Khanyisa Jaceni is stepping into her power

Whether she’s gracing the stage, building her business empire, or serving looks that effortlessly balance glamour with comfort, dynamic artist and entrepreneur, Khanyisa Jaceni moves through life with undeniable grace and intention.

Here, she opens up about stepping into a brand-new era, one where staying grounded and feeling comfortable in your own skin (and shoes!) takes centre stage. She also lets us into her personal style evolution, what success means to her today, and why she’s leaving unnecessary pressure behind.

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Multi-talented Queen,Khanyisa Jaceni releases second EP, Halfway

Khanyisa Jaceni is stepping into her power

Looking from the outside in, Khanyisa's collaboration with HEYDUDE is a perfect fit as she embraces effortless style and intentional living. But what immediately resonated with her about the brand? “It was how effortless the brand feels. HEYDUDE celebrates comfort and individuality without making either feel boring. I love the idea that you can be comfortable, expressive and completely yourself at the same time.”

Asserting that authenticity is incredibly important to her when choosing brand partnerships. “I’ve reached a point where I want the things I put my name behind to feel authentic. If I’m partnering with a brand, I want people to understand why it makes sense for me. There has to be a genuine connection beyond simply looking good together,” she says.

Expanding on her approach to brand alignment, she enlightens that she knows a brand collaboration is a natural fit when she doesn’t have to change who she is to represent the brand. “If I can show up with my personality, humour, style and story, and it still feels completely natural, then I know there’s something real there.”

Khanyisa radiates confidence and ease, and there’s a noticeable bounce in her step. As an artist, businesswoman, mother and creative, she says the theme that defines this phase of her life is individuality. “I no longer feel the need to fit myself into one definition. I’m learning to let all those parts of me exist together.” Further enlightening that this is her intentional era. “I’m being much more deliberate about the life I’m creating, the people I surround myself with and the opportunities I say yes to. I’m not interested in rushing anymore. I want to build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks from the outside.”

From a style perspective, how does comfort play into her fashion choices? “It actually makes a statement stronger,” she explains. “When I’m comfortable, I’m instantly more confident and present. I love fashion that feels deliberate and bold, yet still lets me move freely and stay true to myself.”

GLAMOUR: How would you describe your personal style right now?

Khanyisa: Feminine, playful and expressive, with a little bit of edge. Over the years I’ve become much less concerned with defining my style and much more interested in enjoying it. I like experimenting and allowing my style to evolve as I do.

GLAMOUR: Does your wardrobe reflect your personality?

Khanyisa: Absolutely. I think my wardrobe says that I’m feminine, confident and playful, but I don’t take myself too seriously. I like beautiful things, but I also want to have fun with fashion.

GLAMOUR: What are your wardrobe staples?

Khanyisa: Anything that makes me feel effortlessly put together. A great pair of jeans, beautiful dresses, oversized pieces and comfortable shoes are definitely staples for me. I love pieces that I can actually live in.

GLAMOUR: Do you plan your outfits ahead of time or dress spontaneously?

Khanyisa Jaceni: A little bit of both. Sometimes I have a very specific vision, especially for an event or shoot. But some of my favourite looks have happened when I’ve just started putting things together spontaneously. There’s something exciting about not overthinking it.GLAMOUR: What single item can transform an entire outfit?

Khanyisa: Shoes. A simple outfit can completely change depending on what you put on your feet. The right shoe can instantly make a look feel intentional.

GLAMOUR: How does your approach to dressing differ for performative vs. personal spaces?

Khanyisa: When I’m performing or appearing publicly, I think about the story I want the look to tell. It becomes part of the creative expression. When I’m dressing for myself, I’m more focused on how I feel. I want to look good, but I also want to feel comfortable and free.

GLAMOUR: Looking back, what past style choices still feel iconic to who you are?

Khanyisa: I’ve always been drawn to feminine silhouettes and pieces with a little drama, so those are the looks from my past that still feel like me. I think it’s interesting when you look back and realise you were already developing your signature without even knowing it.

GLAMOUR: Is there anything you used to hesitate to wear that you now embrace?Khanyisa: Anything that felt too bold or attention-grabbing. I used to worry about whether something was “too much”. Now I think, if I love it and I feel good in it, why not?

GLAMOUR: What does confidence mean to you in fashion?

Khanyisa: Confidence is putting something on and not needing everyone else to approve of it. It’s looking in the mirror and thinking, “This feels like me.” That feeling is much more powerful than trying to dress for someone else.

