GIRL BOSS - INTERVIEW WITH SHEENA D

August's theme of Women Empowerment is in full swing! Every Friday this month you can expect an interview with another #girlboss and get to know what keeps these Queens motivated to do the mostest! This week we chat to Sheena Deepnarain, a South African actress and blogger, living in Johannesburg.

1. Growing up, who did you look up to as your female role model?

When I was a kid Oprah Winfrey was my inspiration - at 4pm every weekday I would watch The Oprah Winfrey Show - I loved her zest for life and her story was that of an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things to become the leader in media that she is today. Someone who worked hard, carried herself well and educated her way forward.

2. What is your definition of "beautiful”?

The term beautiful has become such a derogatory term and the placement that society has always put on it - therefore beauty for me as cliched as it may sound is not defined by the physical, it’s for me defined as your character, morals and integrity - and that holds true value to me.

3. Which actresses do you think best embody the term #girlboss?

Priyanka Chopra without doubt embodies this for me - she steered her career so strategically and left her mark in Hollywood - it’s so admirable and empowering to see a brown lady achieve this.

4. Being in the entertainment industry yourself, how do you handle petty girl on girl hate?

I found the perfect solution to handle girl on girl hate - and thats to totally ignore it - if you don’t fuel it, it will eventually fizzle out. I'm also really good at identifying trouble makers and just choose to not be in their company and remove them from my life - I do that for anyone with negative energy.

5. How do you think women could better motivate each other?

Over years we’ve been taught by society that we are our own worst enemies, however the woman movements have liberated us in our thinking to break free from how society expects us to behave and how we actually are.

As woman I truly believe that we are loving, caring and nurturing by nature, we are not abusive of power and leadership (of course with the exception of a few) - therefore I truly believe that taking very calculated steps toward being the empowered women we want to become is essential.

For example - We don’t have to be “bithces” to each other for ratings or parade ourselves according to narrow-minded perceptions of beauty to get ahead - these platforms and storylines were created by men and women need to captain the boat and steer a new, and of course improved perception of women in media and the workplace where we support each other and have all types of beauties represented so that even minority groups feel beautiful and have something to relate to in a positive perspective.

6. And now, the biggest question. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why or why not?

I’m absolutely a feminist - how can I not be? As women in 2018 we are still not seen as equals or treated with simple decency on various levels.

I can give you an extremely long list of how disproportionate being female in 2018 is in comparison to a man - it’s not only in my own interest to always bring these issues to light and fight for fundamental rights, but it’s so important for women who come after us to not go through the same struggles we go through and not be limited to what they can achieve because of their gender.

7. Let's talk about your blog! Tell us a bit more about Pot of Gold?

Pot of gold began as a creative outlet for me, when I took a year off to travel and just indulge in life's pleasures. To my surprise it caught the interest of many and when I came back to South Africa I saw it as a viable business.

It’s a lifestyle blog aimed at bringing to light the South African Indian culture - something we unfortunately see so little of in a optimistic, non-mocking light.

The genres include travel, beauty, fashion and features my dogs from time to time with detailed information of how the latest trends and brands I work with can help compliment your lifestyle.

8. Tell us a bit more about yourself?

I’m an actress and blogger and hopefully soon to be film producer as I embark on my first film adventure to produce local content that tells real South African stories portrayed by the amazing South African talent we have which is quite exciting and the next chapter for the second half of this year.

However, when I’m not acting, blogging and producing - I’m a simple lady who loves the gift of life we have been given and try to make the most of it.

9. If you could give your 13 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t grow up too quickly, as kids we want to grow up and be adults so badly - but when you an adult you realize you literally have the rest of your life to be an adult and only a few precious years to be a kid.