“Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.” This is a sentiment that strongly resonates with reality TV star, multi-hyphenate businesswoman, and super mom – Ratile Mabitsela.
The dynamic businesswoman who garnered fame last year after her appearance in the first season of Showmax’s ‘The Mommy Club’ is an advocate for women’s empowerment whose current life purpose is to spotlight the immeasurable potential that women possess.
Having been crowned Miss Tembisa in 2021, the businesswoman now serves as one of the pageant’s astute directors. A philanthropist at heart, Ratile plans to use her reality TV star status to help empower and nurture women of her hometown, Tembisa by guiding them into becoming impactful women in society.
With a desire to foster entrepreneurship, the beauty queen recently launched the “Be Your Own Boss Toolkit”, a comprehensive guide aimed at inspiring and empowering budding entrepreneurs, especially young women, to take charge of their destinies in the business realm.
We have a chat with Ratile Mabitsela about her entrepreneurial endeavours, pageantry, digital content creation, and beauty tips for the fast-approaching winter season!
How did you get started with pageantry and what attracted you to it?
During my final year of undergraduate studies, I felt the need to enhance my confidence to excel in job interviews. While I was comfortable conversing with familiar faces, I struggled to present my best self to strangers. This realization, through pageantry, helped me understand that my issue was not low self-esteem but rather fear. Once I conquered this fear, I gained the ability to confidently speak in public, establish my presence in industries of interest, and cultivate a supportive network to aid in my personal and professional growth. Effective communication is crucial for success, and those who actively engage are more likely to receive opportunities.
Participating in pageantry transformed my self-perception, fostering not just confidence but also a newfound boldness that shone through when I claimed the title of Miss Tembisa in 2021. The feeling of empowerment I experienced after winning never faded, inspiring me to spread this positivity and confidence to other young women in Tembisa. I recognized that many talented individuals struggle to envision their full potential, leading them to abandon their dreams due to a lack of boldness in seizing opportunities.
Through my pageantry journey, I learned that taking risks is essential. Whether you succeed or not, there is always something to be gained from trying.
As a digital creator, what do you love most about what you do and how would you describe your personal style?
What I love most about being a beauty content creator is the ability to share my passion for makeup, fashion, and style with a wide audience. My personal style can be described as chic and versatile, blending classic elegance with modern trends to create unique and eye-catching looks.
You are also the CEO of Youth Fountain Infusions. Tell us more about that.
As the CEO of Youth Fountain Infusions, I am involved in the beauty and anti-aging industry, where I oversee a company that focuses on empowering individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Our business aims to provide high-quality skin products and IV drips that enhance the beauty and well-being of our clients.
In my role as the CEO of the Miss Tembisa Pageant, I am dedicated to creating a positive impact within the community of Tembisa, my hometown. My goal is to inspire growth, cultivate a mindset of abundance and business acumen, and encourage young women to push beyond their comfort zones to live purposeful lives. This involves serving as a mentor, overseeing the planning of the pageant project, and securing sponsorships to support our initiatives.
I juggle multiple roles and have established four businesses. I consistently generate new ideas that drive my ambition and productivity. I am adept at identifying opportunities across various industries and endeavours. I firmly believe in the value of exploring new paths without fear of failure. This mindset has led me to my recently founded passion for business, where I have created an online platform. Here, aspiring entrepreneurs can purchase my eBook offering advice on starting a new business, called the “Be Your Own Boss Toolkit,” which is available on my website. Click HERE for more.
Your makeup is always on point. What is your secret to long-lasting makeup this winter?
My secret to long-lasting makeup during the winter is to start with a good primer to create a smooth base, use lightweight and long-wearing products, set my makeup with a setting spray, and touch up as needed throughout the day to keep my look fresh and flawless.
p.s: A professional make-up artist that prep prioritises skin prep before applying make-up is the holy grail tip you need.
Ratile’s Foolproof Makeup Products
Foundation – Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
R 795.00
Eyeliner – L’Oreal Perfect Slim Eyeliner
R 187.95
Eyeshadow – Hermosa Flor Cosmetics Grace Eyeshadow Palette
R 437.00
Lipstick – Maybelline Matte Lip Colour Pioneer 5ml
R 229.95
Setting spray – MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Matte
R570.00
What is your pro tip for maintaining moisturised skin this winter?
During winter, it’s essential to hydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and using a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture. Additionally, incorporating a hydrating serum and using a humidifier in your living space can help combat dry winter skin.
Ratile’s Holy Grail Skin-Care Products
Sunscreen – La Roche Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Fluide Invisible Spf50+ 50ml
R 335.00
Moisturiser – KSURGERY LABORATORIES Vitamin C Glow Effect Cream
R1,447.00
What is your advice to young women who aspire to become pageant queens?
My advice to young women aspiring to become pageant queens is to stay true to yourself, work hard to develop your skills and talent (beauty queens are educated), and always strive to make a positive impact in your community. Embrace the journey, stay confident, and remember that true beauty shines from within.
Trust yourself and always bet on You! You are the prize!
What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2024?
In the remainder of 2024, you can expect to see me continue to inspire and empower others through my work in the beauty and fashion industry. I have exciting projects in the pipeline, including collaborations, new content creation, a new business venture, and initiatives aimed at promoting self-confidence and self-expression.
Ratile’s Favourite Fragrances
Winter – Christian Dior OUD ISPAHAN FRAGRANCE
R 6,390.00
Summer – Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
R 5,920.00