Olympic gold medalist Tatjana Smith gets candid about beauty, make-up and being in the limelight
Beauty has proven to be more than one dimension. It has many layers and means something different to each person, be it man or woman.
For South Africa’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, beauty is about being content an happy.
“We are always going to find imperfections with ourselves because we have a world that shows us what beauty is but for me, it’s being able to accept my flaws and being proud and thinking it’s beauty in its way.
“It’s a process, I wouldn't say I woke up and here I am super confident but it is a process and I think everyone has their journey but at the end of it, the beauty is when you own who you are.”
During her masterclass discussion at the Clinique Concept Store at Mall of Africa, Smith got candid with attendees about her struggles in the pool and outside.
She stands in her beauty, and confidently makes tough decisions, such as standing her ground on the kind of swimwear she does photoshoots in and retiring.
“It’s still a challenge every day, but there are things you can put in place. For me it was with shoots, I am comfortable with the full costume, covering up a bit more.
“The costume is not by choice, it’s part of the sport.”
Smith confesses that she loves her makeup and swims with makeup on.
“I’m probably one of very few females that put makeup on before I swim.
“People don't understand it, people question me a lot about it but I’ve always felt that I feel good and if I feel good I swim good. I enjoyed wearing makeup.
“A lot of people have commented about my mascara. I wear waterproof mascara.”
Smith adds that she’s not trying to hide anything by wearing makeup but genuinely loves how it makes her feel.
Just because Smith has retired from swimming competitively, doesn't mean she’s stepping out of the spotlight. Instead, she is stepping right into it as she’s securing more brand deals, becoming quite the media personality.
The Olympic gold medalist admits that stepping into the spotlight has been challenging and something she struggles with. After all, she just wanted to swim and did not want to be famous.
“Being able to promote who I am as a brand is challenging because I'm very much behind the scenes behind the stage.
“It's forced me into my non-comfort zone but I think that's where we grow the most and we've been put in those places to challenge ourselves.”
When Smith was done giving her masterclass at the concept store, she engaged with the women who found themselves relating to her story, in their journeys.
Jessica Lobley, Brand Director, Clinique and The Ordinary said the store allowed them to connect with customers differently and engage with them.
“It was important that we have key individuals who are pioneers in their own right to bring our masterclasses to life.
“We had a variety of hosts, from exceptional makeup artists to people in the food and fitness industry. The whole concept is about delivering a wellness journey for the consumer and something that not only supports your skin but your inside,” said Lobley.
The store was designed by OLC, a leader in experiential marketing, to create a space where beauty meets innovation, helping customers discover personalised skincare and beauty routines in a truly immersive way.
IOL Lifestyle