LIMPOPO – Many people regard being overweight or obese a life threatening condition that needs to be avoided at all costs, but Kulani Celia Ms Kulie Hobyane says she sees no problem with her weight and she is proud of her size.
The 23-year-old is a plus size model and MC who has worked with Zazi (women health campaign), HEIDS, Hello Polokwane, Pop up Nation, Vodacom, and Waptrendz.
Along with modelling, her interests stray into film making and she holds a film director certificate from the National Youth Development Agency Film and Arts Production institute.
The talented Elim-born woman produces and hosts The Capricorn FM Experience which is a music show that features career and business features on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 until 15:00.
“Growing up I used to fantasise about being Miss SA teen and I have several embarrassing videos of me modelling. I managed to win the First Princess title of the Little Miss Djunane Primary School pageant when I was in Gr R. As for becoming a model, I met two inspiring women, Karabo Maila and Mpho Mashita, the owners of The Statement Piece line who asked me to model their head wraps.
“After that gig I met several people in the industry who were interested in working with me and my modelling career just took flight from there.”
She said her interest in modelling eventually faded as there is very little demand for plus sized models in the industry.
“I used to love Tyra Banks and I desperately wanted to look like her, unfortunately my dieting worked out horribly and I decided to rather stick to designing.
“There is not much I can say now but one thing is for sure, I plan on setting the bar high and knocking down the model stereotype because plus size can be sexy too,” she said.
She tells CV that even if she is still new in the industry, she is ready for anything which comes her way.
“There are those people who we can’t avoid and who will make remarks like ‘you should join the gym’ and ‘size 36 is not plus size, it’s just fat”, but I beg to differ.
My mother is very supportive, she keeps reminding me of my goals. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, you just have to get up and make it happen. This is the motto that keeps me going.”
Her method is simply not to limit yourself because impossible is just a word. Face every challenge as it is and if you don’t get it right, retrace your steps and learn from your mistakes on your next attempt,” she explained. Her primary goal is to be a cool sister to her four younger sisters and pave the way for them. “I plan to reach out and inspire every woman who was ever told that she couldn’t do something to not sell themselves short and to keep on trying until they reach their goals.”
Ms Kulie’s advice is to believe in yourself, work hard, stay focused, and pray.
“Nothing worthwhile in life comes easily and playing dirty will only leave you with dirty nails, so work hard and prepare yourself because even if the road ahead is not smooth, it will lead tou to a brighter place,” she concluded.
