Jacqueline Tunyiswa | “20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign Experience

Where are you from, and where have you settled? 

I am from the city of Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape, and now settled in Gauteng since April 2025.

3 words your friends would use to describe you? 

Encourager, Cultural Queen, Diligent

What is your big, hairy audacious dream? 

I want to live closer to my family and be a part of their lives. I’ve been living this dream for about five weeks now.

There’s something deeply grounding about showing up fully for the people who matter the most.

What was your journey to your current career, and what drew you to it? 

What does success look and feel like for you?

Being brave. It’s like that moment when the bungee jump guide pulled the rope and helped me back after conquering my fear: exhilarating, terrifying, and ultimately liberating.

Success, to me, is doing the thing that scares you, and realising you were strong enough all along.

How do you start your day? What does your morning routine involve?

I start with praising and praying.

It’s my way of aligning with peace and purpose before the noise of the world sets in. It sets the tone for my day and reminds me that I’m not walking alone.

What do you enjoy doing most and why?

I enjoy makeup time, getting creative with colour patterns, shapes, and dots over my face and eyebrows. “Face card never declines, like a credit card!

Just like a credit card! It’s where my inner artist meets my outer queen.

Is there a woman who inspires you and really stands out for you and why?

What is a personal mantra or quote that motivates you?

What is the one thing you wish more people knew about you?

I love spending time alone. Solitude is where I recharge, reconnect, and reflect.

It’s not loneliness, it’s presence. And it’s deeply sacred to me.

What personality characteristics do you love about yourself?

What is your greatest strength, and how has it helped you on your journey?

Perseverance.

No matter the task or the challenge, I won’t rest until it’s accomplished.

It’s this tenacity that helped me grow my career, overcome setbacks, and build a life I’m proud of. I don’t give up.

I dig deep and keep going.

What does self-confidence mean to you and how have you cultivated it?

I am a Cultural Queen, and I invest in my Personal Branding. When you see me, you’ll know it.

Self-confidence is knowing who you are and honouring it, unapologetically.

What are you most proud of in your business/personal life?

My faith and resilience.

These two forces have carried me through life’s storms and helped me rise time and time again. They are the pillars of my strength.

If you could share a piece of business advice for someone starting out, what would it be?

Spend more time researching and preparing your project, your body, physically and mentally, before strapping on your roller skates.

Once you’re grounded, you’ll find your flow. Don’t rush into the spotlight before doing the backstage work.

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

How did you feel about being photographed?

It’s the first time I’ve allowed a photographer to get under my skin, right into my heart, and in that vulnerability still feel safe and resolute.

You created a space where I felt seen, not just as I appear, but as I am. That’s rare, and I’ll never forget it.

What feelings emerged when you saw your portraits for the first time?

I’m the Daughter of the Most High, but in business and family alike. I was now looking at the real Queen in all her natural splendour, for real!

To experience and accept this truth, this new version of myself, was amazing. I felt beautiful, mature, and Blessed.

My heart was awakened to all the stories that have shaped who I have become until that moment.