Last year was a whirlwind for Liesl Laurie, but even though she’s no longer Miss SA, things certainly haven’t slowed down for the 25-year-old.
The Eldorado Park beauty signed up to be represented by local celebrity management company, Jarred Doyle Consulting, who also represent the likes of Top Billings’ Chris Japhta and actress and TV personality Minnie Dlamini.
We caught up with Liesl and had a little chat with her about her plans and what she’s been up to in the aftermath of her crazy year as Miss SA.
Since the end of your reign as Miss SA 2015, what have you been up to?
Waking up the following day after handing over the crown felt surreal. It felt like I had just turned 18 and was leaving home for the first time to spread my wings.
It has been meetings and negotiations from the moment the new chapter began . I’ve been mapping out my future for the longest time and all I can say is: watch out world.
My reign as Miss World Africa has also commenced and I have hit the ground running with working with my various organizations getting ready for winter 2016.
Do you have anything big coming up that we can look forward to?
I do! Let’s just say that I’ve been working on this chapter of my life for a very long time and now I’m trusting God that all falls into place. So there’s loads to look forward to and all will be revealed in the days to come.
What was your most memorable part of your reign?
The most memorable part of my reign has to be my homecoming in Eldorado Park. Yes it was amazing to see my community come out in numbers to catch a glimpse of the newly crowned queen but the moment that stood out most for me, the moment that kept me going throughout my reign was the fact that throughout that day I heard the words “Thank you for doing it for US”.
I realised then that my success and my story would be an inspiration to my community and my country. That my victory was for every young person who has felt like their circumstances would determine their destiny.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken away from being Miss SA?
The lesson of understanding that people will forget what you said and did but they will never forget how you made them feel. I have vowed to always spread love and light wherever I go and to leave behind a legacy of the child of Ubuntu.
What do you miss the most?
I think the thing I miss most is having my stylist and chaperone around me 24/7. She became one of my good friends and I would not have made it through the year without her. Ntando is so blessed to have a person around her for when the growing pains start. The good days always outweigh the bad but it’s amazing to have an understanding person around you when you need a hug.
What are your goals for this year?
There are so many plans I have for myself, so many goals that I wish to achieve but my main goal right now is to show appreciation to my grandmother whilst she is still around. I would like to build a life for myself that she can benefit from because I am what I am today because of all her sacrifices and prayers.
You’re still very much in the spotlight, how are you dealing with this now, post-Miss SA?
Being in the spotlight in 2015 was a major adjustment for a township girl like myself and I’ve made sure to equip myself with a great team to help take care of me. I’ve learnt to stay true to myself and never let any negative statement define or take away from my happiness.
What are you most excited about, about your future?
The possibility of what a new chapter can bring. After closing a major chapter of my life the excitement comes with knowing that I can take on a new journey and continue on building on the legacy of Liesl.
Source: You Mag