I read this interview of Khanyi Dhlomo last year, and have traveled with the magazine everywhere since then. Each time I go back to it, it gives me a new meaning and I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of her words. I'll excerpt a few of her responses here.
Khanyi Dhlomo, interview with Club Mag August 2009
What does having it all mean for you?
Having the time for the things that you care about and are passionate about. Never skimp on what's important to you, because then you won't have it all and you won't be satisfied.
Did you always have a level-headed approach to life?
It comes through experience, and experience comes over the years. There are people who sail through life from a young age, but most of us need an experience of imbalance to get back to a state of equilibrium.
Is self-belief something you've ever struggled with?
If you an entrepreneur and you have new ideas, you constantly question yourself. But I always ask myself what the overriding emotion is, and I ensure that it's confidence, a positive attitude, high spirits and a belief in God.
What have you based your choices on and when do you know you're making the right decision?
A large part of what your destiny is now and what it will become depends on the choices you make. Sometimes other people make choices for you, but even then your reaction to those choices is a choice. The simplest way to know what decision to make is to acknowledge how it makes you feel. We should trust our gut and our instinct.
Did you have a mentor in your life?
I admire anyone who turns what they believe into a reality, despite the obstacles along the way.
What is the most important lesson your parents taught you?
Not to be easily intimidated - by others, my challenges or what I perceive to be my own limitations. And if there is reason to doubt my abilities in something, then to address that, either by studying or working at making my skills good enough.
Is it ever too late to start pursuing your dreams?
The saddest thing is to die with your dreams inside you, never having pursued them. I think a lot of regrets come from not having done things we were meant to do. It's important to keep active and to try and achieve your goals. And there's a huge value in having gained experience in other things which you can then apply to what you decide to do. So no matter your age, go for it.
Last words?
Enjoy life and love it. It will embrace you back.
Finally, if I had the opportunity to interview Khanyi Dhlomo on style, this would be her response (also taken from Foschini Club Magazine, August 2009)
Commit to live your life beautifully, looking good on the outside and feeling beautiful on the inside. Try having a beautiful day everyday by feeling confident and bringing joy to others - that's something that will be forever stylish!
