Jo-Mari Bosman | “20 Women, 20 Stories” Women’s Portrait Campaign Experience

I am originally from the beautiful Jacaranda city, Pretoria, and I relocated 6 years ago to magical Cape Town.

3 words that your friends would use to describe you?

Loyal, Independent, Wise

What is your big, audacious dream? (that sometimes keeps you awake at night) If you are already
living it, please share.

Can you share how your journey in your current career began, and what drew you to it?

 I loved playing dress-up as a child & made my Barbie custom clothes. So naturally I started to design clothing while still at school & eventually did a Fashion Design course after I completed matric. In a completely pre-digital world & by sheer luck, I saw an ad in the newspaper for a Window Dresser at Foschini & the rest as they say, is history. For the next 24 years I worked in Visual Merchandising at some of the major fashion retailers across South Africa as well as a stint in the UAE. The last 7 years I’ve had  the privilege to work in the crazy world of Marketing which has taught me so much more about people, their shopping behaviour & what works in a retail space.

We all have different versions of what success means to us. What does success look and feel like to
you?
Success is ultimately attached to what you value in life. Personally, I believe that success is whatever meaning you attach to it. 

In my case, it’s going home, knowing that I gave my best after a working day and being content & grateful for my life. Not chasing something or being chased by something.

What does your morning routine involve? Please share how you start your day.

Stretch, shower, dress & drink some rooibos & drive to work with a great playlist.

What is the thing you enjoy doing the most, (not business related and why?)

Spending time doing all the things I love- reading, painting, decorating, listening to music, time in nature, going to the theatre & quality time with my friends.

Is there a woman who stands out for you, who really inspires you? This can be someone in your
close circle, or someone you don’t know personally, for example, an author or podcast host, or
other.
I read a book about Joan of Arc’s life & sacrifice when I was in school & it had a great impact on me. To me, she is an eternal symbol of faith, braver,y and conviction. She stayed true to her belief even when all the odds were stacked against her- her age, gender & faith. In my personal circle, it’s my mom, Marthina, sister Carlie & niece Gia that represent three generations of women that live & share their faith, joy & generosity with others.

What is a personal mantra or quote that motivates you?

“Alis volat propriis” is a Latin phrase that means “She flies with her own wings”

What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I appreciate having a one-on-one conversation much more than being in a crowd or big groups of people.

What personality characteristic/s do you love about yourself?

That I am perfectly content to just be by myself & listen & observe what is going on around me.

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

Adaptability. I moved a few times to new destinations & started new positions where I did not know anyone. I quickly learned to observe, learn & adapt to new environments & people. It has also taught me to respect other people’s reality & different points of view. Overall, it makes you understand the world around you much better.

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

If you can go out by yourself, travel alone or enjoy doing things on your own without a partner or friends & still manage to have a great time, you will be ok in any situation.

Self-confidence is not always the loudest voice in the room.

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

I have maintained valuable and meaningful friendships throughout my life and career.  I still have my childhood friends, as well as friends across the globe and in business.

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

Be humble, patient, and grateful.  Good things will come your way when the time is right. Work in different cities and countries and explore the world around you.

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

Believe more in your abilities. Make smarter decisions with your money & always have a plan B in all situations.

If you have a website link, please share.
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It was a surreal experience as I am used to being on set, behind the scenes on fashion campaign shoots.

I am not a selfie kind of person, and to see pictures of myself as someone else sees me was quite eye-opening.

It was truly an amazing experience and made me feel at ease with myself.

Hair and makeup:  Donna Hay