True to her name, Tumi Powerhouse is a force of nature—blending beauty, intellect, and ambition in equal measure. A media personality, influencer, and strategic communicator with an Honours degree, she’s made her mark across fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

 

From gracing Glamour South Africa’s digital cover in association with Dove to hosting red carpets for Netflix’s Bridgerton premiere and the Feather Awards, her career is a testament to consistency and charisma. A True Love Magazine Game Changer and Feather Award winner for Socialite of the Year, Tumi continues to shape the conversation with grace and confidence.

 

We caught up with her to explore the joys, rituals, and quiet moments that keep her balanced, inspired, and ever-evolving.

 

Make-up

Tumi Powerhouse | Supplied

 

I love a good make-up session—it’s a moment for me to connect with myself. I see it as two hours of artistry and internal conversation. It’s where I can centre myself while also creating something beautiful.

 

Wigs

Tumi Powerhouse | Supplied

 

I love a good wig. A bob, a long one, a curly one—I adore them all. I love them so much, I sometimes joke that I want to be a wig!

 

My Family

Tumi Powerhouse | Supplied

 

I don’t go a day without speaking to at least one of them. In this industry, you need a level head, and my family is exactly that for me—a sounding board. I call them for everything: good news, bad news, or no news at all. Michelle Obama once said, “Come home, we like you here,” and that really resonates with me. I go home to be liked, to feel seen and loved without expectation.

 

Clothes

Tumi Powerhouse | Supplied

 

For a long time, I didn’t enjoy dressing up—it came from years of body shaming. But lately, I get excited to put outfits together. I love a good pair of Nike sneakers in the mix, with skirts, jeans, and plenty of layering. It’s become an act of joy rather than pressure.

 

Books

 

I’m currently reading Braving the Wilderness by Dr Brené Brown—for the third time. I’ve recently gone back into corporate, working full-time as a marketer, and I wanted to recalibrate my mindset around belonging and showing up authentically. The book is such a beautiful reminder to find belonging within yourself first.

 

Music

 

Right now, I’m obsessed with Morena by De Mthuda, and I’ve been replaying Obed’s live performances. My favourite track is You’ve Been Faithful, Lord—it perfectly captures how I feel about gratitude and faith in this season of my life.


Telephone Conversations

 

I have a close group of friends—my “kitchen table”—and our phone calls are sacred. They make me laugh until my tummy hurts. I don’t want to share them with the world; they’re my safe space.

 

Quiet Moments

 

I’ve learnt to appreciate stillness. I take time to recluse and recalibrate—it’s how I find myself again when life gets overwhelming.

 

Food

 

I love food so much that I even have nicknames for meals. I call lasagne lanyaza—that’s how deep it runs! And of course, a Kit Kat always sneaks its way into the mix.

 

Walking

 

My friends are going to laugh at this one, which is why I haven’t told them—but walking has become a personal goal for me. I didn’t want motivation or comments, just consistency. And I’m proud to say… I’ve been closing my rings!

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