Interview Archives - Page 6 of 6

Modern Man: Giggs Kgole

This month on a Modern Man we feature Giggs Kgole a visual artist that has been all around the world selling art pieces. From Rome to Cannes Mr Kgole has done it all. He’s painting reveal a layer of He’s soul and with each painting something is alive inside them. He’s also one of the youngest art gallery owners in the world. So we at the Beau decided to sit down with this creative genus and see how he makes dream work work for him and he’s family

01. How did you get introduced you to the world of art? I was introduced to the idea of art when I was in primary school in grade 4. However it was only when I was 16 years old in high school I realized that their is actually a thriving art world out there and I had the opportunity to be part of it if I worked hard enough. My f irst year show and official introduction to the art world was 8 months after a completed Matric when I had my first exhibition at the Pretoria Art Museum as I was in the Top 100 for the 2016 Sasol New Signature competition.

02. That’s impressive, They always say put you heart into something in a young age, And how did you grow from there? I 100% agree with that, for myself, I’ve learnt to put in more than just my heart but my soul in every single masterpiece I create. Through the tough and successful times, I’ve always told myself that I should give of my all when I work on my works, it would be an injustice to my ancestors and my future blood line if i didn’t create every single work to the absolute best of my ability. This is were I found growth, when I started working working to the best of my ability and once I had mastered something and made sure to learn something new which I didn’t master yet so the works keeps developing and growing in depth. I believe I’m in the first stages of a long relationship between the me and my work, and with any relationship, communication, understanding and growth is key to make it stronger.

03. Most artist translate sexuality into their work. What’s your key message of all your masterpieces, because I believe each and everyone of them are telling a cohesive storyline? For me in this stage of my career, it’s telling “Untold African Stories” I believe a lot of our stories as Africans have been neglected throughout history, so contemporary art allows me to write history by being a voice for the voiceless and share these Untold African Stories with the world.

04. That’s powerful, Untold stories of the African culture need more people to translate it everything and everywhere. How do you diversify or you find people who are interested and are they African ethnicity? I believe from the moment I place my first brush strokes on a piece, the people who are meant to see, hear or buy the work are already drawn to the work and will meet it at it’s completion. The work gets where it needs to be and seen where it needs to be seen. There is a bit of Africa all over the world so people will always find the work.

05. So fate leads them into your work? I like to call it the universe instead. The universe leads others souls to the souls I’ve spread through my masterpieces.

06. You sound like a spiritualist. Are you transcending African spiritualism? I would believe so. I’m very spiritual in my approach of my works and life. So of the works are inspired by dreams and vision and still relay the authentic Untold African Stories in most narratives.

07. Going to Cannes and Rome because of work, How did you do all that and what have you learned abroad, Something you couldn’t have learned home? Through hard work and sweat, I had to get accepted to university over season in Rome then afterwards raise funding for leaving in Europe for a year. Wasn’t easy doing that at a 19 year old turning 20 with no generational wealth. I had to create my own wealth and value through my masterpieces to allow me to travel the world, through tough, sleepless night I managed to accomplish that. Being in Europe taught me a lot about resilience, and knowing of my worthiness. This making me realize that I can become a Globally recognized master artist at my young age, and that is what I am pursuing now

08. At your young age and accomplishing this great deal of everything in a career you like. Are woman throwing themselves to you? I keep my private life private, I’m a tired down man and I don’t leave any room for any woman to have any ideas of throwing themselves at me as my Mrs is always made present.

09. What would you tell someone looking up to you? Don’t compare yourself, otherwise you’ll waste a lot of time you won’t get back, if you know you can do it, do it. The moment you believe in yourself, the people around you will see that and start believing in you too. Pride, throw it out the window, it’s going to stunt your growth, we’re all journeying life together, if you ever need help or knowledge. Ask, don’t be too Proud! Let your family be proud of you.

10. For someone who has not purchased an art piece, What should they be looking out for? Before purchasing any piece, you should know what your purchasing it for and do your research on the artists and art materials used for the work. Their various reasons why people purchase works, know yours before doing so.

