Amantle Mokubung Interview

Amantle growing up she was teased and now she has learned not to believe everything that people say but rather appreciate the beautiful way that God created her, as we all know that putting yourself out there is not an easy thing to do because you can be vulnerable to people’s judgement and opinions of you. Amantle is one power house young woman who decide to take her future into her own hands and make it happen, she own events and promotions company and she is giving models a head start in their career by hosting workshops and giving advice to them. To learn more about Amantle Mokubung check out her interview

Please tell us about yourself?

Amantle Mokubung is an ambitious 25 year-old from Mafikeng, now I’m based in Pretoria. I’m a Marketing Strategist by profession and a part-time model signed to Talent-etc.

What was your dream growing up?

It was simple. My dream was to make a positive impact in the lives of others, I wanted to be known for that but didn’t know how I was going to achieve it. I guess I had already started but I was just not aware of it. My mom always takes me back to a time when I came back home from primary school with an empty stomach because I had given away my lunchbox to one of my classmates whom I had just realized never carried lunch to school. I think the uncertainty of how I was going to make a difference in other people’s lives explains why I became one of those individuals who ended up trying out almost everything! I was fortunate enough that my mother gave me the freedom to explore the different options that were available, till I ended up doing what I enjoy the most.

After matric what did you study and why?

Shoooo! I wanted to study Clothing Technology then I later decided to enrol for a diploma in Architectural Technology at CPUT.I did my fist year in Architecture then worked for six months as a Draughtsperson. It was really boring and draining for me, I just knew that I didn’t belong there so I dropped out and went to do my BA Marketing degree at the AAA School of Advertising. I started in 2008 and completed at the end of 2010, graduating in March 2011. Marketing is fun because my creative ability is constantly stimulated and the bonus is that I can work in any industry that I choose.

What is Amantle?

Amantle means “God’s words are beautiful” and that is exactly the idea that the “Amantle” platform is built on. Every idea that God plants in my head and heart, I try to execute as a project through “Amantle”, whether it be a soup kitchen, school visits, and flower arrangements for a wedding or anything else. Over the past year I have rallied a group of volunteers to assist at Pink Drive’s Pink Tie Dinner as well as promoters for Ford brand activation. I now have the Model workshop coming up in November…..

What motivated you to start Amantle?

After having appeared in a number of publications, I kept receiving emails and Facebook messages from aspirant models, as well as friends of mine referring young ladies to me for some sort of guidance about getting into modeling. I managed to help a few of them in getting shoots, but I kept worrying about whether the rest became successful in what they wished to achieve. That’s what motivated me to start the workshops; with the assistance of Waterfalls Boutique Hotel, Visibly You, Body Orchestra, Esse Organic Skincare, ghd South Africa, Lawrence Boatwright and Associated Magazines.

What is purpose of Amantle?

To give aspirant models a headstart.

Who is your target market?

Females between the ages of 18 and 28, residing in Gauteng.

What are looking for in the Model?

I’m looking for 10 ladies who would like to get into modeling, and are seeking insight about the industry. It would be great to work with ladies who are not looking for ‘connections’ (as most of them would put it), but people who are confident, and are eager to learn and put in the work.

How did you get into Modelling yourself?

I was teased a lot while I was in primary school and high school. I never wished to become a model but thought it would be cool to see myself in a magazine one day. At the end of my first year in college, I noticed that some magazine spreads would include the name of the model, but not the model’s agency. I then called the publications to enquire if they used “everyday people” for their fashion spreads, and they asked that I forward them an email with my details and photographs. A few months later, Soul magazine was the first to respond and I shot a makeover shoot with them. My mission had been accomplished. To my surprise, Move magazine also called me for a fashion spread and from then onwards, I contacted other publications and the shoots kept coming…Shape, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Destiny and True Love.

What have you learned from Modelling?

I’ve learned not to believe everything that people say but rather appreciate the way in which God created me; I’m beautiful. I’ve also realized that the South African modelling industry is small and people play multiple roles, it’s important to always be professional yet polite.

Is Africa embracing Modelling as a career or we’re not there yet?

I think we are slowly getting there South Africa in particular. Modeling is still perceived to be unstable and as more of a hobby than a career. A few models such as Rosette Mogomotsi are embracing it and doing quite well.

What are the myths about Modelling?

That models are bimbos.

What would you say is the highlight of your career?

Everytime I walk on to set  and the photographer not only remembers who I am but also my work ethic. James Mould and Nick Boulton took me by surprise when they did this.

Who do you look up to and why?

My mother, I admire her strength in character, her fearlessness and her hard work. She continues to remind me that nothing is impossible to achieve as long as I pray about it, work towards it and remain positive about it.

Do you have any project(s) coming up? if yes, please share with us?

The Amantle Model Workshop project is growing bigger by the day…

How can aspiring models contact you?

They can email [email protected] or contact me via my Facebook page; Amantle Model Workshops. Anyone who needs pointers about going into modeling is welcome to contact me.

What are your everyday challenges? And how do you overcome them?

I encounter different challenges everyday, and I continue to pray for guidance from God. My mother is also on speed dial to help me through tough times.

What future holds for Amantle Mokubung?

One of my short-term plans is to further my studies, I would also like to grow within the company that I now work for. On the modeling front, I have already started working on a series of workshops as a way of helping others.

 Who/ what keeps you going when times are tough?

Praying, family and as well as the messages that God continues to send through the people around me. When the messages become consistent, even those from the people that I have just met I know that it is indeed God talking.

Your advice to young people out here?

Accept, understand and respect the person that you are.  Dare to dream. My sister has taught me to create a wish list, without paying any attention to the ‘how’ part of it that is what God looks after. Re-visit your wish list on the regular and continue to take small steps towards fulfilling them. Have a plan, work hard and don’t allow other people’s business distract you.