If you’re an avid online shopper (hey, guilty), you’ve probably seen model Palesa Makam posing in various fashion pieces from your favourite online store. The Cape Town-based beauty and fashion model has had an illustrious career with features from various magazines such as True Love and Dossier, as well as being a resident model for TFG, among other online retailers.
Multifaceted, Palesa is also a Bachelor of Social Sciences graduate from Rhodes University, as well as a social media manager boasting a Social Media Marketing certificate from the University of Cape Town. A visual arts and music enthusiast, Palesa views the arts as a powerful medium of self-expression, as well as an outlet in which you can share your experiences, thoughts, feelings, and other aspects of your life.
Apart from her passions for the arts, modelling, and digital content creation, Ms. Makam is a travel enthusiast who loves the great outdoors. We caught up with the model who shared her favourite things ranging from her favourite beauty products to nature’s greatest gifts such as sunsets.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E Oil is an essential part of my skincare routine. It’s what I put on everyday before my shoots without needing moisturiser. It’s thick and hydrating especially because my skin always has different makeup products on it that tend to dry it out, this helps protect it and prevent damage.
Self-help Books
For the last couple of years I’ve been reading mostly self-help books. I’ve recently read The Body Keeps The Score, The Four Agreements, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff, and now I’m reading Anatomy of the Spirit. I believe that there’s so much power in self-awareness as well as mastering the tools a lot of us weren’t given/taught in childhood on how to navigate ourselves in life.
Old School R&B
The best, most timeless, and classic genre of music- and no, this is not up for discussion lol. The days when men would dance in the rain and sing passionately about their undying love for a woman. Romance and courtship was at its peak. From your Monicas, Keith Sweats, Mariah Careys and Marios, this genre will always have a special place in my heart (and family braais).
Oat milk chai lattes
I never thought a drink would top my love for matcha, but when I discovered chai lattes- specifically with oat milk, my life changed. The same way people gave coffee everyday- this was that for me. Oat milk is vital because it adds a natural sweetness to it. Absolute perfection. Oh, and make it grande. *laughs*
My friends
I hold friendships to a very high regard. Growing up I didn’t have a lot of, especially genuine ones. Once I got older and found myself, I began to attract my tribe. I made some incredible friends while in uni, and also met some lovely people since moving to Cape Town. My friends are my rock, my soundboards, my soulmates. I’m very grateful for the loving, genuine friendships i’ve cultivated for myself.
Long walks
Growing up in Joburg, I never really walked much because it’s way too big and dangerous. I walked a lot in uni, and Cape Town is a lovely walkable city. I love walking along the promenade.
The beach
The best part about living in Cape Town has to be the fact that I can wake up and decide that I wanna go to the beach and I can just go. I’m a water baby (Cancerians stand up) *laughs* Therefore, I love being surrounded by bodies of water but if I can swim, it’s a bonus.
Sunsets
A beautiful sunset feels like a reminder that God is real, love is real, and life is beautiful. Don’t get me started on beach sunsets, they’re my absolute favs. I’m sure 50% of my camera roll is just pictures of different sunsets.
Flowers
Everything about flowers is just beautiful. from the way they look to the way they smell. They’re also a sweet gesture of love. I love buying them for others and for myself, and receiving them always brightens up my day. Tulips are my favourite for sure. My name also means flower and I feel like that’s symbolic.
Art
Something I really need to do more of is art gallery hopping. I go maybe once a month but it still doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Looking at art is refreshing, and feels like a treat. I particularly enjoy abstract art pieces or African art pieces as those often represent spiritual and historical symbolism, two themes I really enjoy. One of my favourite artists is Tony Gum.
