Modelling coach and modelling-agency owner Ms Tshepiso Mphidi said the award she had recently won had inspired her to work even harder and to assist more youths. Mphidi was one of the recipients of the Limpopo Women in Business Awards, which were handed over during a prestige event held at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane on Saturday, 4 May.
Mphidi, who comes from Tswinga outside Thohoyandou, is the founder of African Diamond Modelling School at Thohoyandou, Golgotha. She has nearly a decade of experience in the modelling industry, in provincial, national, and international competitions.
"Winning the award feels amazing. It feels like a dream come true because I have always dreamt of making it big in the industry and I also set myself some goals. The initial goal was to establish a modelling school, but receiving this award indicates that there will be more opportunities to come for me. It also elevates the standard of the modelling agency, showcasing that we are expanding and gaining recognition at a provincial level. This is a morale booster for me and my students. It rubberstamps that we are on the right path," she said.
Mphidi said she had assisted many models over the years, with some even taking part in prestigious pageants.
"Some of my girls have gone out to make names for themselves. One of them, Zaidah Mbulaheni, is the current Miss Makhado Royal. Our aim is to see many of the local girls exposed to the world of beauty. Our area is full of potential, but most of it is not being explored. As a school, we will be happy to one day produce a national beauty queen, and with the amount of effort we are putting into this project, our dream will one day be realised. The award has put a lot of pressure and challenge on us that we are being watched and should keep up the standard," Mphidi said.