Celeste Khumalo Interview

Celeste Khumalo  is a motivational speaker, MC, news reader and the last Miss SA teen to be crowned in 2011. Since her crowning Celeste has been involved in a number of initiatives including Child Trace and Proudly SA too. She is currently studying towards a BA Corporate Communication at Varsity College. We got to the chance know more about Celeste in the interview, the challenges she face in the modelling industry and her advice for inspiring young models.

Youth Village: Please tell us about yourself, who is Celeste Khumalo?
Celeste Khumalo: I am Miss SA Teen 2011, a 2nd year student at Varsity College, a Wings member at Red Bull and a spectrum of humanity.
Youth Village: What drew you to modelling?
Celeste Khumalo: Well when I was younger; it was the glam, the aspect of travelling and how easy it seemed to be. But getting into it and hearing from others in the industry it’s most definitely not as easy as it seems and “not all that glitters is gold”.
Youth Village: When did you get your first break?
Celeste Khumalo: I can say that I’ve had little breaks here and there, I was once the face of Iron Brew, the face of Environ Skin Care and I had placed 2nd Princess in about 3 other pageants… However the biggest and most important so far was when I won Miss SA Teen.

Youth Village: What were some of the challenges you faced in the modelling industry before making it?
Celeste Khumalo: Rejection which I still face, being right for the role, the right size, height, skin colour and previous exposure. Sometimes the biggest campaigns are looking for people who aren’t known or who haven’t advertised competitive products. So the main issue here is to make sure I don’t just take the next job that comes my way I have to consider longevity – with that said I also have to think about opportunities sometimes the decisions you make affect them.
Youth Village: Growing up who did you look up to?
Celeste Khumalo: My Mother, Oprah, Beyonce, Khanyi Dhlomo and Lana Del Rey
Youth Village: Being crowned Miss SA Teen 2011, what were some of the life changing things that happened to you as a result of this win?
Celeste Khumalo: Touching people’s lives, that’s a given, every smile you put on someone’s face is the best feeling ever! Building confidence, getting people to listen to me, understanding me and not undermine me.
Youth Village: What do you attribute your success to?
Celeste Khumalo: MOMMY! And hard work, knowing yourself and what you want.
Youth Village: Being possibly one of the last Miss SA Teen does this put pressure on you in any way?
Celeste Khumalo: No, not really, if it’s supposed to I won’t allow it.

Youth Village: Youth Village:You are also an MC, motivational speaker and a news reader. Please tell us more about your other work?
Celeste Khumalo:  With my reign I had to do most of the above, thank goodness I enjoy public speaking! I’ve got some things to say and life experiences to share, hopefully this touches peoples’ lives. News Reading was a job I auditioned for and got the part – not because of my title but because I was great for the part.

Youth Village: You are studying BA Corporate Communication. Why is it important for the African youth to get an education?
Celeste Khumalo:  This song has been sung everywhere and all over the world, even those who dropped out of school and are successful have mentioned studying. Education is the basis of success it most definitely gives one advantage and cognitive.
Youth Village: What is the one thing you would like to change or improve about Africa today?
Celeste Khumalo: Ambition and drive… as long as you can dream of a better life you should (depending on your resources) be able to work hard to achieve it, also the greed – too many dictators and too much war. People need to conquer themselves and the violence within them then to conquer nations with violence and terror.
Youth Village:You have been in a number of pageants, what has been your most memorable moment?
Celeste Khumalo: You even ask, lol, When my name was called at Miss SA Teen!
Youth Village: What characteristic does one need to have to be a role model?
Celeste Khumalo: I don’t like the term ‘Role Model’ it’s so limiting and binding… It makes one almost seem perfect and we all know that everyone has their flaws. Rather say what makes someone a good leader? And is when they work hard to achieve great things for themselves that will in turn serve other people.
Youth Village: Who is your local male celebrity crush?
Celeste Khumalo: Uhm
Youth Village: How do you feel about the controversy of the size 0 debate in the modelling industry?
Celeste Khumalo: Last time I checked models that are size 0 aren’t allowed to model? *excuse my ignorance, but it is a serious issue because it does exist and it is something that needs to be monitored.
Youth Village: What book have you read that has shaped your line of thought or attitude about life in a huge way?
Celeste Khumalo: I’ve actually read quite a few, I really love reading but to name a few – The God of Small Things by Adruati Roy, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kayosaki, Temptation by Douglas Kennedy, Losing My Virginity by Richard Brandson, Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga, The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fiztgerald…
Youth Village: If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be?
Celeste Khumalo: They need to go to various agencies and ask for their opinion because they know the industry, and not only one quite a few and over time when there are physical changes. There is this one I really want to be a part of when I was 17 and they rejected me but today they would be happy to have me.
Youth Village: Are you involved in any community/ youth outreach initiatives? If so please share
Celeste Khumalo: Afrika Tikkun, Child Trace and I work closely with Proudly SA too.
Youth Village: How can your fans connect with you?
Celeste Khumalo: – On Twitter – http://twitter.com/celestialxvi , my blogs – http://celesperance.blog.com and http://cegalaxys.tumblr.com