Latest news with #TheMommyClub:Sugar&Spice
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lenore Goss-Matjie: a passionate advocate who wears authenticity like a designer dress
Lenore Goss-Matjie is a Durban entrepreneur passionate about the arts and fibromyalgia awareness. Image: Supplied Lenore Goss-Matjie, a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Lenore Inc., is not just a name in the business world; she is a beacon of inspiration for many. At 46, she has seamlessly blended her roles as a mother of three, a wife, and a passionate advocate for those living with chronic pain, particularly fibromyalgia. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the power of creative expression, which she has showcased through her appearance on "The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice", a reality show that offers a glimpse into the lives of affluent mothers in Durban's Indian community. Goss-Matjie's foray into the arts began in her childhood, ignited by her mother's decision to enrol her in ballet. 'I was a bit too rough around the edges,' she recalls. This early introduction to dance paved the way for her to explore ballroom and Latin American dance, as well as theatre, where her love for fashion blossomed. 'The arts provided me with a platform to express myself, not just through movement, but also through fashion and personal style,' she explains. This foundation instilled in her the values of discipline, commitment and resilience. At the age of 18, Goss-Matjie co-founded a dance school with her husband, who was her dance partner at the time. Their venture grew to become one of the largest dance schools in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), all while she pursued a Bachelor of Primary Education degree. 'Coming from an academic household but being creative at heart, I've always believed in integrating traditional academics with the arts,' she shares. This belief has guided her throughout her career, allowing her to help others discover the transformative power of creative expression. Among her proudest achievements is her advocacy for fibromyalgia awareness. Living with this often misunderstood condition herself, Goss-Matjie has made it her mission to educate and empower others. 'I've used my television appearances to bring visibility to fibromyalgia, sharing not just medical facts but also my lived experience,' she says. Her efforts extend beyond the screen; she has initiated and supported awareness programmes that promote engagement around chronic pain, mental health and wellness. 'It's about ensuring that people living with fibromyalgia have access to the right knowledge, compassion and care,' she emphasises. Goss-Matjie's outreach programmes are another source of pride. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Lenore Goss-Matjie with her husband and three kids. Image: Supplied Self-funded and deeply personal, these initiatives allow her to connect with individuals, hear their stories, and foster a sense of community. 'It's not just about giving back; it's about growing together,' she explains. The impact of her work, no matter how small, holds immense significance for her. Taking creative risks has also been a hallmark of Goss-Matjie's journey. At 45, she ventured into reality television and launched her self-funded fashion accessories range. 'Stepping into such public and vulnerable spaces wasn't easy, but when you're driven by purpose and passion, success becomes a natural outcome,' she reflects. Her fashion range has since gained international recognition, and through reality TV, she has been able to raise awareness around invisible chronic illnesses and advocate for authenticity. What fuels her each day is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 'My husband and children are my greatest blessings and supporters,' she shares. The diversity of her work keeps her motivated, as she thrives on the challenges it presents. 'It's incredibly motivating to know that what I do contributes to something bigger than myself,' she adds. Despite her accomplishments, Goss-Matjie remains grounded. 'People often think I have everything figured out, but I'm still learning every day,' she admits. She holds herself to high standards but acknowledges that mistakes and moments of doubt are part of the journey. 'I think people sometimes mistake confidence for perfection, but I'm human, and I grow the most through challenges,' she explains. Living in Durban has been a blessing for Goss-Matjie and her family. 'It's an amazing place to raise children, offering a laid-back coastal lifestyle and an incredible blend of cultures,' she says. The city's vibrant atmosphere, stunning scenery, and delicious food, particularly the iconic bunny chow, make it feel like home. Two fashion icons: South African designer, David Tlale, spotted with fashion designer and entrepreneur, Lenore Goss-Matjie. Image: Supplied 'Durban is waiting to welcome you to our vibrant, majestic city,' she encourages potential visitors, highlighting the warmth of the local community and the rich cultural diversity. When it comes to travel, Goss-Matjie's favourite destinations reflect her love for culture and beauty. Paris, Egypt, and Italy top her list for their unique offerings. 'Paris inspires me with its art and fashion; Egypt captivates me with its rich history; and Italy is my go-to for peace and nature,' she shares. Locally, she enjoys the Drakensberg for its breathtaking mountains and tranquillity, as well as Cape Town for its stunning ocean and mountain views. Goss-Matjie's admiration for local talent is evident in her appreciation for David Tlale, a renowned South African designer. 'His work reflects our identity and creativity, blending traditional elements with modern design,' she says. 'David Tlale is an absolute icon, and his success inspires me to embrace and celebrate local talent.' Looking ahead, Goss-Matjie is excited about the projects she will be working on in 2025. She plans to explore further business opportunities and collaborations, launch her fashion range across South Africa and the African continent, and expand her outreach programmes. 