Meet Sasha-Lee, Miss South Africa runner-up
“My mother could never have suspected that I would start working as a model,” says Sasha-Lee Olivier.
Sasha-Lee Olivier, born in Eden Park and longtime resident of Alberton, was named runner-up in the Miss South Africa pageant.
However, pageantry was not her first love and her career as a model was not something that her family expected of her growing up.
“My mother could never have suspected that I would start working as a model,” said Sasha-Lee.
Growing up, she enjoyed spending time playing outside or enjoying playing video games on her trusty Nintendo console.
“I was more interested in games than in other stuff,” said Sasha-Lee.
During her journey in the Miss South Africa pageant, Sasha-Lee had the opportunity to live out what she describes as every gamer’s dream.
“We had the opportunity to take to the race track thanks to one of the sponsors and drive around like in a video game.”
She does say that she learnt she might not be the best person to ask if you need a rapid reverse park though.
Best part is coming home
The original draw to modelling, according to Sasha-Lee, was the opportunity to travel.
“In the start, we travelled a lot and I could experience new places.”
Now, later in her career, she says the best part is coming home after a shoot and relax and be in her own space.
“The work can get very busy and shooting out of season for coming fashion is a challenge.”
Sasha-Lee says her way to cope with the stress of her busy life is hitting the gym.
“I love going to the gym and exercising.”
Aside from that, she has a profound love for nature and enjoys spending time outside.
Sasha-Lee is currently pursuing a double major at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and at the same time working on promoting her own business as a young entrepreneur.
“Its hard work,” she said. “There are a lot of early mornings where you have to make sure the right people are speaking to each other and doing what is necessary.
Family is important
Family plays an important part in Sasha-Lee’s life.
“During the competition, my mother was my biggest supporter,” said Sasha-Lee.
“She would contact me every morning and give me a little inspirational quote to get through the day.”
She has a definite love for Alberton and the South, where she grew up, and describes it as one of her favourite places. “It is almost like a village where people know each other,” she said.
Sasha-Lee says one of the women who was an inspiration for her during her Miss South Africa journey was Amy Kleinhans-Curd, who was crowned Miss South Africa in 1992.
“She took part in a time that was tumultuous and her decision to not carry her country’s flag was an inspiration to me,” Sasha-Lee said.
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