August 2021
Aladia’s Kitchen bringing to you get inspired
Take a break
Atishca makan coping with grief
Mé-kup
by
Mé-kup by Elizmé Ferreira elizmeferreira@gmail.com
Elizmé Ferreira
mekupbyelizmeferreira 072 827 5298
CONTENTS 22 POPPY DEXTRAS Mother, wife, model and entrepreneur
24 BRINGING DURBAN TO YOU Aladia’s kitchen, cooking up a storm
26 ATISHCA MAKAN “Grief, you are a conundrum I cannot understand “
28 EMPOWERING POETRY COVER FEATURE ELIZMÉ FERREIRA
Anisa Amod, empowering women with her words
Follow us @ellamagsa Ella Magazine SA Editor : Elzaan Nieuwenhuis
To advertise with us
send us an email : ellamagsa@outlook.com
On the cover : Elizmé Ferreira Photographer : @isensestudiophotography
INSPIRING WOMEN
JOTHAMS GUESTHOUSE
Get inspired with these 5 amazing ladies.
Take a break and visit JoThams Guesthouse in Durban. AUGUST 2021 | ISSUE 5
In 2016 a couple owned business was born, FotojeniQ Photography. Co-owned and co-managed by Lance and Denise. Our passion and competitive nature got us fueled to push further in the industry to become a part time career. We've covered over 250 events over the past 5 years, ranging from kids parties, adults birthday bashes, bridal showers, baby showers and engagments. We're ecstatic to finally have started wedding photography this year. We'd love to capture your next big event!
”We take photographs as a
return ticket
to a moment otherwise forgotten.” @Fotojeniq Photography 072 674 5743
fotojeniqphotography@gmail.com
Elizmè Ferreira Talented, beautiful and down to earth are three things that best describe professional makeup artist, Elizmè Ferreira.
Elizmè has been a qualified
makeup artist for 17 years and, after working in retail, she now has her own full time makeup artistry business. She has
successfully managed to start her own career as a South
African content creator on her
social media platform,‘Mè-kup by Elizmè Ferreira’ and is a
brand ambassador for four different brands!
We find out about where
Elizmè’s journey started, get
some insight into the looks she creates as well as the
challenges she faced to get to where she is now.
How it started Elizmè’s journey started in
2004 when she became a qualified makeup artist
through the Rene Institute of Beauty Therapy. 17
years later she had retail experience in cosmetics
with companies such as Stuttafords, Edgars,
Foschini and Dis-Chem
pharmacies, working with major brands across the
industry. “In 2019 I decided to start my own business as a freelance makeup
artist part time, this was when Mé-Kup by Elizmé Ferreira was founded.”
So where did the name
”Mè-kup by Elizmè” come from? Elizmè was better known as Miss Mé
(pronounced May) which is how "Mé-Kup" came
about, deriving from her full name Elizmé (a
combination of Esmé & Elizabeth). “In 2021 I
officially started working for myself full time and now have a makeup
studio where all my work takes place. A lifelong
dream which began as far back as I can remember.“
Elizmè was better known as Miss Mé which is how "Mé-Kup" came about
Favourite makeup style With all the incredible looks Elizmè has created, we had to know what her favourite looks are. Elizmé says that There are so many beautiful ways to express makeup that it can be challenging to find your favorite go to look. This is specially if you're a Libra like her and have a tendency to be indecisive! “I think apart from a classic smoky eye or halo eyeshadow look, one of my favorite daily "go to" looks on myself would be basic nude tones - a transition shade in the crease of the eye to add depth, an extended wing or "cat eye" to create bigger eyes with a voluminous lash & finally a nude matte lip. This is my daily favorite.” Elizmè gets plenty of inspiration in her work from social media such as Pinterest and Instagram, whether it's global artists on top sharing their creations or fellow makeup artists in the industry working alongside her. With makeup she does for clients, she has asked herself plenty of times which style of makeup she feel the most connected to in her work. “Photoshoots are definitely number one! What I love about this form of makeup is that the basic rules may apply but over all, the sky is the limit. It is a much more creative space to
be in whether it is a more conservative photoshoot for family & bridal or for fashion & editorial.” Elizmè says that a lot more makeup needs to be applied in order to prevent the over all look from getting washed away in the photos and which makeup artist doesn't enjoy the free will of makeup application?! She has also really grown to love her bridal work. “Not just the type of makeup it involves but the relationship and journey that comes with the client being the bride, over the process leading up to their special day.” When it comes to online negativity, Elizmè says that she has been quite fortunate and grateful to have not encountered such experiences as of yet. “I do think my personality plays a role in this. I am a huge supporter of all my fellow makeup artists and influencers online and I firmly believe in lifting each other.” She feels that there is more than enough room for everyone to shine in their own unique way instead of seeing someone as a threat.. “I am very grateful for my online family and followers. I find myself very sociable and constantly engaging with them to maintain that relationship. Let's hope I never experience that type of negativity.”
