Friday Fashion Feature - Lebo Mphela

As we bid farewell to 2013 with our final Friday Fashion Feature we would like to thank everybody who has followed this blog since it's birthday.It all started with a dream and then manifested itself into reality. So many more ideas are being conceptualised as we speak for the big change that's about to hit your comfort zones.

We've grown so much since 2011 and we're still growing, maturing, evolving, and expanding. We're not just a blog, we're a brand with ambition, life, and love. So without any further a due here's an awesome feature on one of the coolest and most stunningly ambitious people I know; a close friend, business partner, a sister. lover and fellow Arien - Lebo Mphela is a lover of all things art: writing, music, fashion, and photography. A firm believer in nurturing ones craft and says laughing is her life :)

RVL - Angela Nimah: Tell us about yourself; who is Lebo Mphela? Where is she from? What does she do?

Lebo is a 22 year old from Pretoria. I was born and raised there. My early childhood days are rooted in one of Pretoria's townships (Mamelodi). A place that I still love, and often go to.

I love art. I often tell those close to me that I see life itself as artistry. We dont see this cause we're usually too busy living in our own worlds. Alot of the things that surround us are art. Not necessarily in just art forms. But in an abstract ways too. Nature, thoughts, your day to day ideas etc.

I'm a writer, and a fashion and music fanatic.

A social media marketer, and assistant editor at an automotive publication.

RVL -Angela Nimah: What does style, fashion, and art mean to you?

Style: I've always believed that that's something that's innate within a person. It's not about your garments. But rather, about how you assemble your full look, and align that to your confidence.

Fashion- Something we all love. Trends. Pieces. Brands. 

Art- Music, Visual arts, Fashion. All things creatively placed. By nature, or ourselves.

RVL - Angela Nimah: How would you describe Jo'burg fashion as compared to PTA fashion?

What I've noticed is that Jhb folk are more liberated in terms of what they choose to wear. There's something distinctively different with regards to risk taking. Pretorians too- are well exposed to good trends and they also dress well. However, they're usually not as daring and fearless with their fashion decisions.

RVL - Angela Nimah: What are some of the challenges you face being a young woman breaking into the media art industry?

I think one of the biggest challenges I face is getting people to acknowledge the importance of your brand. For whatever reason. And you'd think only males would be this way. Hahaha. Sadly, that isn't so. Females are this way too.u

RVL - Angela Nimah: Give us three adjectives that describe you best.

Passionate, Ambitious, Humourous

RVL - Angela Nimah: Which was your best event hosted and why?

Definitely our Creatives and Young Entrepreneurs dinner that took place in August. 

Things went well and in accordance with how the planning was done. Also, it was a delight seeing so many brilliant young minds share ideas, problems, potential solutions and networks.

RVL - Angela Nimah: How would you describe your management style?

I'd best describe it as...

RVL - Angela Nimah: What makes a successful mamanger?

Someone who understands the importance of sustainability and working well with a team. You need to be able to know your team WELL. Each one's strengths and weaknesses. This 

will help you delegate tasks well, and will also help in terms of allowing everyone to bring their insight on board.

RVL - Angela Nimah: What are the importance of taking risks?

Risks build you. Many of us end up taking too long to reach our success peaks because we play it safe-all the time. Risks reveal you to other sides of yourself.

RVL - Angela Nimah: What is your approach to solving conflict in a team building scenario?

The best way is to open to each person's view. It makes no sense to try resolving without understanding- that could even create more havoc.

I try my best to always be well informed of things that could possibly lead to conflict. If however, it is not planned- my best method is to discuss with the situation with all those involved.

RVL - Angela Nimah: Describe an instance where your work was criticised - how did you deal with that?

Having your work criticised is not always for the faint hearted. Hahah. When my work is criticised, I feel it. I become slightly disheartened. More than anything, its a little off putting to hear that your well planned (according to yourself)- is not as

great as you thought it was. I do deal with it though. I analyse what exactly is being criticised, 

and I work on that-to improve.

RVL - Angela Nimah: Are you a leader - why do you say so?

I'd like to think so. Hahaha. And I say "think" because in most cases, innate leaders are told and appointed. I don't think you tell yourself that you are-it's sort just there.

My reason behind saying I think I am though is that I know the importance of serving in leadership. "To lead is to serve". And that's who I am. As much as I take charge in what I stand for, I know and understand that leadership trust is earned. When entrusted with leadership as a role, I work with my team. I do not dictate.

RVL - Angela Nimah: What is the difference between a manager and a leader?

Manager- delegating and making sure that all systems are running in accordance.

Leader- serving a team in more than just delegation. But also, in setting that specific example that you aim to see amongst and within those you're leading.

RVL - Angela Nimah: Do you consider yourself successful?

I still have a heap of things that I want to attain (and more importantly-sustain), before I call myself a success/successful.

RVL - Angela Nimah: What was your greatest success and how did you achieve it?

My biggest achievement thus far has been attaining my degree in record time.

RVL - Angela Nimah: What have been some of your biggest failures?

Having to disappointment people due to poor planning and 

timing.

RVL - Angela Nimah: Can you work under pressure and how do you deal with that?

I work very well under pressure. Possibly even better than when I have time. Hahaha. I've adapted to this over time. 

RVL - Angela Nimah: Tell us a bit more about HeArtistry.

HeArtistry is an overall art events based company focusing on integrating artists and art lovers. Our main focuses are live music, poetry, visual art, and fashion. We aim to produce events that are purely authentic, and well planned. 

The concept was brought about by a gap we saw in the distribution of artists' work to the masses. Especially with regards to the type of art we deal with.

RVL - Angela Nimah: Where can people reach you and your team?

People can reach us on Facebook (Heartistry), Twitter (@_HeArtistry), or email us, on: HeartistrySA@gmail.com

RVL - Angela Nimah: What would you say to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the media arts industry?

I'd say that you need to know exactly what you want to do. This will help you build firm ground- and you'll know exactly what to work towards. 

Research. This is so so so vital. And fortunately, we are surrounded by tons of resources to help in this regard. Understand your passion/craft/work well enough. 

And lastly, own it! If you don't believe in yourself, I don't see how you can expect anybody else to.

Thank you Lebo for allowing us the time to speak to you. You were amazing :) 

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© Angela Nimah