simple girl, I don’t have a skin routine. Water and we go…”
How do you define beauty, and how does it reflect in your lifestyle?
“It’s being comfortable, content, and confident in my own body and skin… it’s showing up in the world as I am. When I step into a room, it’s hard not to feel my presence. I walk into the room with warmth, welcoming smile and fierce.”
What beauty trends are you currently loving, and which ones would you like to see make a comeback?
“I’m not one for the trends. I stick to my lane.”
How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over time?
“My style reflects my mood. I can be a sexy mommy and a businesswoman, a hot wife and a chilled sister, a vogue model, or the girl next door. It’s become more sophisticated with a touch of femininity.”
Can you share a memorable fashion moment from your participation in Mrs. SA?
“I always show up and show off. I just love looking good and playing dress up.”
What fashion advice would you give to someone looking to find their own style?
“Go with what suits your body and something that makes you comfortable and don’t forget to wear your confidence.”
As a role model, what message do you want to convey to women and young girls?
“Don’t sell yourself short for pleasure. Find your purpose, find your "why" you are in this world and work towards your dreams.”
How do you use your platform to advocate for causes you're passionate about?
“I am part of a network (Activate -change driver!) and the founder of young women empowerment-Sistahood411 where I get to engage with girls and sometimes the boys in intimate spaces where I share my experiences growing up, so they don’t do the same mistakes or face the same challenges that I have been through. Giving back gives me so much joy and inner peace. I try my best to answer to the call of help whenever I can through initiatives, programs, outreaches, projects, collaborations with other Non-Profit Organisations.”
Can you share an instance where you felt you made a significant impact through your advocacy work?
“I’ve opened my home to a young girl who was in an abusive relationship with no family. She contacted me when we were accepting submissions for matriculants who needed assistance with attending their matric dance. This was at the time of Uyinene from UCT -the girl who was killed at the post office in Cape Town and Uber human-trafficking was at a high rate. I was in a WhatsApp group where Cape Town females had gathered to share their location and reach out for any kind of help, they needed. I wrote into the group about the young girl’s situation and the ladies requested Uber for me to pick her up, send money for food and I was approach by one of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 5th generation grandchildren offering accommodation and environment that will allow her to study and pass her matric well.”
What are your goals and aspirations beyond the Mrs. SA competition?
“To write books, do PR Management for young upcoming artists and models, do more outreaches, get into parliament.”
How do you plan to continue making a difference in your community or field of work?
“I would love to have more collaborations with other NPOs and public and private sectors to do the work on the ground and address issues to relevant stakeholders in our country. I would love to be able to influence policy changes.”
Is there a project or initiative you're currently working on that you'd like to share more about?
“Right now, my focus in me and my Mrs. SA journey.”
What's a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
“I studied classical music and I enjoy singing and dance for my hubby and daughter.”
If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive), who would they be and why?
“My aunt- just to know how she is doing, parents-to know if they have anything they would like to say to me & God-to be in his presents.”
Can you tell us about the inception of your business/entrepreneurial journey? What inspired you to start?
“I have a Diploma in Marketing Management which I attained from Boland College-Stellenbosch main campus, and I really enjoyed Business studies back in high school (Hottentots Holland High) and the inspiration of my mother being a businesswoman. I wanted to start my own things and be my own boss while helping others along the way. For the longest time I wasn’t sure which business to pursue but I always drafted business plans that I wrote when I was in college, so I decided to use those to start my company Connoisseurs Designs and here I do Marketing Communication, Business Consultation, Branding and PR Management.”
What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?
“I understood the value of my time and my expertise. I have supported many social entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives by bringing their visions to life.”
How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life and commitments, especially during the Mrs. SA competition?
“Do what I said I am going to do.”
As a leader, how do you foster a positive and productive work environment for your team?
“By allowing suggestions and room for improvement.”
What does empowerment mean to you, and how do you empower others through your work or business?
“Empowerment means giving the next person the tools they need to get themselves to the next phase of their lives. Giving awareness, educating, and giving guidance to be the best version of themselves.”
How have your experiences in the Mrs. SA competition influenced your approach to leadership and business?
“It's teaching me to not quit or give up on my vision. To keep going and pushing myself to be better than I was yesterday. To show up, to be consistent, to do what I said I would do. To be accountable. I could go on all day. And in terms of leadership, it's shown me that sometimes you can lead quietly, from the back and you don't always have to be the one that comes up with ideas, but support others input and suggestions. I have also enjoyed seeing my fellow contestants step out of their comfort zones and thanking me for being that spark to the transformation.”
Wrapping Up
As Yammie Mqikela Mswi continues her journey in the Mrs. South Africa 2024 competition, her aspirations stretch beyond the crown. Her commitment to empowerment, community service, and personal growth paints a portrait of a woman dedicated to making a lasting difference. With plans to delve into book writing, PR management, and more community outreaches, Yammie's story is a testament to the power of purpose, resilience, and the
transformative impact of embracing one's true self.
In her own words, empowerment means providing others with the necessary tools for personal advancement. Through her endeavours, Yammie Mqikela Mswi not only aspires to redefine beauty and success but also to empower others to uncover their purpose and potential, making her journey one of inspiration and hope for countless individuals across South Africa and beyond.
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With Love and Empowerment,
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