Sky’s the limit for Alberton’s Sonmari
“I promised a little girl (my younger self) the world one day, and I intend to keep that promise.”
SONMARI Erasmus (21) is a talented Alberton model who is currently studying education at the University of the Witwatersrand. She will be competing in the Miss Tourism South Africa pageant on March 4, which she hopes will be a big turning point in her modelling career.
The RECORD got up close and personal with Sonmari to find out more about the girl behind the model.
1. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Port Elizabeth and grew up very happily close to the sea. We relocated to Johannesburg when I was eight years old. This was a very big turning point in my life but moving away from friends and family made me very independent and strong.
2. Where did you matriculate?
From Hoërskool Alberton in 2013. I loved high school and was always busy with something – I had the main role in a school play, took part in a ‘Doedie and Dude’ competition, was a member of the photo club, a cheerleader, a counsellor and I played hockey.
3. What did you do after school?
I went to study at Wits, where I am currently a fourth year education student. I hope to continue on to an honours degree in educational psychology and English.
4. Who inspired you with modelling?
I was first scouted in 2014, at Eastgate Shopping Centre, by Hanlery Bouwer, from Events by Hanlery, to compete in the Eastgate Look of Fashion. This sparked my modelling career and she has been an inspiration since. I am very grateful to her because if it wasn’t for her I probably would not have pursued a career in modelling. Another big inspiration for me was Michelle Howell. She is a beautiful model and helped me find my feet in the industry.
5. How long have you been modelling?
For four years – and I have achieved a lot in this short time.
6. What are your goals as a model?
To inspire women, young and old, to pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. If you can dream it, you can do it.
7. What does it take to become a model?
A lot of hard work, passion and dedication. Everyone always thinks it’s an “easy” job, but to really make it in this industry takes a lot of commitment and staying true to yourself.
8. What do you like most about modelling?
The ability to inspire others. Modelling offers a platform to show ones beauty and grace in your own unique way.
9. Who makes your pageant wear?
I have an excellent team that helps me get ready for pageants – Luzanne Heunis and Charne Heunis, from R.V.T Models, in Alberton, help me with my outfits and make-up. I am really grateful for their support and enjoy working with them.
10. Which titles have you won?
Quite a few – Miss Rivonia Photogenic 2016, Miss Ice Queen 2016, Queen of Alberton 1st Princess, Mej Lente 2nd Princess and Miss Dream Queen First Princess. I was also a finalist in the Eastgate Look of Fashion for two years in a row and have done photo shoots for Eastgate, Stuttafords, OREB and Jack Friedman.
11. What are your hobbies?
Ballet; I dance every Tuesday at a dancing school. I also love reading, especially classic novels, like Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, and painting.
12. Who is your role model and why?
Without a doubt my parents. My mother taught me that by working hard I can achieve anything and that nothing is impossible. My father taught me to enjoy the small things in life because they make everything worthwhile. They also taught me that life is not that complicated – we complicate things. Life is meant to be enjoyed. I can honestly say that without their help and guidance I would not be the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful to them for their love and support. I look up to them every day.
13. Who inspires you in life and why?
I inspire myself because I am the creator of my life. A big inspiration for me is Coco Chanel. She is the perfect example of the fact that you can achieve your dreams. She was an orphan and became one of the most iconic fashion designers in history. Her life showed me that there are no excuses and that all the power lies within you.
14. Are you involved with any community organisations?
Most of my pageants have a charity cause and that is also why I enter, because I love making a difference, I also regularly donate to the Animal Anti Cruelty League.
15. Best compliment you have ever received?
“You are beautiful from inside and out”. This compliment will stay with me for the rest of my life. A beautiful heart and personality is more important than just having a beautiful face and body.
16. How would you describe yourself?
I am a very positive, driven and self-motivated person. I love animals and teaching children. My strength is definitely my drive. Once I have goal in mind, nothing can stop me from achieving it. Another strength is my positivity; I have a very “can-do” attitude.
17. Which accomplishment are you most proud of?
Every day I accomplish something new that I am proud of, regardless of how small it is. I set daily goals for myself and try to achieve them, but a big accomplishment that I am proud of is myself. Who and what I am now. I am the product of my past and present, my happiness, my sacrifices, my mistakes and my successes have all helped to shape who I am and I am proud of myself.
20. What’s your super power and your spirit animal?
My super power, I would say, is my friendly character and my passion for modelling. My spirit animal is definitely a unicorn; I love them. I am definitely a giver. I feel that giving, even in the smallest way, is better than receiving.
21. Favourite hangout?
My favourite hangout would be in a hall practicing on the ramp or in the sun next to the pool. I love being at home and having time to myself to read a good book or play with my dogs.
22. Three things you can’t live without?
My GPS, God, my parents and my shoes (ok, that’s four).
23. Favourite song?
Pink – Bridge of Light.
24. What are you afraid of?
Not achieving the wonderful goals I set for myself. I promised a little girl (my younger self) the world one day, and I intend to keep that promise.
25. Something people don’t know about you?
I really enjoy science fiction and fantasy books and movies because they open your mind to new possibilities.
27. How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?
I try to take everything day by day and I pace myself very carefully.
28. What is your life motto and why?
“Fairy tales are more than true – they not only show us that dragons exist but that dragons can be beaten”. This reminds me that even though there are obstacles in life, I can always overcome them.
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