HYPE
November 22, 2024
Kamogelo Mopai's unfinished business
Personnel Kamogelo Mopai
Story by Deon Stubbs
Photography by Theo Moetse & Nhlanhla Sithole
Makeup by Self
Hair by Mona’s Remy Selection
Kamogelo Mopai walks into a room with the kind of presence that turns heads and ignites curiosity. Her story is one of bold risks, relentless ambition, and the sheer audacity to pursue her passions across industries that many wouldn’t dare navigate. From crafting bespoke fragrances for fine dining establishments to mentoring young professionals on career readiness, she’s not just building a career—she’s crafting a legacy.
“I’ve always been a girl with big dreams,” Kamogelo says, her voice steady with conviction. “But those dreams didn’t always have a clear picture. What I knew was the kind of woman I wanted to become: someone in charge of her own destiny.” That clarity of purpose has propelled her through a journey as diverse as it is inspiring, marked by calculated leaps of faith and the resilience to weather failures along the way.
Her path wasn’t a straight line. She recalls failing her Financial and Information Systems major in university, a moment that could have defined her. Instead, she used it as a pivot point. While preparing to retake her exams, she started helping her mother’s Executive Search business. That temporary detour became a passion, and soon, Kamogelo found herself deeply immersed in the world of recruitment and career strategy. “I spent my 20s in that space, learning and growing,” she reflects. “Eventually, I became a subject matter expert.” That expertise now fuels her mission to empower others, particularly young people navigating competitive job markets. Through mentorship programs, career coaching, and public speaking, she’s helping a new generation define and achieve their goals. “Reigniting hope,” she says with a smile, “is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
But Kamogelo’s story doesn’t end in boardrooms and mentorship sessions. She’s equally at home in the world of art and innovation. Her unexpected foray into fragrance creation began on an ordinary evening at her favorite restaurant. The owner, intrigued by her scent, casually asked her about it. Days later, Kamogelo had crafted a signature fragrance, Ayeri, for the restaurant’s club, a project that was both wildly successful and utterly unexpected. “It started with a meal,” she laughs. “Any excuse to enjoy good food, right?” Her approach to fragrance creation is as meticulous as it is intuitive. Before developing a scent, she immerses herself in the restaurant’s atmosphere—its ambiance, menu, and energy. “It’s about creating a sensory signature,” she explains, “something diners will associate with their experience long after they’ve left.”
Kamogelo’s ability to balance artistry and strategy is perhaps most evident in her work managing artists in corporate spaces. “It’s a dance,” she says, “between creative freedom and corporate expectations.” By fostering open communication and aligning the visions of both artists and stakeholders, she creates collaborations that are as impactful as they are authentic. Her versatility extends to the digital realm, where she maintains a vibrant TikTok presence focused on beauty, shopping, and lifestyle. For Kamogelo, social media is more than a pastime—it’s a platform for connection and influence. “I share causes and issues I’m passionate about,” she says, using her stories to spark dialogue and raise awareness. Her followers don’t just watch; they engage, turning her platform into a space for learning and community building.
Juggling multiple roles might seem overwhelming, but Kamogelo has a system. “If it’s not in my diary, it doesn’t exist,” she says, matter-of-factly. Her days are a masterclass in structured productivity: starting with prayer and meditation, tackling administrative tasks in the early hours, and carving out time for solo dining or walks with music blasting. “Walking or driving with my favorite songs? That’s therapy,” she says.
Her hobbies, which include boxing, hiking, and exploring new dining spots, provide a balance to her otherwise fast-paced life. Even sharing her day on social media becomes an outlet for creativity and self-care. “Sometimes, letting people into my world is as rejuvenating as a good hike,” she quips.
Kamogelo draws inspiration from the “badasses” in her life—friends who have built thriving businesses in beauty, fashion, and other industries. “Their success stories push me to show up as my most authentic self,” she says. And show up she does. In every project she undertakes, Kamogelo brings a unique blend of integrity, innovation, and heart.
Looking ahead, her ambitions are as expansive as her resume. She dreams of making her fragrance brand a household name across Africa, establishing a career coaching empire, earning a seat on Fortune 500 boards, and becoming the go-to manager for artists navigating corporate spaces. Her roadmap to success? Staying adaptable, setting clear goals, and showing up authentically in every endeavor.
For anyone aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Kamogelo’s advice is both practical and profound: “Embrace opportunities. Take calculated risks. Set clear goals. And don’t forget to take care of yourself.” Her journey is proof that success isn’t just about chasing dreams—it’s about crafting them with intention, passion, and a whole lot of courage.
