Say hello to the new It-influencers on the block!

Full-time model, TV Presenter and Lifestyle Blogger

Full-time model, TV Presenter and Lifestyle Blogger

Published Oct 13, 2016

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Influencers are becoming the new celebrities.

Just look at the Jenner-sisters who built their empire purely based on Insta-fame with millions of followers who choose their 'outfit of the day' based on Kendall and Kylie's social posts.

While social media is playing a major role in today's society when it comes to identifying trendsetters, it's also about good old fashion networking becoming a famous face in the industry. Being an influencer is all about putting yourself out there and bringing something unique to the table while staying loyal to your fans.

Annette de Wet met up with the up-and-coming local influencers who live by the "don't follow trends, start trends" motto in all aspects of life.

THE MODEL - KIM JAYDE ROBINSON

(Photo taken by Rhodagraph)

Full-time model, TV Presenter and Lifestyle Blogger

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Kimberley moved to South Africa in 2009 to attend the University of Stellenbosch graduating with an Honours Degree in Social Work. It did not take long for her career in the modelling industry to kick off and she has since landed various international TV commercials and campaigns.

For Kim, it's all about networking: "I use social media as my biggest tool to connect with people, because it's an instant connection on a global level, but you should never underestimate the power of face-to-face communication."

Being an influencer is all about taking risks as Kim recently had a call-back for a sports brand campaign and ended up in a boxing ring with another model getting hit in the face, but all ended well as she aced the campaign. Now that's literally taking a punch for a job!

 

The image that made the full page article of @kimjayde 😁🙌💕 Written by @annette_alwaysanne Published in @capetimessa MUA @shameezbeauty

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀ Rhodagraph (@rhodagraph) on Oct 14, 2016 at 6:15am PDT

INFLUENCER TIP:"Just be genuine! So many people in the social circles are trying to follow a perceived image of what it is believed to be cool. Be your unique self and that will immediately make you stand out."

READ: Summer hair trends: Embellish your crown

THE MAKE UP ARTISIT LA'EEQA YUNUS

Celebrity make-up artist, Beauty Blogger and lecturer. Credit: Supplied

Based in Cape Town, Celebrity make-up artist, La'eeqa Yunus, proves you can live out your dream no matter your age. At 32, she realized her passion for make up and never looked back working with some of SA's biggest names like Cindy Nell, Boity Thulo, Jeannie D, Tracey Lange just to mention a few. She has also been a regular on Top Billing, Afternoon Express and put her magic to work at the most-talked-about Nicki Minaj concert held earlier this year.

Being the official in-house makeup artist for the essence and CATRICE brand has exceeded her wildest dreams: "It was always a fear of mine that I was too old but age really is just a number. If you can dream it, you can do it. I also have a great family support system and my husband is my biggest fan."

Talking about beauty trends for summer, La'eeqa says: "We will be seeing the fresh faced jlo glow with lots of glitter and gloss where you look like you never really made an effort but you actually did."

INFLUENCER TIP:"Be seen at local events, because this is how you make a name for yourself. Also, never be afraid to introduce yourself to new people."

THE PR-RISING STAR AKHONA BAFO

 Woolworths Public Relations Officer. Credit: Supplied

With her charismatic and go-getter personality, Akhona has been working in the Woolworths Public Relations division for more than two and a half years.

She sets the bar high when it comes to communicating like a pro working on live events and fashion campaigns which include some of the most influential celebrities in South Africa. She looks to her boss, Noni Gasa, and entrepreneur, Khanyi Dlomo for inspiration and their success stories is truly rubbing off on Akhona as she is truly loved and respected by the media.

How does she handle the stressful yet exciting industry?

"Woolworths is a brand associated with quality, value, service and sustainability so, naturally, there is a high expectation of us. We don't always get it right but we do constantly look at ways to improve our customer experience."

INFLUENCER TIP: Be confident, dress tastefully and foster solid relationships with the press. Be visible. Be kind to people. After all, your reputation is your only social currency.

READ: 6 Hottest fashion summer trends

THE FASHIONISTA - SAARAH-JASMIN NWAJEI

Fashion Blogger, Stylist and OFRA Cosmetics Brand Ambassador. Credit: Supplied

Full-time fashion blogger and stylist, Saarah-Jasmin needs no introduction in the Cape Town circles, but is also starting to get noticed all over the country thanks to her impressive social media influence.

Starting her own blog in 2014, Modest Fashion Blogger, Saarah-Jasmin made name for herself by taking the trends and styling it in a modest way.

Being rejected on several occasions just made this fashionista stronger and more ambitious: "People will mess you over and walk away without any shame on their face. No matter your circumstances, you should always get back up."

The outspoken blogger is also business savvy when it comes to building her personal brand: "I put myself out there by doing collaborations with other media creatives as networking is a very big part of my growth. I also try to stay on top of my game by doing constant styled shoots."

INFLUENCER TIP:"Do what makes you look good. No one ever got famous or noticed by copying someone else. Know your audience and stay true to yourself."

THE FOODIE - NTHABISENG NTI RAMABOA

Celebrity chef, blogger and TV Host on E-TV. Credit: Supplied

Chef Nti, as she is known in the industry has a flair for food and fashion giving her full influencer bragging rights as our favourite Bistro Queen! She stars in 'The Perfect Ace', a cooking show on eTV where she goes out to homes and help people solve their cooking problems based on their budgets and ingredients.

In 2015 Chef Nti was chosen to design the menu for Flying Fish Beer at the Durban July which ended up being a huge success! She also worked closely with Danone: "I was hired as part of their marketing campaign to encourage their clients to engage with their product differently!"

When she's not busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you will spot her on the social scene like the recently held SA Fashion Week looking glamorously styled to perfection.

She even took her love for fashion a step further by starting her own apron-line, because who doesn't want to look good while cooking?

INFLUENCER TIP: Live out your truth! It takes a lot of courage. In my experience life became more beautiful when I embraced all of me.

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