We caught up with Zizo to hear what she has to say about beauty from her teen days to-date.
What does beauty mean to you?
I find someone with a true heart beautiful. Someone who takes time to truly acknowledge others is selfless, and being genuine and intellectual is beauty to me.
Why did you enter Miss SA Teen and what did you learn about yourself from it?
To challenge how beauty was being portrayed. As a teenager not from the urban space, I couldn’t relate to the image of a picture perfect girl who seemed to have all the answers, and wore make-up and high heels all the time. That, in my opinion, only formed a small representation of South African teenagers, and I felt the scope needed to be broadened to include those that didn’t fit that particular image.
Early on in the journey, I learnt that my strong viewpoints were shared by many others who just didn’t have the platform to communicate them. I also learnt that I was capable of sharing these views with others without imposing them onto anybody, which I think is an important lesson for everybody at any stage in life.
Being a reigning queen comes with pressure from the public about appearance, how did you cope with this?
Anybody who knows me understands quite well that I don’t just do things because others expect it of me; I need to agree and believe in something before doing it. I have been written about for my alleged poor dress sense for many years; and for me, the focus has always been that my message is more about being able to express yourself as an individual. Others do not have to agree with your choice of outfit, hairstyle or size for that matter; but when it comes down to it, neither of those particular choices is important. The world has more pressing issues than me repeating an outfit or being a size 28. For as long as the quality of my work and character are not being attacked, I can handle people who don’t like my appearance.
What was beauty to you growing up?
Same answer as question one. My idea of beauty was shaped by the verbal and especially non-verbal cues from my parents.
What skin problems did you have growing up and how did you deal with them?
Everybody goes through an acne stage. The best way to handle this is to find the right product for your skin type and sticking to it.
What beauty advice did your mother/any older female give you while growing up that you still treasure today?
To always wear sunblock. Literally, every day of my life. I have never forgotten that.
How did it feel when Garnier contacted you to be one of their ambassadors and what was expected from you?
The interview process was quite hectic because they were particular to make sure they get the right fit for their brand. It was an affirmation to me that the underdog can get meaningful work in this industry. Character counts for a lot. What an incredible honour to be counted among the very few local Garnier ambassadors. The job requires customer interaction and community service, and the latter really sold me because I have a tremendous passion for community projects. It is wonderful to work with a company that looks beyond the bottom line and really has a significant contribution to the upliftment of others. That message truly resonates with me.
How has working with Garnier been and what have you learnt from the brand?
It has been an absolute dream. I have been fortunate to work with a very professional team. I learnt that it is critical to align yourself with brands that share the same values as you. Through my work with Garnier, I have witnessed how finding the right skin product can improve a woman’s confidence; and a confident woman can achieve anything!
What beauty advice can you give BONA readers ko kasi who don’t know anything about beauty regimes?
Quality products are available at affordable prices, including Garnier Even and Matte ranges, which are suitable for all skin types – from oily to dry. You only have one skin, so looking after it will benefit you. Never forget to use sunblock. Great skin is as easy as cleansing, toning and moisturising.
What make-up tool can you not go a day without using?
Make-up removing wipes – you need to always remove your make-up before you sleep.