Photo: The Beau Team Courtesy of CapturedART

Inside The LeMfüx Empire

We recently sat down with the Director of the fashion house LeMfüx. The young designer located in Durban is trading with the entire South Africa. Athenkosi Mfungula has graced runways from Durban Fashion Fair to South African Men’s Week, He caters to both men and woman and has single handedly created and launched everything on he’s own investments. Nothing says dedication than that. We at the Beau Guide talk to this force to be reckoned with below @LeMfuxZA

01. Do You Remember Your Earliest Moment With Clothing? I was in High School when I started designing, I drew on my Examination papers and after exams I would ask different students if they would wear all those design, I designed the schools Matric jacket and it was banned from school but about 50% of the Matriculents bought one

02. Why Did You Decide To Build A Fashion Co. What Inspired The Business? Fashion is in my blood, I eat, drink, sleep and think Fashion. I didn’t know it back then but I know it now, What inspired it to be a business was the sales that I did at school (Matric Jackets) I have never looked back ever since.

03. Who Is The LeMfüx Men / Woman? A LemFüx man loves clothes and attention to detail in a mixture of both smart casual or as i say it Klaass vs Swag and the woman loves clothes and drama, A ambitious woman a real go getter.

04. Where Do You See The Business Being In 10years? I see the business growing, supplying stores in KZN, Johannesburg and showcasing in major Fashion Weeks and having fashion tours in the country.

05. With Social Media You Can Bypass Media Outlets, Has Social Media Ad Campaigns Help Elevate Your Business? Social Media has indeed helped elevate my business. On these platforms you can post your work for people to see, and the response has been amazing since I started and every year theres is growth and that shows positivity with social media

06. There’s A Stigma With Africans Not Seeing “African” Products As Quality, What Do You Have To Say About That? We should stop bashing our own products and start promoting them, If they lack quality then improve the quality, South Africa is in the worlds spotlight now, Big fashion brands are coming to South Africa for inspiration.

07. What Is Your State Of Mind Right Now, Compared To When You 1st Started? My state of mind is totally different from when I started out, Now I have been to major Fashion Weeks, I have learned a lot about fashion in detail, I have been on Rawsilk SABC1 S2, I have experienced a major pageant (Mrs Universe) all thanks To Durban Fashion Fair. When I started out i didn’t know Fashion was all about this and more.

08. Trading With The Entire South Africa Must Come With Difficulties, What Is The Most Difficult Situation Your Business Has Went Through? My most difficult situation in my business is clients and fabric, mostly clients though, I don’t get quite enough of clients but I have been working on a solution to this and I believe I have found one.

09. Stores Like Woolworths Are Now Retailing Local Designers Clothing, Would You Be Interested In This Deal? Yes I would be more then interested in retailing with stores like Woolworths, I mean that would be a dream come true for me.

10. You Say International Brands Are Inspired By South Africa, What Brands Have Inspired You? Inspiration I get Inspiration from everywhere, most of the times I like being original with the influence of the big brands such as Thom Brown, Versace, Dior, Jai Nice, John Paul Guiltier & here in Africa Its designers like House of Saint Luke, Quame Ouwusu & Chusuwannapa

11. What Would You Tell Your Younger Self? To my younger self I’d tell him to focus and always be positive, Hard work pays off and one day your dreams will come true.

Inside Fashion Week With Chris Harvey

We talk Fashion Week with Chris Harvey this model / blogger goes deeper in the system of fashion weeks and how they work. From the models to the designers, hairstylist to makeup. Chris was born in the DRC with 5 siblings he’s the older brother to 3 of his siblings. 2 of them including Chris are studying in University of Johannesburg. Chris grew up in a loving family yet he set out to be different from what society around the world called norm and that was how Chris the Model was born he has graced the MFW to AFI to name a few. @chriis_harvey

01. Chris thank you for sitting with us today, How have you’ve been? Thank you for having me. I’ve been good, welcoming the new year in a positive attitude

02. Speaking of the new year, Last year 2018 You seemed to dominate the runways, How was the experience? It was great, a bit overwhelming. It was a great opportunity for me to be on the ramp at AFI, what a magnificent show. I had an opportunity to showcase for Imprint, amongst all the other designers

03. We’ll be sure to dig deeper into the Imprint brand as you sold it so well, Behind the scenes what’s the ambience like during these hectic and stressful shows? It’s exciting and a little overwhelming since we have to deal with the last touch ups as in make up, the walk you know but the vibe is great

04. You talk about make up do you think it’s about time men launch their own make up Yes, why not? I’ve seen men in the make up industry, I’ve seen men who are make up artists. I personally don’t think it’s a bad idea

05. Someone reading this should make a plan, What are your best South African designers and why? Ephymol, David Tlale & House of Olé. Because they keep it one hundred percent African, everything is stunning and has a modern twist.

