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Talking with Tatum

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25-year-old Tatum is no stranger to the glamorous world of fashion and celebrity – her striking looks and towering height of 1.82m has ensured her success in ramp and photographic modeling over the years. In 2005 she was named Model of the Year and won the Durban Model of the Year competition in 2008.

So how has the Miss SA journey been so far? “It’s been such a blessing and a wonderful experience. I’ve seen personal growth and development in myself. It’s been a great opportunity especially for networking and charity work – I’ve been able to give back to my country. It’s been a very humbling experience,” says Keshwar.

Being crowned Miss South Africa had always been a life-long dream for the leggy beauty who has proven that perseverance and dedication do pay off – Keshwar bagged the title on her second attempt. (She was a Miss SA finalist in 2005, but lost out to Thuli Sithole.)

Keshwar's not just a pretty face – she has a Psychology Degree from the University of Kwazulu-Natal and intends on becoming one of SA’s leading female business minds. She counts former beauty queens Basetsana Khumalo and Jo-Ann Strauss as her role-models.

Since the glittering tiara was placed on her head, Keshwar has been involved in lobbying and fundraising for charities and creating awareness around plights affecting the youth today. She’s an ambassador for the Topologo Aids Hospice in Rustenburg and in April, was involved in an Easter egg drive with Nashua, culminating in the handing out of thousands of Easter eggs to disadvantaged kids at four children’s homes in Johannesburg. Keshwar also recently walked the ramps at Sanlam SA Fashion Week in April.

Keshwar certainly has a few busy months ahead of her – she’ll be taking on beauties from around the world when she flies the flag for SA at the Miss World pageant on 23 August in the Bahamas. She’ll also vie for the Miss Universe title in sunny SA, come December. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great experience and I’m proud to be able to represent my country.”

Bring home those tiaras, Tatum!

We asked Keshwar a few questions:

What does your typical day consist of?
Many people don’t know that being Miss SA is a full-time job. I’m up at 7am, have breakfast and after getting ready I meet with my personal trainer for a training session. Depending on my schedule, I’ll attend meetings, do charity work or attend business meetings. There are always functions to attend which stretch into the evening. I also do a lot speeches and make guest appearances.

Do you get any free time at all?
I have an amazing team and for the last 3 weeks we’ve been very busy. I’ll work 2-3 weeks non-stop but my P.A will book me off for a day or two and then it’s ‘Tatum time’. In that time I’ll meet friends for lunch, go for a massage or get a manicure or pedicure and just do girly stuff.

How do you keep fit?
I travel a lot, about 3-4 times a week, so my schedule does not always allow me to train. When I’m at home in Joburg, I do 45 minute sessions which includes a bit of weight training. They are pretty intense so it gets me far! When I travel I carry a special kit so that I can train on the road. I also know many trainers around the country so I can call on them as well.

Any guilty indulgences?
Definitely chocolate and flowers. I love to flowers on every corner in the house. I also love chocolate – I have 4 boxes in the house at the moment! At night when I’m working on my laptop, I love nibbling on chocolate. I have an incurable sweet tooth!

What does your beauty regime consist of?
I go for facials as often as possible. Because I travel a lot, my skin tends to take a beating, so I’ll often visit the Camelot spa at hotels. I use the Thalgo range sold at spas which is a French brand – it’s a great range and I love it.

Favourite make-up brand?
Maybelline.

What are your best beauty tips?
Definitely drink lots of water and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Suncare is very important especially in South Africa. Even on cloudy days, 80 percent of the sun’s rays penetrate through the clouds. So putting on sun block every day is important and also moisturising.

How do you keep your hair looking gorgeous?
I use the L’Oreal range which is really great. Specifically, I use the Professional Series Expert range. It’s great and keeps my hair looking nice and shiny. Whenever I have photos taken, I always check that my make-up and hair are perfect!

What’s your favourite item of clothing?
I don’t often wear jeans but I when I do, I love wearing my True Religion jeans – they can be dressed up or down. But my favourite is shoes. My shoes are my babies! I have a wide selection and I’m very lucky in that I get sponsored by Preview and Europa Art Shoes.

Which trends are you into at the moment?
When it comes to my specific style of dress, I pay attention to the trends and I incorporate some of them into my style. I would describe my style as chic with a hint of old school glamour like Jackie O. When I attend meetings my style is more corporate but trendy chic.

Who’s your favourite local designer?
I’ve been modelling for years and I’m fortunate in that I have personal relationships with most of the designers and I draw on all of them when needed – I think I’ll get into trouble if I mention only one so I’ll just say I love them all! They’re all very supportive – they send me a batch of designs every couple of weeks for me to pick and choose from. I also get to keep a few pieces if I really like them.

What’s your best fashion tip?
Style should reflect your personality and 'less is more'. Style is self-expression and authenticity. If you feel good, you look good.

What do you carry in your handbag?
I carry my Blackberry everywhere – it’s a very handy tool and helps keep me in contact with everyone; a good hand moisturiser; a notebook to jot things down; Maybelline lip balm and mascara and when I’m travelling, a great read. At the moment I’m reading The Alchemist.

Are you a fan of Miss SA 2009? Share your thoughts and comments with us below.

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