AQEELAH HARRON-ALLY, 27

WHAT started out as a hobby in 2010 has turned into a lucrative career for well-known Cape Town fashion and beauty blogger Aqeelah Harron-Ally.

She has become such an authority on what’s in and what’s not, that her followers hardly go out without consulting her YouTube videos for tips and advice.

Harron-Ally’s videos cover topics suitable for modest dressers and fashionistas alike.

“I love what I do. Blogging was initially a hobby and it became my full-time job two years ago when I noticed it was profitable and fun,” she said.

“Digital is the future, and I’m very passionate about being one of the digital fashion pioneers in South Africa.”

Having left the corporate world to pursue her dream, Harron-Ally uses digital platforms to share fashion and beauty tips, while promoting justice and equality.

“While my platforms are mostly meant for all things pretty, I am vocal about our role as the youth to remember and honour the fact that our freedom did not come free, and how we have to live that.

“That means being unapologetic in standing up against what is wrong, especially when it comes to racism and inequality.”

She hopes for a country that transcends bad habits and mindsets, and can move past racism, classicism and discrimination.

Harron-Ally describes herself as a digital entrepreneur, and has travelled widely which has made her appreciate being South African even more.

“Despite our country’s flaws, I am genuinely so grateful for my freedom, for which so many people died,” she says.

For her, Youth Day means “honouring those before us who fought for our freedom, and being grateful for the many, many opportunities that have now been made possible for us”.