Former model, Betty Tshabalala is passionate about empowering the youth and equipping them with tools to build their self-confidence. She recently had a chat with the Newcastle Express to tell us more about her journey.
Newcastle Express (NE): In a nutshell, describe yourself.
Betty Tshabalala (BT): Betty is a very simple person – a loving, kind and patient human being who is easy to talk to and friendly. She is very passionate about her work in youth development and enjoys being around kids.
NE: What is a typical day in your life like?
BT: I start my week by attending a workers’ prayer that we have at our spiritual home (church) every Monday at 06h00. The prayer is held daily but I only attend on Mondays due to transport challenges. I am a servant at our spiritual home by helping at our bookshop, so if I’m not at home, I’m at TRSH (The Revelation Spiritual Home) or at my studio / office.
NE: You are the branch owner of Figure Models Finesse. Tell us more about this.
BT: I am the owner of one of Figures Model Finesse International SA’s 20 branches and started modelling in 2002 by entering my high school pageant. I was invited by a judge who was a model at Figures Model Finesse Alberton (head office). I didn’t expect to win it as it was my first time but I took the title of Miss Lethukuthula High School that year. That’s where this modelling journey started and I never looked back. My mom enrolled me at Figures Models for the first three beginner courses, which is a year-long contract. I then decided to continue with the other courses until I became a qualified junior modelling trainer in 2006.
NE: How important is it for young people to have self-confidence in today’s world?
BT: We live in a tough, fast-paced world. Self-confidence allows our youth to hold on to their values, make informed decisions and stand their ground. Being able to do this also brings a feeling of safety.
NE: How do you assist in building a positive body outlook?
BT: Besides building inner confidence, it is important to have a confident physical appearance; if you look good, you feel good, right? We assist this by way of lessons in poise, posture, grooming and appearance as well as various tips in social skills like basic public speaking techniques.
NE: You also focus on anti-bullying techniques, please elaborate on that.
BT: The anti-bullying techniques stem from the previously mentioned self-confidence and image-building techniques. It helps teach one to know your self-worth and to stand up for yourself against bullying. Having said that, it also teaches one not to be a bully and to rather be heard in a humble, assertive way rather than aggressively.
NE: What advice do you have for those who suffer from a bad body image?
BT: The best advice I can give them is to start by eating healthy, then do a few exercises that can assist you to start your goal in getting this body shape you want. I of course depend on my heels to maintain my weight as heels keep your body busy because it doesn’t get to be too relaxed. Sometimes we gain weight because of the shoes we wear, wear heels at least two to three times a week. As a starter, you can start with a wedge shoe or block heel.
NE: Were you ever a victim of bullying while growing up?
BT: No, but I have seen my friends from high school and some of my former students become victims of bullying. But after three to four weeks being part of Figures Models, they start being different.
NE: What do you do in your spare time?
BT: I like cooking, even though I’m not the best cook. I spend most of my time at my spiritual home for spiritual growth and spiritual maturity, and at my studio for interviews for new students.
NE: Which destination would you most like to visit?
BT: Africa is a beautiful continent. We have places that are very interesting, such as Kruger National Park and Sun City, to name a few. So I’m planning on exploring Africa first, then it will be New York as its on my wish list.
NE: Favourite food?
BT: I am a food lover, it will have to be a chicken lasagne because I am allergic to sea food.
NE: Who do you admire most and why?
BT: My mom, Sis Ntombifuthi, and our franchisor, Elsa V D Heever. These two women are brave and beautiful, inside and out. They are phenomenal go-getters and fighters; they fight until they get what they put their focus on. I’m very blessed to be mentored by Elsa and to grow under her wing as a businesswoman. I love these two women so much.
NE: How can people find you on social media?
BT: They can follow my Facebook page, Figures Model Finesse International Newcastle KZN.
