Millennials are transforming the work place.

This includes disrupting organisational structures, culture and habits.

No matter the stigma attached to millennials, or the ‘isms created to limit us; the honest truth is that we’re smart workers, with big dreams and even greater accomplishments.

And to prove our point we interview a remarkable woman who has made a major impact in the SA fashion editorial world.

Her name is…

Nontando Mposo

and she is the Fashion and Beauty Editor and Top of The Times Editor.

Mposo is an influential creative who inspires through fashion, art, culture and architecture. She has been instrumental in supporting all ethnicities and sizes when it comes to models in the fashion world. More importantly, Mposo works towards inserting a unique and authentic voice within the fashion space.

Q: When did your journey in journalism start?

Nontando: My journalism career kicked off officially in 2014. I was lucky enough to be taken in as one of the Independent Mediaโ€™s cadets who was trained by some of the best journalists in the country.

SEE: Our favourite Valentino Fall 2018 gowns

Q: Where did you grow up and what have you studied?

Nontando: I grew up in the sunny city of Durban. I studied Architecture at Durban University of Technology and UNISA was where I obtained a BA in Literature and Languages.

Q: What has been the toughest obstacle youโ€™ve had to face as an Editor?

Nontando: Journalism, like any other industry, is a competitive field. I started out as an intern and worked my way up to where I am today. From the word go, you have to work hard enough to gain respect in the newsroom.

There were times when I doubted my writing skills, however, I learnt from the criticism I received and took the advice I got seriously to improve my overall performance.

Also, the toughest part was building a solid contact list. Building relationships in this field are important for one to have exclusive stories that will set you apart from your peers.

Q: What advice would you give young aspiring South Africans who are struggling within a professional environment?

Nontando: Life comes with obstacles and challenges. Have the drive and the ambition to achieve despite your circumstances.

You canโ€™t choose your family but you have a choice when it comes to the people you surround yourself with. Choose friends that are hungry to succeed so that you will be motivated to reach your full potential.

Read!

Books, magazines, newspapers…anything you can get your hands on. Knowledge is key and this will come in handy when you have to network with people who might be that step you need in advancing your career.

Stay curious! About life, people and the world. This is important for your mental growth.

We also asked Nontando which colour she thinks best represents youth

“Yellow, because itโ€™s my favourite colour. For me, it represents cheerfulness, hope and thoughtfulness. Thatโ€™s the young people of today, full of bright ideas and life.”

Did you know?

Mposo was honoured for her outstanding contribution to South African fashion when she won the 2017 Durban Fashion Fair Business Award.

TYI’s prediction?

Nontando Mposo is set to become the Empress of the African Fashion editorial world.

REMEMBER: Regardless of your age or your background, you can succeed at whatever you put your mind to.

You are the future!

Follow Nontando on Twitter: @Nontando58

Categories: Careers Fashion News