Stifle those stereotypes

This Benonian has no time for stereotypes

Colleen Khoza (23) aspires to be a female pilot and fashion designer.

Colleen Khoza was born in Crystal Park and hasn’t moved from her beloved suburb since.

READ:

The 23-year-old advocates that women can do anything men can.

She is an aspiring airline pilot and fashion designer.

The City Times spoke to a positive and headstrong Khoza about her dreams and ambitions.

BCT: Tell us about life growing up in Benoni.

CK: I attended Crystal Park Primary School and Willowmoore High School.

I don’t have many of my childhood friends in Benoni anymore as most of them now live in Cape Town.

We have had a couple of weddings and baby showers as all of them are getting married and settling down.

Growing up in Benoni has been quite amazing.

BCT: You have your own fashion line. Tell us about that.

CK: I am the manager of a fashion line my brother, Collin Khoza, founded.

We started the concept in 2013.

It is called FearNotGear and it is inspired by South African street-style.

I have been sketching since I was eight years old.

My mother used to buy me stencils, but as I grew older, I sketched without them.

My brother and I are best friends and we do everything together; he has been such an inspiration in my life.

BCT: Why do you want to inspire other women with your dream of becoming a pilot?

CK: I am already a qualified flight attendant, but I want to be in the cockpit.

I want to show women that we are brave and we can do whatever men can.

Women are undermined in aviation and being a pilot is seen as a male profession, but I think women are just as capable.

I am starting with my private pilot’s licence at Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria shortly and I will finish it before the end of the year.

After that, I will complete my commercials pilot’s licence and start building my hours to fly commercially one day.

BCT: What advice do you have for other young professionals in Benoni?

CK: Get school done.

Matriculating is probably the most important part of your professional career.

Without it, you can’t do much.

Also, put God first. He is in charge of your future and he leads our path.

Remember to pursue your passion, but support it by expanding your knowledge and doing research on your goals.