Achievements Before Elizmè became a qualified makeup artist, she had always wanted to be an interior decorator. In essence one could say it is very much the same type of work. Taking a space, working with what you have, adding here & there to enhance the foundation to create a beautiful finish. “I am very much a right brained girl and areas such as maths and science were never my strongest forte.” ”I think my biggest achievement - and I think some in the retail industry will agree - was getting out of that industry to pursue my own freelance business. I spent 12 years in the retail industry and one almost gets into a comfort zone.” She says it isn't always the easiest to get out of especially because she didn't study after school - only her makeup artistry qualification. Elizmè feels that it is very daunting going from a stable income with commission and perks to working for your own money and thinking of ways that will set you apart from the rest. “We are all out here doing our best and trying to make a living in a pandemic with these challenging times which no one could see would last for almost two years (and counting). That and pursuing her journey to sobriety has been some of her biggest achievements. Without sobriety, she would not have pursued Me-Kup by Elizme Ferreira.
I think my biggest achievement…was getting out of that industry to pursue my own freelance business.
A journey of sobriety Through all her success, Elizmè has achieved an amazing milestone of being 2 years and almost 6 months sober! “I never thought I'd be sitting here today being able to say this. But I am and I am so proud and so grateful for everything that has led up to me being where I am. Our past moulds us into who we are today.” She says that we don't always understand why we go through things that seem impossible at the time and only at a later stage do we see why when all the pieces come together. “But it's up to us to pick the pieces up and start glueing them. No one can do it except you. And you have to want to do it.” “Having friends and family stand by you is so imperative and that is why my heart breaks when I see others less fortunate.” She says she should have started my makeup artistry business a decade ago but she was not emotionally and mentally in a space to do so. “Conversations about substance abuse and dependency can go on for hours. I have taken accountability for them and I have made changes. Hard work comes with them but it is so worth it.”
It is never too late to make a change and it is never too late to follow your dreams.
Elizmè has grown profusely during the process since her darkest days. The advice she gives is that it is never too late to make a change and it is never too late to pursue your dreams. “I am 35 today, I am happy, I am sober and I have my own freelance makeup artistry business. I most definitely intend on achieving more! Thank you for taking the time to listen to my journey and story with me.” Elizmè is truly talented woman who pursues her dreams and is unapologetically herself. Her journey shows that no matter what challenges you face in life, you can achieve the success you long for. You can find out more about Elizmè and her incredible work on her social media pages below:
Mekupbyelizmeferreira Mè-kup By Elizmè Ferreira
Bitchin merch THREADS | FAVOURS | SPIRITS
Life is like a game of “choose your own adventure”, and it’s super important to choose the right battle gear. For mom’s, dad’s, husbands, wives, friends, bridal parties or that crazy cousin three times removed, if you’re looking for awesome custom shirts and the perfect gift for someone special, we’ve got you covered. We also produce magical glitter moonshine (aka craft gin, whiskey, brandy and rum) and host enchanting moonshine and glitter tasting events bringing friends together!
bmerch_sa
B-merch SA
bitchintees.co.za
THREADS
FAVOURS
SPIRITS
We print slogan tees because we believe everyone should be able to wear their words.
If you’re looking for a fabulous birthday gift or put together a gift box, we’ve got you!
14 flavours of craft gin with glitter, craft whiskey, craft brandy and craft rum.
JoThams Guesthouse
About
JoThams guesthouse is based in sunny Durban and situated only 2km from the beach. They are 3 star graded, offering private units with an option for self catering or bed and breakfast.
How it started Thamendrie Vermaak is a successful entrepreneur and business women who is the owner of JoThams Guesthouse. Her 21 year journey began when her son wanted to go a school in a new area. “As a single working parent, transporting him was a challenge due to my shift work.” To relieve this tension she decided to buy a house closer to his school. This purchase would be subject to the sale of her flat which didn’t go as planned. The only option left was to get a tenant for the house. “I rented out my flat and the house and moved into the staff accommodation at the house which had no lights or door, just a burglar gate. As the rent came in from the flat I connected the electricity and made it a cosy.” It took two years to sell her flat and that money went straight into the bond which allowed them to move into the house. It’s during this time that Thamendrie met her husband Johan and the next chapter began.
