Occupation:  International model for campaigns, catalogues, and television.

Where are you from in SA?  Johannesburg

Schools: King David school in Victory Park until 16 then Crawford in Sandton.

When did you leave South Africa and where do you live now?
I left South Africa when I was 18 and went to London for 3 months which is where I was scouted. I went back to South Africa and found an agency, Ice Models, and since then have been traveling the world doing shows in places like Milan, London, New York, and back in Cape town etc. It’s hard to say I have been living in one place, but this year I decided to make New York my home base where I now have an apartment. 

What do you consider your greatest success/s internationally?
Starring in the new Just Cavalli campaign with the iconic Kate Moss that launched in February 2010.  Italian designer Robert Cavalli is one of the biggest and very famous luxury fashion brands in the world. (See image on left)

Working with Kate Moss was absolutely amazing. She has always been one of my idols and before I knew about the job, I was in London and about to leave but stopped in at Madame Tussaud to have my picture taken with the wax version of Kate. Not even 3 hours later my agent called me and said: “You can’t leave London.” I asked why. His response: “You’re shooting Just Cavalli with Kate Moss.”  Can you believe that! Shooting with Kate was one of the best experiences in my life. On set she is a normal, hard-working model but she just has an added aura about her that sets her apart. Modeling is not just about standing, it is about acting—being  in the role you are supposed to be portraying. 

What aspect of your approach, attitude, character (any or all) do you feel has been instrumental in causing your own success?
Growing up in a karate environment, I was an instructor and won 9 world karate titles before the age of 18.  In fact, at some point I was the youngest black belt in world. I would have to say that being a student of karate gave me the character and discipline to never give up, to always fight for what I want. Being in modeling you get a lot of rejections and I just kept on fighting and going and going and going until I got the yes. That would be my strength—that I am a fighter. 

What’s your perspective of being a South African working internationally?
I have heard so many times around the world people say how much they love South Africans—that we are such great people. We have a great name. We are perceived as hard workers and great fun.

I love South Africa. I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Ok, it is not perfect but where is? I return there regularly to see my amazing family and friends and to work. I just love the atmosphere of South Africa. I hate it when people put it down. I am very proud to be South African. 

What tips do you have for others trying to reach similar success to you?
Regarding modeling, I would say make sure that you get an agency. And you should never have to pay to be a model. Anyone who says you have to pay for help is wrong. And regarding yourself, don’t let people put you in a box or a certain category, just believe in yourself. You will get a lot of rejections and no’s but don’t give up. You’ve got to be thick skinned.

What’s your favorite “motto” in life?
Be the best you can be and don’t have any expectations.

What South African word or phrase do you use the most?
"Howzit" … and "kuk".