Jamati: Andiswa, I am totally obsessed with the diversity of our various African cultures so that being said what does Andiswa mean and from what language does it originate from?

Andiswa means “increase” in Xhosa. It simply means that when I was born, there was an increase in my family.

Jamati: Now I know that you were discovered in college. How did that come about?

It was actually after school, on my way home that I met an ex-model who just thought I’d make a perfect model. At the time I was such a tomboy and had never even thought I’d have anything to do with the fashion industry, let alone being a model. The rest as they say is history.

Jamati: So what was your first job as a model?

I really enjoy answering this question, It was a show called Afridesia that was part of New York Fashion Week, that was my very first time on the ramp. I was one of the South African models chosen to do that show.

Jamati: What was New York Fashion Week like for a new model?

To be honest, at the time, I didn’t really understand what an honor it actually was. I was young and naïve and I thought it’s something that just happens to any model. It’s only now that I know exactly what it meant.

Jamati: What designer did you most enjoy during that show?

South Africa’s own Julien and Clive Rundle, whom were also chosen to showcase in New York.

Jamati: Please tell our readers about the Avon Campaign that you worked on.

For me the highlight of that job will have to be from the auditions, where I auditioned with models such as Liya Kebede. To be chosen from models of such caliber was just amazing.

Jamati: You are with the best new modeling agency O Model Africa owned by super model Oluchi. What a coup. Please share with us the ups and downs of the fashion industry.

Firstly, to work for Oluchi Onweagba and Jan Malan is like a dream come true as they both greatly inspire me in this industry. For who they really are in the fashion industry, it is so amazing how level headed they are, and yet still driven and extremely passionate about what they do.

Having been a full-time model myself, it’s quite easy to deal with the challenges that bookers deal with on a day-to-day bases. My job involves dealing with models, finding them work, grooming them and dealing with their personal problems.

In our industry you must have a strong backbone in order to survive. Now with Oluchi and Jan to look up to, I know I’m on the right track.

Jamati: It was so exciting to see the website with all those African beauties. How is it working for an agency that finally caters to many African models?

I’m very glad you’ve noticed what sets O Model Africa apart from any other model agencies. Well, it is quite an amazing experience to be part of an agency that builds superstars, not just from South Africa, but throughout the continent, giving them a platform to shine internationally. The only challenge is that a lot of the new models expect overnight success which does not exist in any industry. It’s hard for them to understand what hard work modeling actually involves. The good thing is that they have me to learn from, and I often take time to share my own experiences with them. I must say though that for new models, these girls are doing extremely well and are such hard workers that we’re all so proud of at O Model Africa.

Jamati: Is it hard finding work for the girls?

That’s a very good question. We’re very specific about who we represent because of that reason. We don’t want to have to struggle to find work for our models and we wouldn’t want to waste anybody’s time that we know will not work. So our models are very strong and finding them work is a piece of cake, but we’re also quite selective of the kind of jobs we book them for.

Jamati: What type of business approach do you all do for the models?

Modeling can open doors in so many ways, it can open doors for many different business opportunities. After modeling, I started working for a production company owned by Jan Malan, called Umzingeli Productions. I started off as the Production Runner, which taught me a whole lot of different things about Fashion Show Production. Now I work as the Fashion Show Choreographer, check www.janmalan.com, which is something I never thought I’d ever do in my life, this is besides being a Model Booker at O Model Africa. These are the two major opportunities that this industry has opened up to me and I grabbed them with both hands and never looked back since.

Jamati: How have you transitioned from model to booker?

It is the experience that I got from Umzingeli Productions that made my boss, Jan Malan, who also owns O Model Africa with Oluchi decide that I’d be also a good booker. Both jobs involve dealing with models, just in different capacities. I really like it because one never stops learning due to the challenges we face everyday.

Jamati: You also work on the Nokia Faces of Africa as a judge. Please tell us a bit about that.

Working on The Nokia Face of Africa as one of the scouting judges was an experience I could never compare to any other. Traveling to 12 African countries, meeting thousands of different people with different cultures and a completely different outlook on life–that was amazing.

The most difficult and painful thing that we had to do was to send beautiful girls back home because they didn’t meet the criteria. It was just really sad to see thousands of girls dreams being shattered, but it was for the best.

Jamati: What projects are you presently working on?

I am now looking forward to Mozambique Fashion Week which Jan Malan and I will be producing in December.

Jamati: Where do you see your career in the next 10 years?

I see myself as the next Jan Malan or Oluchi Onweagba, owning my own Modeling Agency and my own Production House, driving my businesses with passion, the way they do.

Jamati: Can you make any recommendations about your beauty regimen?

I never go to bed with make-up no matter how tired I am. I eat very healthy for the sake of my skin and I exercise a lot which forces me to drink a lot of water.

Jamati: Finally please advise all our aspiring models and moguls in the making what it takes to succeed and stay driven in this business of fashion and beauty?

First and for most, modeling is not for everybody, just like music or any other career. It takes a specific human being with specific qualities to be a model.

To be a successful model takes more than just your face and your body. You must be very patient, enthusiastic, disciplined and very professional to really make it. Your personality and attitude counts a whole lot as you will be working with a lot of different people. It’s very important to be pleasant. Be prepared to work hard, it’s not only glitz and glamour. Always stay focused and know what you want and why you are in the industry. Never try to fit in, no matter what the situation may be. Lastly, look after your body; it’s what will put food on your table.

Jamati: Thank you ever so much for your time and insight Andiswa!

Thank you for this opportunity to share my life.