Jo-Ann has forged an incredible career for herself after winning Miss South Africa when she was just 19 years old. She’s hosted local and international TV shows in three languages, and interviewed notable Hollywood stars like Charlize Theron and George Clooney. And now, the media personality is seeing her ideas and hard work pay off in her new talk show, Glambition With Jo-Ann Strauss.
How did the idea for Glambition come about and what do you hope to achieve with this show?
Glambition has been an idea I’ve worked on for the last two years. I wanted to create a show where we celebrate African beauty and all its elements, and discuss topics that relate to us as modern women.
How has your perception of beauty changed over the years?
Tremendously. I think now in my thirties, I’m a lot more comfortable and confident about who I am. When I was a 19-year-old Miss SA and participating in international pageants, I was trying to compare myself to others around me. But I have learnt that affirmation should come from inside first – always searching for affirmation from external sources means that you’ll always be dependent on other people’s approval.
You are always looking pretty glamorous. What is your fitness, health and beauty routine?
I enjoy being healthy and aim to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible. When the cameras are not rolling, I prefer to be in jeans and flat shoes and with very little or no make-up. I enjoy dressing up for work or for events, but I’m actually quite a simple young lady.
I try to do at least 40 minutes of cardio three times a week. I also do weights and I have started a new fitness program called BodyTec. It’s very futuristic with quick results. And I always pack my takkies when traveling and enjoy jogging in new places. I eat everything – so I have to exercise so I don’t have to restrain my appetite.
There are lots of anti-feminist sentiments attached to beauty pageants. What are your views on beauty and feminism?
I think it’s great that we have choices in life as women and that is what freedom and feminism is about. I don’t have to burn my bra to make a point. I can make my point by living a life free from prejudice and one in which I exercise the right to celebrate the fact that I am a woman.
One of the topics you’re going to cover is hair – a pretty controversial topic. Have you always loved your hair?
I’ve had an interesting relationship with my hair throughout my life. I’ve done it all; straightening, relaxing, weaves and hair pieces. Only in the last five years or so have I had my hair natural most of the time. For work I use clip in extensions at times.
You’re a mixed-race woman. How has race affected your sense of beauty?
My mom is very dark-skinned with black hair and my dad is light-skinned with blue eyes and light skin. I like the fact that I’m somewhere in the middle and celebrate that.
I think because I speak with a supposedly “white” accent, some people assume that I’m trying to be something I’m not. But growing up my parents always insisted that we present ourselves well and spend time learning languages. I speak English, Afrikaans, German and a bit of Xhosa.
Have you always been confident? Where do you think your confidence stems from?
I suppose so. My parents instilled that in us as children – in fact, as a child, I had a nightdress that read; “I am talented, gifted, creative, charming, brilliant, sweet, thoughtful, witty, dynamic and a joy to be around my mommy.” My mom would let me read it aloud every night before bedtime.
Who’s your style crush?
I have a style crush on Jessica Alba. She is a mother first and then a celebrity and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She looks amazing on the red-carpet, but also makes jeans and flat biker boots with no make-up look hot!
And lastly, why should people tune into the show?
To celebrate success and beauty on the continent, and to participate in some great discussions. We’ll be having some interesting conversations online via Facebook and Twitter and some great giveaways too!
Check out Jo-Ann’s facebook page and follow her on Twitter @jo_annstrauss for more updates about the show.
Catch Glambition With Jo-Ann Strauss on Mondays at 8:30PM.