06. Sounds to me like you love African prints, Is that the direction you’d like to see even international designers per take on? Yes, I feel like it would be good to see international designers do more African prints, it would make their designs more inclusive and diverse

07. Speaking of diversity and inclusivity, Do you not think with the fashion industry needs to feature more short, plump and and cultural people not only in the runway but also in ad campaigns? Yes it would be great to start seeing some plus size women in ad campaigns. In a way, their products would be targeting everyone, Because we all have that one aunt *giggles*

Modern Man: Mafika Mkhwanazi

This month we feature Mafika Mkhwanazi on the modern man. This driven and focused man sits down with us to discuss the pressures of life as a young men in the business space, And the pressures of keeping up. Mafikha from Johannesburg works at theBar magazine a former infrastructure manager and web designer at the Avatar Agency and also running he’s on company Digital Mafia Agency, So we at the Beau decided to sit down with him and learn how he juggles it all seamlessly. @mafikajnr

01. Thank you for sitting down with us Mafika as you probably have a full schedule? Thank you, I’m glad I’m here.

02. Tell us who is Mafika and what inspires the drive as your always busy? You know what they say, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop *giggles*I am a 27 year old and hungry to do better by the day, Not just for myself but for those around me. I’ve got my days. I am most happy when the next person is happy because I could help, I believe that I am blessed so I can be a blessing to other people, to serve those in need, particularly young people. Always willing to learn regardless of who the teacher at that time is.

03. You say you’ve got your days and and by that I’m guessing you have a great way to deal with “those days” tell me what’s your strategy to deal with them? Music is my release depending on the mood, I will listen to a genre that will speak to me at that particular moment in time. Cleaning also helps a lot *laughter*

04. That is the best, Tell us what inspired your business, These days everything should be easily accessible and the internet is the answer for that so what inspired this journey, As the Founder and CEO of Digital Mafia Agency? It was never intentional. As a web developer who also freelanced, I got a few people asking me for paper work as I would do work for them and I didn’t have any. I then decided to register a company for that reason, Just so I can produce paperwork when its needed. As time went by I learned a few tricks of the “digital trade”, I realized that there was potential. I started working imminently and decided to put effort into making it work.

05. So fate led you to it, Juggling your job, your business and this presence both online and live, Don’t you find the pressures of keeping up abit to severe?Late nights and early mornings are no child’s play. I work on Digital Mafia Agency work after work hours, depending on the work load, I go to my local Starbucks to work from there.

06. That’s really interesting how you thrive but do you enjoy what you do, People say you have to love something and it will not feel like work because you usually enjoying yourself? I love what I do, it enables my blessing that I mentioned earlier on. The opportunity of having your work out there, after the stressful days and nights, that’s what makes it feel like it’s not work, the end product is what gives me satisfaction & that feeling of enjoying yourself probably comes with having a smooth running company, I doubt that ever happens.

07. As a online business man what would you say is the future for businesses online? Content x3 we are in an era where people are constantly consuming content on various platforms we need to be at a point where we are producing content pieces constantly, digital is a monster that needs to be constantly fed.

08. That’s true, That’s why online magazines are the future instead of print. Do you think it’s an end of an era of hardcopy with magazines because of this “monster” that constantly needs to be fed? True that, that’s why we have people like you, But it boils down to preference. People still collect magazines & For companies, on the other hand, have to sell to survive and if they don’t make the shift quick enough, they might suffer. We have a print mogul, Ndalo Media, shutting down due to financial constraints.

09. It’s sad news about Ndalo Media, Now creating content. Is there a specific ideal to get consumers excited, because not so recent the H&M’s ad campaign with the black child model in a “The Coolest Monkey In The Jungle” hoodie sparked controversy and that seems to be the “thing” companies are doing. What’s your take in controversial ad campaigns? It’s all about catering for as many people as possible through a variety of content & I honestly don’t think it was intentional. Being controversial is risky depending on how big you are as a company. Some can risk it, and afford to pay whatever fines that come with the consequences, others can’t.

10. Is there anything you’d like to let our readers know, Anything at all? In everything you do, remember that you are blessed so you can become a blessing to the next person, A quote I like, “You can’t change the world but you can change someone’s world”. In everything you do, be kind.