Today, we draw our inspiration from Happiness Mahlohonolo Mathobela originating from Tsakane, East Rand. Happiness is a qualified PR and communications practitioner who has the future plans of owning a huge empire of an events management company and furthering my studies.
My name is Happiness Mahlohonolo Mathobela, I am 23 years old . I was born and bred in the East Rand in Tsakane. I attended my primary school at Tsakane primary and then matriculated at J.E Malepe secondary in 2013. I have recently completed my qualification at the University of Johannesburg in public relations and communications. I am also a poetry writer and a part-time promotional model.
What were the challenges and great things about growing up?
The challenges I faced growing was being raised by a single parent who earned little to none and not getting the best that I would have wanted as a kid. However, one of the great things about growing up in such a household is that you learn to appreciate every joyful moment in life. What was also great about my childhood was that I was lucky to have a grandmother who introduced me to storytelling and a sister who always fought for me and made sure I was safe at all times.
Your career? What is it that you do? What inspired you to do what you do?
I am a PR and communications practitioner. What inspired me to follow this career path was my love for public speaking, writing and problem solving. I was also drawn to this career path as it also involves events planning and management. I feel I am also good at being a cheerleader and promoter of a brand. Another side career which I am still working on is modelling and I love how I can tell stories through photographs.
What do you like most about yourself and the work that you do?
I like that I am able to adjust to different environments and situations. I like being a PR person because I get to communicate and interpreted messages to people of different backgrounds. I love that every day I learn new things and new ways of living.
What are some of the challenges which you’ve faced and how did you overcome them?
One of the challenges which I have faced has been financial challenges through -out varsity as I was unable to pay for fees and my mother could not afford them as she is a single parent who works as a cleaner. I suffered from depression after being a victim of abuse. I also lost my father during my exam period at varsity.
What helped me to overcome these challenges was realizing that I was suffering and acknowledging that I needed to seek help. I also used these challenges in my poetry as a way to heal and I also had to keep on keeping on because of what I want to achieve in life.
What are some of your life highlights for you so far? What are you most proud of?
One of my life highlights so far is getting some of my poetry work published on local newspapers and also obtaining my qualification at the University of Johannesburg. I am also proud of myself for kick starting a career in modelling which I have always wanted to but, I only got the guts to do it recently and I am proud of myself for that as well.
What, in your opinion, are the most important factors to keep in mind to make it in your career or life in general?
I think that it is important to keep in mind that whatever you do whether in life or career, your brand and reputation is at stake. It is important to give it your all and to be punctual at all times and to look good while at it.
Where would you like to see yourself in the next three years?
I would like to see myself owning a huge empire of an events management company and furthering my studies. I also want to see myself mentoring other young people who want to follow on to my foot- steps. I also want to see myself traveling the world and discover myself more.
If there was anything you could do differently, what would it be?
If I could change anything, I would read more books than I did before and learn different sports that I never leant as a child. I would also have added and learnt new language while I was still at school.
Are there any specific people or organisations that you look up to and draw inspiration from and why?
One specific person I draw inspiration from is Ntsiki Mazwai. She is a strong and outspoken woman who is a good writer and is well educated.
Are there any inspiring projects which you’re involved in?
I am currently working on a photography meets poetry project. The project will feature a series of poetry work that will be turned into still images that will portray certain written poetry work. In this project I am working with an upcoming photographer named Siya Nhleko who is passionate about his work and aims to tell a story in all of his work.
Lastly, what advice would you give to others out there looking to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your dreams, believe in yourself and do not be afraid to ask for help.
How can the public contact you?
Email: mathobelahm@gmail.com
Twitter: @HappinessMatho3
Facebook: Happiness Mahlohonolo Mathobela
Instagram: @happinessmathobela
