In Konversation With Kwena

Trailblazer and cultural ambassador Baloyi shares how she’s changing the fashion and influencer game by portraying her most authentic self

I consider myself to be much more than just an influencer- I’m a creative whose magic has yielded great achievements. Above all these titles, I’m a beautiful and proud black woman

BRIEFLY TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I consider myself a powerful force who breaks boundaries and gives a completely new meaning to the term ‘influencer’. For me, being an influencer goes beyond influencing my audience’s purchasing decisions. It means building longlasting and authentic relationships with my audience by initiating honest and thought-provoking conversations that dig deep into their thoughts, emotions and beliefs. In fact, I consider myself to be much more than just an influencer – I’m a creative whose magic has yielded great achievements. Above all these titles, I’m a beautiful and proud black woman.

HOW DID THE FIX KONVERSATIONS MOVEMENT COME ABOUT?

Our people have been looking for safe spaces to talk and learn together. Through this movement, we aim to dismantle whatever oppressive narratives that are deeply embedded within our communities.

WHAT DO YOU AIM TO ACHIEVE THROUGH THE FIX KONVERSATIONS?

To help people navigate through any doubts that hold them captive. Hopefully, we’ll all push through our fears and do whatever needs to be done. It’s through conversations that we will know what went wrong, and that’s when our healing will start. Our

voices have been muted — some since birth and through this movement, we’re breaking that cycle and building a strong culture of speaking up.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?

The knowledge that nothing is ever, and was ever, done for us. We’re going to do it all and make those that came before us proud. Also, we’re more than what we went through in the past as black people. We can do anything — even that which they said wasn’t for us. Lastly, the love, strength and resilience that lives in our people is what carries me.

WHAT NARRATIVES ABOUT AFRICA ARE YOU TRYING TO EXPRESS TO THE WORLD?

Black people are generally misrepresented — we have been, and are still dislocated. Our job is to redirect this whole concept and create what is us. The greatness that is in us doesn’t have limits, so we must continue creating spaces to own and be determined to win. The Fix Konversations brunch is a space that my friends and I created for us to exist, to charge one another up, be mirrors of each other and use our powers to shine. The next generation counts on us.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I have countless career highlights, but my proudest is not operating from a place of fear, and being assertive when dealing with bullies who think that approving invoices

— with amounts that exploit and undermine black people — is enough for them to dictate what narratives I must put out there for my people. If nothing is done in a manner that will benefit my people, then let it pass. Saying this with confidence — no matter how big the brand — always leaves me feeling proud. Our ancestors died compromising but I have choices now, therefore, betraying my people will never be an option.

WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT FASHION?

Fashion is made up of many elements — and exploring it has been a gift.

...being assertive when dealing with bullies who think that approving invoices — with amounts that exploit and undermine black people — is enough for them to dictate what narratives I must put out there for my people

WHAT FASHION RULE DO YOU DISAGREE WITH, AND WHY?

I have no right to disapprove of anyone’s choices — playing judges is what will disrupt growth within our fashion communities. Allow people to interpret fashion however they see fit. Fashion rules only serve to oppress, not liberate. ■