She did everything she set out to do. Got multiple degrees. Climbed the corporate ladder. Nailed the promotions. But despite having it all, Johanni Steenkamp longed to wake up feeling like her work was making a positive change in the lives of others.
She has always been a go-getter. Even when she’d given birth to her now 20-something-year-old daughter, Milla, three weeks before her LLB final year exam, Johanni Steenkamp remained focused on her goals, determined to achieve big things.
“I always knew I wanted to fight for justice. And so, I got the qualification, kicked off my career in law, and studied some more. I was just so persistent in wanting to prove that I belong, I didn’t allow anything to stand in my way. There was a time in my life when I did my articles during the day and attended law school in the evening, all while raising a baby. And let me tell you, it’s not for the faint-hearted.”
Later on, Johanni would try her hand at financial management, business consulting, representing a telecommunications industry and running various TV ad campaigns. And, needless to say, she thrived in each and every field. Talk about a powerhouse woman! Although the fruits of her labour were sweet, it all came crashing down about two decades in.
“I experienced severe burnout. And it’s as if something just clicked. When you reach a certain point in your life, you don’t want to chase that next big achievement, promotion or money. You just want to make a difference. So, I decided that I would use the second half of my life to give back, and pursue some of my other passions. It was a huge turning point for me.
“Since then, my view on life changed drastically, in a good way. I became involved with various charities, as well as Girls’ School Pretoria. Got qualified in image consulting and started my own business, YouHoney Image, and even opened Pageant Closet, in an attempt to make styling, pageant wardrobe planning and outfit hire affordable and accessible for all girls and women.”
Today she finds fulfilment in inspiring and motivating young girls, pre-teens, tweens and teens to become the best version of themselves. Teaching them everything a young girl should know. How to walk, talk, take care, love and embrace themselves just as they are. Johanni also has a special place in her heart for underprivileged girls, and will always try to make Girls’ School accessible for them too.
“A woman should always leave beauty behind, and that’s what we hope to teach our girls. Our aim is to invest in these girls for them to grow into the strong, powerful and confident women they are destined to become. In the same breath I want to empower women through Pageant Closet and my coaching services.”
Since Johanni has always been interested in beautifying others, she now devotes herself to doing just that, but from the inside out. Apart from renting out exquisite gowns and outfits, this passionate image consultant takes pride in getting to know her clients, listening to their stories and perhaps even reigniting that flame from within. She’s all about empowering women, and reminding them of everything they’re capable of.
She also continues to spread her motto, ‘Now that I know better, I do better’, across various platforms in hopes of reminding women to go easy on themselves for the bad choices they may have made in the past. Johanni firmly believes in learning from your mistakes and making better choices for a better future.
When this determined entrepreneur isn’t encouraging young girls, conducting colour and style personality tests, or helping you pick the outfit for your next big function, she can be found, instrument in hand, on the church stage.
“I have always loved singing and playing the transverse flute, piano and some basic drums. These are my God-given talents for which I am very grateful for. With that being said, I am so very thankful for being able to live out so many of my passions and having the opportunity to touch so many lives.”
One thing’s for sure – it’s never too late to follow your dreams. If you stay true to yourself, believe in your capabilities and give it your all, you are bound to achieve great things.
Details: Follow johanni_steenkamp, girlschool_pretoria and pageant_closet_za on Insta.
Six Closet Essentials this Winter
Johanni shares her top wardrobe staples that will help you get dressed easily, make your closet versatile, and can be easily mixed-and-matched for that perfect winter outfit:
- You can never go wrong with a classy blazer or two. If you want to make a statement, you’ll want to choose something bright and bold.
- Black pants. Whether they’re high-waisted, skinny or flared – it’s the perfect foundation for any look.
- Red lipstick. It’s a makeup bag staple all year round and the ultimate sign of confidence when proudly swiped on by its wearer.
- Nude heels. This timeless closet staple not only gives the illusion of slimmer, longer legs, but also pairs brilliantly with everything in your closet.
- Neutral knits with a modern twist. Camel, grey, and navy knitwear are great for tying together any outfit. Small but mighty details will also elevate these everyday sweaters to a new level.
- Let the LBD be your go-to look for those special occasions this winter. Remember to switch up your accessories to make each wear a little more unique.
FIVE Things to Teach your Daughter
Having raised a daughter herself, Johanni shares what she believes any mother should instil in a young woman.
- Tell and show your daughter that she’s unconditionally loved and that she shouldn’t accept anything less.
- If you are religious, instill in them the discipline of going to church or your place of worship. This provides a kind of structure to help guide them through their adult life.
- Always leave beauty behind. Teach them how to love, be friendly and show empathy wherever they go.
- Teach them to keep their word. In a world where it’s so easy to break a promise, be the one to keep it.
- Constantly remind them of their identity. Teach them that they don’t need acceptance from their peers. And teach them through your actions – not just words – as it always speaks louder.
Secrets of an Image Consultant
At this point you might be asking yourself what exactly an image consultation includes. Johanni gives us somewhat of an insider’s view of what you can expect and why it might be a good idea to consult one.
- Facial shape – Your facial shape will be determined which will help you in your choice of hair style, glasses and accessories.
- Body shape – Apart from determining your body shape, an image consultant will look at the different segments of your body and what would suit them best, individually and as a whole.
- Neck length – Something you might have never considered when choosing an outfit – your neck length. Your neck will be measured to find out what cut will best compliment your neck.
- Bone structure – You can expect to have your bone structure looked at and your wrist and ankle width measured. Believe it or not, this will determine what prints will work on you and what type of shoes will fit you best.
- Colour – A colour analysis which will determine what colour compliments your skin most. Many women might not know that their eye, hair and skin colour changes as they grow older. What you wore when you were younger, might not necessarily work for you now.
- The 80 / 20 rule – We probably only wear 20 percent of the clothes in our closet. The clothes we wash usually end up on the top of the pile, and what we see, we usually tend to wear.
- Long term investment – Let’s say every item of clothing (including shoes, underwear and accessories) you own costs an average of R250. Over a period of 10 years, this accumulates to around R100 000 spent on clothes. This is where an image consultant might save you big bucks in the long-run, because you’ll know exactly what to buy, and what not to buy.
Text: Alanicka Lotriet • Image: The Kaalvoet Photographer • Make-up and hair: Antoinette de Beer.
