JEANNIE IN A BOTTLE:
10 minutes with Jeannie D
Do you colour your own hair? ‘Yes, I do. Although I must admit I take the boxes of Nutrisse to my hairdresser – I need three boxes for my hair, so it is a mission to do at home. When I do it myself, my mom helps me. I’ve recently started sprouting a few grey hairs and if I had to run to the hairdresser every time I found a grey hair, I’d be broke!’
What's the craziest colour that you’ve dyed your hair?
‘Fire engine red! I went to my matric dance dressed as Jessica Rabbit, so my hair had to match.’
What’s the best thing about your job? ‘Travelling. I would tell any young girl: don’t worry about getting married; don’t worry about children [just yet] – broaden your horizons first and travel. Also, on Afternoon Express, I meet the most amazing people from all walks of life.’
Are there any downsides?
‘Some of the perks are the lows. For instance, I’ve got to travel the world, but that comes at great sacrifice. My personal relationships have suffered. I don’t meet a lot of great guys as they usually have preconceived ideas of me or they want a trophy girlfriend.’ Your philosophy on love and relationships? ‘I’m always single-ish! I don’t believe that there’s one perfect person out there for everyone. Maybe some people get that, but I don’t think I have one soulmate. There have been different people at different stages of my life that were perfect for me. I don’t know if being with one person consistently throughout that time would have made me happy.’
Is finding love a priority for you right now?
‘I really like my independence and I’ve struggled with men who just like the idea of me. They all want a successful, confident woman – until they actually have one. I’m not there to boost someone else’s ego; I have my own journey. Until I meet a guy who is more open and a bit more progressive and who understands what masculinity is, I won’t settle down. I’ve been in the worst relationships, with the worst kinds of men! I’ve been taken advantage of, I’ve been lied to, cheated on, manipulated, stolen from... But what I’ve gone through has given me the strength I have now.’
What beauty products do you travel with?
‘I have three beauty bags when I travel! Must-haves are vitamin A for the skin, moisturiser, a smoothing serum and a heat protectant for my hair. In my makeup bag I have CC cream, a highlighter, brow mascara and lipstick.’
What’s next?
‘For the first time in my life, I don’t know. I want it all. I’d really like to have a child at some point, but I want to be in love with somebody enough. It’s harder than it seems because I like my life the way it is now – I love working as hard as I do. Perhaps I can have it all, just not all at the same time. Finery Handcrafted Gin [which she created] is my baby at the moment – I’m really enjoying that. Afternoon Express is growing so much, and I’m loving it. I think it’s time for me to have my own show so I’m starting a web series soon, then we’ll see what happens.’