Profile: Joelle Kayembe

SUPER model Joelle Kayembe popularly known for her role in the Sprite advert has just been signed by Trace TV as the Trace Foundation Ambassador. The sexy model did a stint as a suitcase girl on the popular game show Deal or No Deal. Kayembe has graced many magazine covers, featured in fashion shoots and TV adverts. She was the first black girl to be on the cover of SA GQ magazine. She's also a regular on fashion week ramps locally and internationally.

Nosihle: How long have you been in the modeling industry?
Joelle:- I started out when I was 19 years old

Nosihle: How did you get into the modeling industry?
Joelle: This will sound cliché, but it was by "accident” I was tagging along with a friend into the agency and they asked me to join.

Nosihle: What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your career?
Joelle: Travelling and spending time with my family is still my biggest challenge - but when you love what your are doing you try to make it work.   

Nosihle: How did you overcome them?
Joelle: You have to learn when to say No and that's not always easy.

Nosihle: You have worked both in South Africa and abroad, what has your experience been like? Can you compare the two?
Joelle: You can not compare, given our cultural deference’s -SA fashion is a little more conservative where's in UK for example -they have a more "Carte Blanche" approach... Which keeps my job very interesting.

Nosihle: What’s your most important life lesson?
Joelle: I've learnt to handle life- one day at a time.

Nosihle: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Joelle: If I'm not Modeling, I imagine I'd be back pursuing my dreams of being a Doctor or Teacher but then again- They say "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans" 

Nosihle: What does it take for one to make it as a model?
Joelle: For a start you will need a good agent and assuming you have all the modeling requirements  the rest is all your Will to see it through.

Nosihle: Describe your style to me?
Joelle: I'd say I'm a T-shirt and Jeans girl, with a hint of Bling when the occasion calls for it.

Nosihle: How do you stay in shape?
Joelle: I have a personal trainer, I'm in the gym 4times a week for 2hrs.

Nosihle: What are your five most prized possessions right now?
Joelle: my iPad 4, Florence and the machine CD, my massive white Beats by Dre and P!ease Jeans (from V+kings in Hydepark) and My YSL mascara 

Nosihle: Name two or three some your favourite places that you have travelled to? What do you love about them?
Joelle: I love Italy for food, shopping in Istanbul and for party and beautiful people in Mykonos

Nosihle: You were also selected to be involved in the Tropika Island of Treasure season 4 in Cancun, Mexico. How was that experience for you?
Joelle: I had the best time of my life filming TIOT4 -You have to watch the show to see what I'm talking about- I'm not allowed say more than that…

Nosihle: Who are your favourite designers?
Joelle: Pff! At the moment I'm obsessed with Xuly Bet.

Nosihle: What do you prefer twitter or Facebook? Why?
Joelle: Twitter. Face book is where you lie to your friends, on twitter you tell the truth to strangers 

Nosihle: What do you enjoy doing for fun?
Joelle: Time out with my brothers and sisters is always fun!

Nosihle: Favourite cocktail?
- Mojito

Nosihle: Name five beauty products that you can’t live without?
Joelle: Dermalogica face wash and face cream, Mac studio Fix and tinted lip conditioner and Elizabeth Arden Sun Defense for Face SPF 50.

Nosihle: What are you looking forward to in 2012? Are there any projects you involved in?
Joelle: I've just been signed by Trace TV as the Trace Foundation Ambassador. This will involve lots of travel but this time it will be in the Name of good- I'm looking forward to that.