Artist, Businesswoman, Mother and Creative

GLAMOUR: What are you saying yes to in this chapter?

Khanyisa: I’m saying yes to creativity, growth, love, family, meaningful collaborations and big dreams. I’m no longer making space for things that require me to constantly prove my worth or make myself smaller.

GLAMOUR: What has personal growth taught you about resilience?

Khanyisa: It has taught me that I’m capable of starting again. Life changes you, and sometimes you have to meet a completely new version of yourself. I’ve learned that growth isn’t always loud or glamorous. Sometimes growth is simply choosing to keep going.

GLAMOUR: How has your perspective on public perception changed over time?

Khanyisa: I know myself better. When I first stepped into the spotlight, I was very conscious of how other people saw me. Today, I’m much more interested in how I see myself. I think that’s one of the biggest shifts that comes with growing into yourself.

GLAMOUR: Is your current journey more about self-discovery or self-expression?

Khanyisa: It’s definitely both. I’m still discovering myself, and I think that’s beautiful. But I’m also more intentional about what I communicate through my creativity. I want what I put into the world to reflect who I genuinely am, not who I think people expect me to be.

GLAMOUR: What expectations are you leaving behind?

Khanyisa: I’m ready to leave behind the pressure to have everything figured out. I want to make room for curiosity, experimentation and new experiences. I’m giving myself permission to evolve without needing to explain every change.

GLAMOUR: How does this new chapter feel?

Khanyisa: It feels lighter. More colour, movement, creativity and playfulness. Personally, I’m refreshing my energy and making room for new ideas. Creatively, I’m excited to explore different sides of myself.

GLAMOUR: What visual aesthetics are inspiring you right now?

Khanyisa: Soft feminine looks, beautiful textures, fresh beauty, effortless styling and lots of movement. I’m drawn to pieces that feel relaxed but still make a statement, and, of course, comfortable shoes that can keep up with me.

GLAMOUR: What palette reflects your mood these days?

Khanyisa: Soft pinks, warm neutrals, cream and touches of gold, with a little unexpected colour. Something feminine, warm and grounded.

GLAMOUR: What are you currently obsessed with?

Khanyisa: I’m obsessed with creating. Music, beauty, fashion, content and building my businesses. I feel like I’m in a very creative season. I’m also learning to appreciate everyday luxuries: beautiful skincare, good food, a great outfit and moments where I can simply slow down.

GLAMOUR: What does a perfect, unhurried day look like to you?

Khanyisa: A slow morning, good food, time with my family, listening to music and having a little space to create or simply think. I love days that don’t feel rushed. There’s something really luxurious about having nowhere you urgently need to be.

GLAMOUR: What might surprise people about your softer side?

Khanyisa: I’m actually quite sentimental. There’s a very soft and private side of me that people don’t always see. I can be incredibly ambitious, but I also really value home, family, meaningful conversations and the small moments that don’t make it onto social media.

GLAMOUR: How has your definition of success evolved?

Khanyisa: It has changed a lot. Success used to feel very connected to achievement and external validation. Now, success is having a life I’m genuinely proud of: creating things I believe in, loving my family, building something meaningful and being able to enjoy the life I’m working so hard for.

GLAMOUR: How do you stay grounded amid outside noise?

Khanyisa: I remind myself that people see a version of me, but I have to live my actual life. I can listen to opinions without allowing them to define me. Staying grounded in my values and the people who genuinely know me keeps me connected to who I am.

GLAMOUR: What are you leaving behind to protect your peace?

Khanyisa: Unnecessary noise. Comparison, constantly trying to prove myself, forcing things that don’t feel right and giving energy to things I can’t control. I’m learning that protecting your peace is also about being intentional with your attention.

GLAMOUR: What project or goal is currently giving you the most energy?Khanyisa: I’m excited about everything I’m building creatively and as a businesswoman. There are ideas I’ve carried for years that are finally becoming real, and I’m excited to see what happens when I give myself permission to fully pursue them.

GLAMOUR: What title would you give the current chapter of your autobiography?

Khanyisa : “Khanyisa: Creating a Life With Intention.”

GLAMOUR: What message do you hope your journey conveys to your audience?

Khanyisa: I hope they feel permission to be themselves. I want people to see me and feel inspired to dream bigger, take up space and reinvent themselves whenever they need to. I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to become me. I want them to feel more confident in becoming themselves.