A digital creator and entrepreneur, Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali has emerged as one of South Africa’s most exciting young voices. She first gained prominence on TikTok, where her vibrant mix of dance, fashion, beauty and lip-sync content quickly captivated millions, cementing her place as a defining figure in youth-led digital culture.
Her influence soon extended beyond social media. In 2022, Sphokuhle made her acting debut on House of Zwide and went on to collaborate with major brands including Coca-Cola, Handy Andy and Shein. In late 2024, she reached a major career milestone when she became the youngest brand ambassador for Chery South Africa’s Tiggo Cross and received the Global KOCs Champion Award at Chery’s Global User Champion Night in China — a clear reflection of her growing global reach.
Her impact has not gone unnoticed. Sphokuhle was named a Next Gen Game Changer at GLAMOUR’s Women of the Year Awards, recognising her fearless creativity and influence on how young people engage with beauty, fashion and digital storytelling. Most recently, she was announced as the face of Dark & Lovely, further cementing her status as a powerful voice in beauty, identity and representation.
What began as content has evolved into something far more meaningful: honest storytelling rooted in growth, spirituality and self-belief. From learning to trust her voice to stepping confidently into entrepreneurship with her beauty brand Scrumptious Lips, Sphokuhle’s rise has been as internal as it has been visible.
In this exclusive interview, she reflects on finding confidence, navigating representation, redefining success on her own terms and why authenticity remains her guiding principle.
When you reflect on the very beginning of your journey, what was the initial spark — the moment you realised you had a voice worth sharing?
The spark emerged later than I anticipated. For a long time, I believed that no one would want to hear what I had to say. A harsh comment — suggesting I should "stick to dancing" — pushed me back into my shell. However, in 2024, I began sharing my spiritual journey and the lessons I was learning, which completely transformed everything. Suddenly, people were reaching out to me, both online and in person, to express how my words inspired them and offered hope. That’s when I truly understood that my voice was worth sharing.
What were the defining moments — big or small — that shaped your path into who you are today?
Being open about my faith and personal growth — and witnessing the impact of my honesty and positivity on others — shifted my perspective on my platform. Launching my lip gloss brand, Scrumptious Lips, marked my transition from creator to entrepreneur. Each of these milestones has been instrumental in helping me embrace my authentic self.
How does winning the WOTY Next Gen title reflect not just your success, but also your growth?
Winning the WOTY Next Gen title felt like the perfect form of recognition at just the right time. For years, I longed for validation, and this being my first award made it all the more special. Looking back, I now see that if it had come sooner, it wouldn’t have carried the same significance. The fact that I was finally in a place where I felt I deserved it — despite the nagging voice of imposter syndrome — made the achievement deeply meaningful.
Becoming the face of Dark & Lovely is a significant cultural milestone. How does this partnership reflect your evolution with beauty and identity?
The Dark & Lovely partnership arrived at a pivotal moment when I was actively rebuilding my confidence. I’ve always believed in my beauty, but there was a time when makeup and wigs began to undermine my self-esteem regarding my natural appearance. I had to engage in some deep inner work to reconnect with myself and embrace who I am at my core.
Representation brings visibility but also pressure. How have you navigated being seen — not just for yourself, but for the women who see themselves in you?
I've learned to navigate that pressure by staying grounded in my true self. Whenever I feel the urge to present a version of myself that isn’t authentic, I intentionally bring myself back to my center and remind myself who I am beyond the facade of social media. My goal is for the women who relate to me to see something genuine.
Content creation is often misunderstood. When did you first view it as a career rather than just posting online?
It hit me when I first began getting paid for it — and realized that it could not only sustain me but also support my family.
What elements make your content “feel like Sphokuhle”? How would you describe your creative signature?
Honestly, I don’t follow a formula or creative signature; I just "do me" in everything I post. A frequent comment I receive is that I’m always smiling, so perhaps that's part of my identity. My motto, "You're never fully dressed without a smile," might just be my creative signature, after all!
Tell us more about Scrumptious Lips — what inspired the brand, and how has the journey been so far?
Scrumptious Lips was born from my passions for beauty, fun, and creativity. The brand has given me the opportunity to pursue dreams I’ve always had, like recording my own song and shooting a music video for its launch. The journey has been exhilarating and eye-opening; I’ve learned just how much effort goes into running a business, and I’m evolving as I grow.
Between content creation, campaigns, and managing your beauty brand, how do you personally measure success now compared to when you first began?
Today, I define success by the alignment of my work with my true self and values, focusing on thriving in campaigns that resonate with who I am, rather than just chasing every opportunity that comes my way.
You’ve inspired many — but who inspires you, and why?
In a way that isn’t self-serving, I draw inspiration from my own journey, as there’s truly no narrative I know better than my own.
For young creators wanting to build a career online, what is the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?
Authenticity resonates far more deeply than perfection.
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