Local Mrs South Africa semi-finalist reaches for the stars

Mrs South Africa stands for sophisticated, married and beautiful.

“I feel that I have the passion, the motivation and all it takes to be the owner of Mrs SA,” said Fernandez.

She has been living in Boksburg her entire life, having matriculated from Boksburg High School in 1993.

She studied beauty therapy and worked for Elizabeth Arden for many years before moving into the corporate industry.

Fernandez also studied photography and is able to do what she loves the most – capturing moments in people’s lives.

“I have been in the modelling industry since I left school, but I am quite new to the beauty pageant industry,” she said.

”I did enter Miss Boksburg and made it into the top 10 many years ago.”

A few of the modelling campaigns for which she has done work include Johnsons and Johnsons, McCains, MTN, Body on Tap, Glenrand MIB, ABSA and a few international campaigns.

Nine years ago, when she married the man of her dreams, Michael, she left work to start a family.

“It was not an easy road for us, as we were faced with difficulties in falling pregnant, but, after a year of fertility treatment we were blessed with our son Kyle,” said Fernandez.

“My husband has a daughter, Tammy, from a previous marriage and I adore her.”

In her spare time Fernandez enjoys watching movies, loves going to gym and spending time with her family and friends.

She entered Mrs South Africa since it is a dynamic organisation with which she would love to partner to give back to the community.

“I live a very privileged life and if I can make a difference in one person’s life, then it is worth it,” said Fernandez.

“I am surrounded by positive, dynamic people who believe in me and who have encouraged me to do this.

If Fernandez is crowned Mrs South Africa, there are many things that she would like to achieve.

This includes making an impact on young women’s lives.

“Today, we live in a tough world,” she said.

”Being a woman today is more than just being a wife and a mom; many women out there find themselves as the breadwinners.

“Some moms are single and have a tougher time. Women need support and I would love to be able to reach out and be an inspiration to them.”

Fernandez’s motto in life is: you will reap what you sow; be careful what you speak, because that is what you will reap.

* The Mrs South Africa top 25 finalists will be announced at a big gala evening on April 24, at Emperors Palace. All proceeds go to the Cansa Association.

The big crowning will take place in October.

To vote for Fernandez, SMS Jacqui Fernandez to 35959. SMSs are charged at R3. All votes count, as this will give her a guaranteed spot in the top 25. – @IschkeBoksburg