Model Ellen Mahlangu Interview

Born and bred in a small town called Machadodorp in the Mpumalanga Province , is the beautiful South African Professional Model Ellen Mahlangu. Very passionate about modeling, Ellen Mahlangu started her modelling career at the age of 16 and is sure making her mark. In 2008 she was crowned South African’s Next Top Model, this year she was won the FHM Model winner 2012 Contest, she also made it on Mzansi’s Sexiest Celebrities Top 6 list of the year 2013. Check out her inspiring interview below

Who is Ellen Mahlangu?

Ellen is a born South African Model and IT programmer. She walked away with the South African Next Top model title in 2008 and best known as the first black model to be crowned “FHM Model winner 2012”. This outgoing, determined and friendly young lady is currently an ambassador of a facial product called Replen.
Please tell us more about your background?

I am a professional model and an IT programmer.  I have a national diploma in IT and I am very passionate about modelling. I started modelling at the age of 16 and I love to be in this industry.

Why did you choose modeling?

I think the love of fashion leaded me to end up being a model. I found it a great opportunity to travel the world and meet great new people, from designers, fashion editors and top stylists. And of course, getting to wear the most lovely creations that designers make.
Modeling has been a passion since the age of 5, I think I got inspired by my mom as she was a fashion designer back then, so she used to host fashions shows and organize models to showcase her designs, and I would always be around the models around them when they take pictures and I would pose with them. I used to love being in front of the camera and I still do.

When was your first modeling job?

My first modeling job was in 2010, I did a shoot for the famous lady called Biji Couture, a fashion designer. She is making beautiful garments and has dressed hundreds of women across the world.

Were people in your life supportive about your choice to do modeling?

Yes, they were very supportive and still are; my mom always encourages me and always supports me.  I also get amazing support from my boyfriend, fans, family, colleagues and friends.  I am actually nothing without them in my life.

What are some of the challenges faced in the modeling industry?

This industry is a highly stressful industry and often rocky and bumpy. Many people see me on magazines and are impressed at how well I do, but if you come to think about it, it’s not as easy as it seems to be,  but requires a lot of responsibility. There are thorns like stress, health concerns and changes in lifestyle that pose a serious threat on a model’s physical and mental health.
Many models suffer from Anorexia by eating less because they want to stay thin. Another challenge is when it comes to photo-shoots, it involves long hours, lots of standing, and having to pose for the camera all day. Another challenge is, you may be less paid if you are still starting, and remember you still have to look stunning and up-to-date always and this will reduce your finances dramatically since you have to take care of so many things e.g, nails, hair, outfits and makeup.

You have certainly achieved a lot, winning SA’s Next Top Model in 2008, being FHM Model winner 2012. Did they give you the exposure you were hoping to get?

Been crowned South Africa’s next top model, Wow!!!!! That was a big exposure, this happened just after I was scouted by SA Beauty Modeling agency, I was competing with 100 stunning South African girls and I made it through to the next round in the Top 25 and we had to compete on stage.
I remember as I was walking on the ramp doing my famous catwalk, and then everyone would go crazy and scream my name. Hearing them screaming my name gave me more confident and enjoyed being on the ramp. I think that made me feel comfortable and helped me in winning the title. That was the most amazing experience ever.
Winning FHM gave me the biggest exposure as well, It is really a privilege to be crowned the “first black FHM Model winner 2012” amongst the thousands of stunning South African girls I was competing with, it actually surprised a lot of people since it never won by a black model before. I couldn’t believe my ears and was so over the moon when I got a call from the FHM Editor (Hagen Eagler) telling me of the good news. After winning this title I got so many calls emails from different agencies wanting to sign me up and I am now an ambassador of a skin product called Replen.

You were nominated for Mzansi’s Sexiest Top 6 Women – 2013, how did you become one of the finalists?

Honestly speaking, I don’t know how I got nominated…I remember I got a tweet from Sowetan Live Newspaper saying: “Congratulations you have been selected by your fans as one of the Mzansi Sexiest Celebrities, pls get your fans to vote for you” I then posted on my facebook page and tweeted about it, Then it went on and on from the top whatever to top 24 and I eventually made the Top12. I then attended the calendar shoot at Sowetan Live studio, it was awesome and I was very happy to meet all the awesome celebrities. I really enjoyed myself.

The competition is really tough as you are going against well-known celebrities like Lerato Kganyago and Babalwa Mneno, how do you feel about that?

To be honest with you, it is a very challenging competition, but I always tell myself that I must enjoy the journey and keep on having fun. I believe that anyone deserves to win regardless of who you are, what you do and how-well known you may be, because all the girls are stunning in their own ways.

What are you hoping to achieve from this competition?

For me, being in the top12 is a biggest achievement so far, I have been chosen amongst many stunning models, presenters and actresses. I think everyone would have loved to see themselves making it to the finalist, so I don’t see any point of becoming disappointed if I don’t make the number1 spot… but yeah, It would be so nice if I can walk away with the crown…hahaha.

What’s the best career advice you have ever received?

“Believe in yourself and nothing comes easily you have to work very hard to make your dreams come true”. That was my mom’s response when I was worried if I would ever make it in the Modeling industry. Those words are still fresh in my mind, even though they were said to me more than a dozen years ago.  I’m grateful I listened. Look where I am now.

What would your advice be to someone who wants to be a model?

They must do a proper research first on what type of modeling they fit in and which modeling agency to go to. There are many modeling opportunities out there e.g (Commercial and Promotional, high fashion, Plus and Petite, Runway, hand and foot, the list is endless), anyone can be a model regardless of height, weight and race. Also, they must work very hard to make it possible.

What are your future plans?

My ultimate goal is to travel around the world doing what I love–runway and print. I want to get signed to a major label and love every moment of life being a super-model. I also plan to improve my nonprofit modeling school for young black girls. I want to be a “good role model” to them not just a “good model”. I want to let them know they can achieve any and everything they put their minds to, no matter what they look like or where they come from.