Living her big dream
Carissa Cupido takes the next step to stardom in This is Life With Carissa Cupido.
“Life couldn’t be better” for Carissa Cupido after winning TLC’s Next Great Presenter competition in November 2016 and she’s onscreen as the presenter of This Is Life With Carissa Cupido (2017- current), a fourepisode reality series on TLC. “Everything has progressed at a steady and beautiful pace,” laughs Carissa. “Since wining the Next Great Presenter, I’ve swapped Cape Town for Joburg and I’m chasing my passion! And it’s working!”
What is your new show about? I follow the personal journeys of families who have experienced extraordinary circumstances. In episode 1, a young couple give their family and friends a massive surprise on their wedding day (26 October) and tragedy unites total strangers in a surprising way (16 November). Has any episode left you speechless? I enjoyed all four episodes for different reasons, but the one that I still can’t shake is episode 3 (9 November) where a family faces the man who took the lives of their loved ones. It’s powerful and one that exemplifies forgiveness. Have you had any obstacles to overcome? I’ve been vocal about my self-doubt and anxiety. Since stepping into the industry, it’s flared somewhat to the point where I had little choice but to acknowledge it and figure out ways to manage it. I use the hashtag #TrustYouDopeness on social media as a reminder to myself and other to always believe in what you have to offer to the world. What is Carissa all about? I am a woman on a mission. I grew up in Strandfontein, Cape Town and I knew that I was born for more growing up, even if my surroundings didn’t reflect that. I’m curious, determined and a go-getter with a really big heart. Was presenting something you always wanted? I wanted to be an investigative journalist like Debora Patta from 3rd Degree (2000-2013). She’s inspiring! And what’s next for you? I’m working on a TLC talkshow titled Thando Bares All. It’s with Generations – The Legacy (1994- current, see p10) actress Thando Thabethe and will hopefully air sometime next year.