'I'm honoured to be speaking on various national and global platforms this year, including the G20,' she reveals. 'It's a privilege to contribute to meaningful conversations and inspire change.' For those aspiring to enter the arts and entertainment industry, Goss-Matjie offers heartfelt encouragement: 'Don't let fear or doubt hold you back. This path isn't always easy, but if your passion for creating and connecting with others is real, let that be your fuel.' She emphasises the importance of staying true to oneself and surrounding oneself with supportive people. 'Success doesn't happen overnight, but consistency, perseverance, and authenticity always stand out. The world needs your story, so don't be afraid to tell it!' Goss-Matjie's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have through passion, advocacy, and authenticity. Her story continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and a commitment to one's purpose, anything is possible.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Makeup and multi-tasking: the hustle behind the highlight
Resh Naidoo Image: Supplied IF YOU'RE reading this while stirring a pot of curry, answering work emails, checking what time you have to fetch the kids from extra murals and texting your mum, then congratulations, you're probably an Indian woman too. Hi, I'm Resh Naidoo, an occupational therapist, pro makeup artist, co-host of The Double Dose Podcast, gym enthusiast, wife to a busy businessman, mom of two almost-grown brown kids, content creator, co-owner of a fashion brand, and yes, a reality show star. Reality TV: lights, camera, real-life madness First, let's get the reality star bit out of the way. Being on The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice has been surreal. Never in a million years did my twin Losh (Naidoo) and I imagine we would say yes to a reality show. But when we heard it was the first of its kind representing South African Indian women, we felt a huge responsibility to our community to ensure that we were not just represented, but represented well. As Indian women, we are raised on resilience, on mutton curry and multitasking magic. We wear many hats, and somehow, even when we're running on fumes and dry shampoo, we keep showing up. We had to showcase that to the world. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Now people recognise me and ask things like, 'Do you really hustle that hard?' and 'Is your life always so fabulous?' The answer is yes and no. The show gave me a platform, but it didn't change who I am. I'm still that Durban girl, who will go from luxury events to eating a bunny chow at a small Indian takeaway in the same day. Living between deadlines, dumbbells and DMs The next question I often get asked is, 'How do you do it all?' The short answer: I don't know, I just do. I just rotate what gets prioritised (read neglected ) each week. Life is about seizing opportunities, and it is my responsibility to myself to make it happen. Some days I'm on top of my work schedule and meal prep, while other days I'm filming beauty content in full glam, ignoring the to-do list growing in the corner. I have learned the art of multitasking. I swap Netflix for gym. Google calendar is my best friend. And I am blessed with the most supportive husband and kids. I think my superpower is that, as a wife and mum, I have built a strong, independent family that can chase their own dreams while supporting each other. Now this may sound generic to most people, but the truth is this is not the norm in a brown home. For generations Indian moms put their dreams on pause to care for their families. Dishing for their sons, cleaning after their husbands and waiting on their daughters. I've raised my family differently. We share responsibilities and believe in family teamwork because team work really does makes the dream work. Mom First No matter how much I have to do, I am a mom first and raising teens is not for the feint hearted. Having older kids means less nappy-changing and more life-coaching. My daughter, Miashca, is a final year BCom digital marketing student and runs her own marketing agency, and my son, Thishae, is in matric and a mini CEO that runs his own procurement business, so technically, I'm a momager now. I no longer cut crusts off sandwiches. I cut through career dilemmas and relationship dramas. It's a different kind of parenting, one filled with heart-to-hearts, shared skincare products, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. The truth? I don't have it all together Some days I feel like I'm thriving. Other days I'm barely surviving. But what I've learned is that balance isn't doing everything perfectly. It's knowing when to go full-glam and when to just put on a hoodie and hide from your to-do list. Being on reality TV has given people a glimpse into my world, but what they don't see are the quiet moments between the chaos. The late-night editing, the guilt for taking time away from my family, the deadlines, and the deep gratitude for being able to do what I love. I'm not perfect. I'm just passionately showing up for my people, my purpose, and myself. Sometimes in heels, sometimes in takkies, but always with heart, hustle, and a touch of highlighter. The opportunities life throws at you gives you wings, how high you want to fly is up to you. Me? I want to soar baby. So to every Indian woman reading this, the ones balancing ambition with tradition, strength with softness, spreadsheets with sambals - we weren't raised to rest, we were raised to rise. And now, we get to redefine what that looks like. We can chase goals and wear kajol. This is our story. Come soar with me. Resh Naidoo is an occupational therapist, pro makeup artist, co-host of The Double Dose Podcast, mom, wife, content creator, co-owner of a fashion brand, and a reality show star. THE POST
