Being called skinny led her to modelling
Sewele Boikano (19) started modelling at a very young age, and after being teased for her body size, used it as an inspiration to make waves in the industry.
POLOKWANE – “I used to be skinny as a child. I was teased and bullied for being skinny and tall, so growing up I’ve gotten to know that modelling is what I was made and born to do. I’m using what is viewed as a weakness and turned it into a strength and I believe this is working very well for me so far,” she explained.
She has participated in various pageants including the Miss Moutain View 2015, The face of Turf 2015/16, Miss Mankweng 2016/17 and Miss Santa Clause 2016/17. Sewele was crowned second princess in the Miss Mountain View 2015 and Miss New Dawn 2016/17 pageant, first princess at the Face of Turf 2015/16 pageant, and Queen at the Miss Santa Clause 2016/17 and Miss Checkmate 2016/17 pageant. She was also crowned first princess at the Miss Mankweng 2016/17 pageant.
“My favourite pageant was Miss Santa Clause 2016/17, because it was the most challenging pageant I have ever entered. Out of the beautiful and talented contestants that I was competing with, it was a very competitive pageant contest indeed, and I’m really honoured that I won,” she added.
Under her titles, she has also invested her time in charity work donating food parcels and clothing to various areas in her community.
She plans on empowering young women through her projects, and has also been enlisted as a judge for the Miss Purpose Polokwane 2016/17 pageant and the Kgosigadi pageant auditions.
“Being a pageant princess and queen requires focus, determination and a good mindset to juggle these two, and I’ve learnt to create time for each one of them,” she explained. She believes in exuding confidence and regards this as a unique way to interact with people.
The modelling industry requires of one to be focused, determined and optimistic, being in possession of a thick skin in order to succeed.
“A whole package of support is very important, when I entered into this industry it wasn’t easy but I got an opportunity to meet people who are supportive, my mentor Kholofelo Lekganyane and Thema Karabo whom I regard as a sister.
“Through these people I got to realise that support is very important in life, not forgetting my family and friends,” Sewele explained.
Sewele spends her extra time reading novels and has now developed an interest in dancing. “I am an optimistic and realistic individual and I always believe in myself, because I believe that in order for someone else to do that for me, I should first believe in myself,” she concluded.
