Digital Creator Mpoomy Ledwaba on remaining present and staying true to who you are.
Words by Lesego Ntsime | Images: Supplied
Brutal Fruit - a brand at the centre of joy and celebration for many South Africans - has launched its fragrance You Belong To Affect eau de toilette. Along with the perfect amalgamation of notes in a bottle, the fragrance carries a message of impact and community.
The You Belong To Affect campaign gave Superbalist.com shoppers a chance to win a one-on-one interview with three icons that have impacted their lives; YouTubers Regomoditswe and Modise, Digital Creator Mpoomy Ledwaba and Blogger Mmanaka Kelobonye.
Winner Celisile Cibane, won an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with Digital Creator Mpoomy Ledwaba. From this conversation, the phrase ‘You Belong’ - an affirmation that encompasses upliftment and acceptance - was revealed to be one of the life-defining tenets of Mpoomy’s life and career.
What does the phrase ‘You Belong’ mean to you?
In simple terms, it means being able to be myself and still be fully accepted. Not having to change who I am, not trying to fit in and being accepted in any environment.
How important is a sense of community and sisterhood in your creation process?
It’s one of the most important and necessary elements you need as you build (a community). As a first-born and an independent person, I grew up with the perception that one doesn’t need many people. But as I grew older, I realised the importance of community. So much so that one of our four pillars for my platform - Wisdom and Wellness - is relationship because we need community. And that’s why I’ve created a community with Wisdom and Wellness - like-minded people, driven by the same purpose and vision.
Share some of your thoughts on mentoring.
In order for mentorship to work, it’s important that a person is rooted in their own identity. Without a sense of identity, you tend to be unsure of yourself and get lost in mentorship. First is to find your identity. You may not have figured it out but have an idea of who you are and where you’re trying to go. Then you can plug yourself into someone who can assist you.
Who are you and what informs the journey you’re currently on?
When it comes to identity, we can never have a stamp on ourselves and conclude that ‘This is who I am’ because it’s an ongoing journey where you continue to discover things about yourself. We lose a sense of identity when we’re constantly seeking and chasing things. My spirituality, relationships, ambitions and who I am as a person excite me and form part of my identity. From this place I can pour into whatever role I am being called to play in that moment.
How do you celebrate yourself?
I actually have a very special relationship with celebration and it stems from being a dropout. Being a dropout really informed my identity and how I react to things. I’ve always felt the need to prove a point and do better without realising that I’m already doing all the things I set out to do. I’m trying to be more mindful of how I engage with celebration and I’m starting with the small details. I’m learning to take a moment to say, ‘Well done, you’re doing great,” instead of anticipating the next thing.
Where in the spectrum of individuality and community do you find yourself?
Both are important but what’s important is Self - individuality. Because, at the end of the day, you bring yourself into whichever space you occupy. You are the common denominator and the individual, the identity, has to be solid and stable. Before embarking on collaborative efforts, it’s important that we identify who we are. It’s important to know who I am so that when I occupy spaces where my soul and spirit feel uncomfortable, I’m able to identify that. It’s vital to know yourself and where you fit and feel safe so that you can contribute towards successful collaborations.
What does ‘positivity’ look and feel like to you?
Positivity is not perfection. We perceive positivity to be easy and rosy but, for me, positivity is an extension of one’s authenticity. It’s important to change how we speak to ourselves because we’re never kind to ourselves and that affects how we address other people as well. I don’t pretend to be okay when I’m not but my full and grateful essence is intrinsically true and authentic.
How do you own your moment?
I own my moment by being present. I aim to be fully immersed in whatever it is I am doing. Essentially, it boils down to balance. I’m constantly being asked how I manage to play so many different roles and I’ve concluded that there is no such thing as balance. Whatever role I fulfil in any given moment, I give my all and am completely present for. Owning my moment is about deepening my presence, being fully involved and being my best Self.
What is the intention behind some of the work that you do?
After existing in a reality where I thought I was lost and undeserving, I found the gift of knowing that God is for me and wants the best for me. In everything I do I hope to remind people that everything is working for their good and they just have to realise it. If we don’t surrender and work with the flow of life, we will miss opportunities and the things placed on our paths.
What internal goals do you have for yourself?
This year, my focus is one intangible goal and that is self expression.