Glamour: What does women's month mean to you?
Nadia Michael: A celebration of my divine femininity. Paying homage to those who have fought for my rights and celebrating the women in my life who have influenced me and impacted in their communities.
G: Why is it important to celebrate the women of South Africa?
NM: I think women are still not appreciated, celebrated, and empowered enough in South Africa. It’s important to celebrate South African women because we are often the thread that holds our families and communities together. We should feel that we are valued, protected, and respected.
G: What inspires you to be successful?
NM: For me it’s primarily legacy. As a woman of colour who comes from a previously disadvantaged community, it’s my duty to be more and give more. Being of service to others is the greater picture. A legacy cements your life's work as something that benefits future generations, though you may never see it come to fruition. It's a drive to create something greater than yourself— something that forever improves the world.
G:What do you think is the most significant barrier to female success?
NM: There’s so much that hinders the light of women. The way we are socialised, the opportunities presented to us, access to education and resources. We often feel like we are alone and voiceless. But the tide is shifting.
G: Your biggest motivation?
NM: Self-actualisation. The complete realisation of my potential, and the full development of my abilities and appreciation for life.
G: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
NM: It’s okay to fail, don’t be so hard on yourself… The biggest lesson you will learn is in your failures.
G: Which women are on your radar and why?
NM: Tracee Ellis Ross for her ability to choose happiness and self-love over everything else. She inspires black women to live life on their own terms. She also has an amazing sense of style.
G: What’s your message to women in business?
NM: Women have this innate strength that is beautiful and inspiring. I would say to any women in business, BUILD RESILIENCE, BE PREPARED TO FAIL but LEARN from it, work hard, and find meaning and purpose in your work.
G: How are you celebrating women’s month?
NM: With the women I love the most, my sister and mother, who have been my greatest supporters.
G: The best advice you’ve received to date and from who?
NM: The greatest skincare advice I’ve received was from my older sister… WEAR SUNSCREEN. It’s a funny thing… My whole life people have said if you are darker skinned you don’t need sunscreen… but boy, oh boy were they wrong. I won’t start my day without wearing an SPF50.