The challenges she faced During the next 18 years Thamendrie started her property development by renting out her cosy cottage and the main house. She took every cent and upgrading each of them thereafter, adding on more units and renting them out. All the units were on full time rental. She resigned from her job of 22 years to take care of her husband who had helped her grow her business and believed in her dreams. “After 3 years of being at home, one fine day an advert for real estate consultants appeared from our area’s property agency. I always loved houses and I thought this was an opportunity I should try. This magical journey lasted 4 years with me becoming the top branch performer in my first year. It was so easy to sell houses after I had brought my first home and showed them how I transformed this once run down home into a fine complex.”
What makes them different Advice to young entrepreneurs “Save, save, save. Save at least five years expenses before you start spending on non essentials.” “Start with what you have and know your strengths. Network with business close to what you are planning to start. Volunteer to work in their business to get a feel of the actual job because work experience and commitment will always be your guiding forces.”
Jothams guesthouse is now a successful 3 star graded guesthouse. They offer their guests unique services such as cooking lessons, picnic baskets for the beach or star light dinners on the front terrace. Guest also enjoy their traveling stories through South Africa, in their caravan.
Get in touch
www.jothams.co.za 0731959500 jothamsplace@gmail.com
GET
INSPIRED
THIS
WOMEN’S
Inspiring MONTH
WITH
THESE
5
WOMEN
Phomelelo mmako OWNER
-
AZANIA
TRESSES
@ACCESSORIZED_BYAZANIA Azania tresses, South Africa’s bonnet experts, was started by Phomelelo Mmako. They offer specialised satin products beneficial for your hair and skin. Phomelelo began this journey when she was still a student and started off with a hair braiding side hustle. “As my interest for hair grew, I discovered all these hair gurus on YouTube and got to learn the benefits of satin on hair and skin. This catapulted my interest in natural hair and that’s when I started to make satin bonnets and pillowcases.” Being a student at UCT influenced the pricing decisions that she made. “I wanted to ensure that the products were accessible to people like me. I am now trying to expand this business by providing products
that are very specialized to certain needs that people with natural hair have.” Phomelelo use her experience in her own hair journey to influence other people to take care of their hair. She says that it is such a mind blowing experience to see the wonderful and majestic things that her hair and other peoples hair do. “This is an emphasis of the diversity that this beautiful blue globe has, the greatness that women have. The bonding that comes with haircare. How sisterhood has been built, all encompassing around hair.” You can follow @accesorized_byazani a on Instagram to view their products. Get in touch with them on WhatsApp 064 599 8330 to order.
Kerry Walsh MOTIVATIONAL
SPEAKER
&
ACCESSIBILITY
AND
ACTIVIST
@KMOTIVATIONSA Kerry Walsh is a motivational speaker and accessibility activist born in October 1997 in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the age of one, she was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and was given the life expectancy of five years old. SMA is the second most common fatal autosomal recessive disorder after cystic fibrosis. “I am now a 23-year-old sunflower-loving individual who is making the most of every day that I have. August is SMA awareness month with this month we hope to use social media campaigns in order to create awareness and help change the perspective of the community around people’s disabilities. Help to create awareness and get involved this month.” Kerry believes that everyone has a story to share and she decided to share her story through her platform, KmotivationSA. “Life is precious and we don’t know how long we are going to have so I believe it’s important to take advantage of every day and make your life something worth remembering.” She aims to change the view around disabled people and give them a fighting chance in life. Kerry says that she is extremely lucky to have a supportive and very helpful family and friend group. “They are the reason I can do so much. I find my strength to push through every day by focusing on all the amazing things that are in my life and believing that great things are going to happen.” be sure to follow along on Kerry’s journey onInstagram @kmotivationsa
Kovini Moodley CEO
-
BOSS
BABES
OF
SOUTH
AFRICA
@BOSSBABESOFSOUTHAFRICA
Boss Babes of South Africa is an inspirational platform celebrating multifaceted female leaders. It was started by Kovini Moodley as a need to impact, inspire and help women of South Africa find their inner power and voices. Kovini, a Chartered Accountant by profession has always felt an innate desire to impact causes bigger than herself and hence the birthing of Boss Babes of South Africa. This positively powerful movement is primarily a skill sharing platform that allows trailblazing women to contribute to it effectively in a manner that adds value and uplifts its audience. “We're so honoured to be surrounded by such exceptional philanthropic women who selflessly contribute their Intellectual Property and utilise our platform to change mindsets and lives. We are most powerful when we give, rather than when we receive. Our platform compromises of professional women accross industries and women who live their lives by example, merit and excellence.” Register to be apart of their platform on their website www.bossbabesofsouthafrica.co.za and follow them on social media for the latest updates.
Megan Hunter BLOGGER
&
DIGITAL
CREATOR
@MEGGI_FLOWERCROWNS
“You have a potentially life-limiting disease, and you will need to be on treatment for the rest of your life.” These are not the words that someone would expect to hear at the age of 15, but unfortunately this was Megan’s reality. After being a healthy child with no ailments or issues, Megan was diagnosed with a rare disease called Myasthenia Gravis in 2004, after months of suffering through unknown symptoms and incorrect diagnoses. “It all started with the feeling of my cheeks being “numb”, and quickly progressed to being unable to smile, slurring my words and choking on all my food.” By the time Megan was diagnosed her mum was having to help lift her out of bed and bath her. “I felt like I had lost
all my self-confidence and ability to care for myself.” Once she had received her diagnosis, it was a quick journey to hospitalization and finding a treatment that worked – from chemotherapy, to plamapheresis and eventually a stem cell transplant a little over 2 years ago. “I finally feel like I have my life back, and like I have been given a second chance. Because of this I have chosen to appreciate every moment of my life and spread kindness wherever possible.” Follow Megan’s journey on her blog, www.flowercrownsand treatment.com as she supports local businesses and givesback to a community that has supported her throughout her journey.
Denise Govender OWNER
-
FOTOJENIQ
PHOTOGRAPHY
@DENISEFOTOJENIQPHOTOGRAPHY
Unapologetically herself and unafraid to show her beautiful flaws, Denise Govender is the owner and editor of Fotojeniq Photography, along side her partner. Denise’s passion for photography blossomed in 2016 when she developed an eye for beauty in everyone despite their flaws and so her journey began. ”I pushed the boundaries to become a force to be reckoned with and I shot over 250 events in the past 5 years. Being unafraid got me this far, imagine what you can do?” Being the self empowered female that she is, her business, Knotted Kotton, evolved in January 2021. “ The designing and manufacturing of luxurious satin robes, pj's, scrunchies and pillow slips was what kept me inspired during our world Pandemic, packaging over 100 garments in 46 days of starting. As a strong believer of women empowerment, a year ago she started an initiative called Empowered By Pads. She has collected and distributed over 4500 packs of pads to the communities and schools that are most in need. “Our pads initiative has reached Johannesburg and assisted 21 underprivileged schools and over 450 individuals that received care hampers during the year.“ you can learn more about Denise as well As support her businesses on her social media @denisefotojeniqphotography @knottedkotten @empoweredbypads
Poppy Dextras Poppy Dextras is a mother, wife and freelance model. She has her own cosmetic line which is named after her and she is also a Mrs Universe Africa Semi Finalist.
P
oppy Dextras grew up in Mahikeng North West. Her interest in the beauty
Industry came from her mother who worked in the hair and beauty industry, over
time, Her passion for making people feel and look beautiful grew, which led her to creating her own cosmetic line where she will be selling a whole make up set.
The idea of creating her own cosmetics line came to her about 10 years ago and in April 2021 this became a reality. With the help of her husband Andrew Dextras, who loves to see his
partner thrive, her dream become a beautiful reality. Her brand is created for women, to remind them that no matter what life throws at you, always be beautiful, smile with lipstick on and tackle your day with confidence.
Poppy Dextras is a semi finalist for Mrs Universe Africa, something she is very excited to be a part of. This enables her to amplify her voice on topics she is passionate about such as
education, women empowerment and poverty. With this being said she will be working with the Tumahole legacy Foundation in Parys, where she will be handing out bursaries for pupils.. In
North West together with the Kgaka Kgolo Foundation in Mahikeng, she will be doing sanitary drives and helping out at children’s homes. Follow along on her journey via her social media platforms.
@poppydextras
Poppy Molamu
poppydextras
BRINGING n a b r u D
TO YOU
Aladia's Kitchen, a home away from home for all Durbanites. They offer curries bunny chows, breyani, breakfasts, burgers, toasted sandwiches, roti rolls and a wide variety of specialty dishes like crab curry and trotters.
Aladia’s journey started in March 2020 when she was given the option of retrenchment or a third of her salary. “Covid, lockdown and now this.. How do I survive on a third of my salary. I am worth way more than that. I walked away not knowing what the future holds for me.” On the 3rd of May 2020, after crying, breaking down and feeling as If her whole world was crashing down, she woke up with a plan. “I cooked a 2kg packet of chicken and advertised on the neighborhood group. Aladia's Kitchen was born.” For 2 months Aladia operated from home and on the 26th of June 2020, she open Aladia's Kitchen Strubens Valley. Just 6 months later, she opened Aladia's Kitchen Fourways. Though she has been successful, the journey has not been easy for her. She has faced many challenges, the biggest challenge was not knowing the food industry. “My passion for making people happy and cooking made the journey easier. Never so no to any opportunity. Say yes and figure out how to do it. Start with what you have. Start today, no time is as perfect as now.“ You can find Aladia’s kitchen in Strubens Valley and in Fourways on the Hirchs premises.
@aladiaskitchen 078 912 4011
Gloss guru B L O G
Lawyer by day, influencer by night,. Juggling both is just a day in the life for independent go-getter Lauren Niekerk, otherwise known as @glossgurublog.
Lauren works as a candidate attorney at a prestigious boutique law firm - and soon to be admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa - and is also a popular digital beauty and fashion content creator. She initially started blogging as a way to express herself creatively and connect with likeminded people, but overtime as she focused in on the beauty niche, her hobby grew into the brand that it is today. The name “Gloss Guru” is an ode to lipgloss and stems from her wanting to share her makeup tips and reviews. She does this over on her blog along with tips, tutorials and transitions on her other platforms. Lauren aims to use her social media platforms to not only educate other women but also to inspire them to be bold and go after what they want. Juggling both professions has not been easy as both are incredibly demanding, however she remains poised and continues to push out the best content she can for her loyal supporters.
Check out her Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook and blog to see all her looks or to connect with her for a collaboration! @glossgurublog
Empowering poetry
25 year old Durbanite Anisa Amod, is focused on her career in industrial psychology and labour relations. She is also passionate about writing and inspiring women around her. Born in August, the month dedicated to women, encouraging women to live in their truth and to stand up for their rights has become her life’s mission. Her first article aimed at women empowerment was published in the local newspaper at the age of 13.
”Writing has always been my true love, it’s my way of expressing my thoughts and I’ve realised that most women can relate to it. My hope is to create a change in society where women can feel empowered to stand up for themselves and to focus on their mental health.” Anisa says that she wants her words to move the next person and to motivate them to do what makes them happy. “Often the opinions of others and the expectations of social media overpower our confidence and prey on our insecurities. I want this narrative to change. I want women to feel confident in their skin, in their career and family roles Andrew I hope that my writing inspires them to feel just that.” Anisa’s writing focuses on women empowerment, selfawareness and confidence
You can get in touch with Anisa on her Instagram
@anisamod_ally
Girl in the mirror Dear Girl in the mirror You are so much more than what you appear to be , your beauty is not defined by the reflection staring back at you but instead by the heart and soul that makes you , you. You are much more than the scars covered up with expensive concealers and the colour corrected dark circles surrounding your eyes from endless nights of crying, instead you are fearless. You are more than the stretch marks and cellulite from the constant battle between weight gain and weight loss, instead you are determined because you did not lose hope and give up, You are much more than the pain youve endured and suppressed because the thought of looking weak to those around you scares you, instead you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. You are so much more than the girl snapping selfie after selfie only to delete all of them because of the intimidation you feel and constant pressure from social media to look a certain way, instead you are beautiful and unique. Oh, dear Girl in the mirror , you are so much more than you know. Dont allow social media to prey on your insecurities , that girl staring back at you in the mirror deserves to be celebrated for who she is , because she is so much more than what she appears to be, she is the courageous heart and free spirit soul that makes you, you
Superpower Your superpower is your uniqueness! Others may cross over into your lane now and then but no one can do it quite like you. Keep setting your goals and achieving them cause your glow up is for YOU… the rest are just spectators
Nasron Footwear is a Durban based Footwear manufacturing company which was established in 1996. They are a family run and managed SME which produce a number of high-end branded footwear under license (pvt label) as well as their own range of quality hand-made leather footwear (international specification). This is for their supply stream entailing of: National Chain Stores, Mini-Chain, Wholesaler, Independant & Online Store customer base.
Nasron footwear is most notably known for their mens and ladies boat shoes and Docksider Range. As we are well into winter season, the all South African "Vellie" or "Desert Boot" as it is known around the world takes centre stage on their production-line.
Get in touch @seabasssouthafrica
seabasssouthafrica
www.nasronftw.co.za
Happy women's month!