Over the years, Kim Kholiwe’s brand has grown from being just a dancer, model, and host to a successful businesswoman, influencer, reality TV star, and mommy to three-year-old Okuhle. And while wearing the many hats that fit perfectly on her head, the 35-year-old has signature things about her that make her, her. Her absolute favourite things.
She shares her favourite things with us.
My son
Do you know when you didn’t know you needed something until you had it? It is definitely my boy. He is such a blessing because, when I was engaged to my ex-fiancé, we tried for children for the longest time and just didn’t conceive. And I knew the problem was with me because he had kids. Okuhle was so unexpected. My pregnancy wasn’t easy at all, but seeing my healthy, a bubbly son is all the blessing I need. He motivates me to be better, to do better. I think about generational wealth, and he has fulfilled me in ways I didn’t know I needed.
Traveling
Traveling has exposed me to so much that no one can ever take it away. You get to experience other people’s cultures and ways of living, and that has a way of growing you as a person. Although I’ve had to pump my traveling brake a little, there are so many experiences that I can never forget. Like when I went to Paris around Christmas time. I loved the Christmas spirit, the snow, the shopping, and the close proximity of shops. Paris is a destination I’d love to visit again with my family.
Fashion
I just love looking good because that automatically translates to feeling good. And to be honest, I don’t put much effort into it, but through inspiration and what feels good in the moment, I find that people really love ensembles I put together. I love showing skin and always make sure that clothes work for my body.
Jewellery
I love all jewellery, but I love earrings more. I can rock any type of earring because I believe they look good on me. I’m so girly; I’m a diamond-and-pearl type of girl. Before my son, my favourite colour was pink, and almost everything in my house was pink. Pink kettles, pink couches—everything. But I’ve toned it down a little, but my girly side is still very much me. Diamonds and pearls are the perfect gift for me.
Perfumes
Equally to looking good, I love smelling good. I love sweet scents, and recently I have fallen in love with the Hibiscus Mahajad by Maison Crivelli. It’s a floral and fruity scent and is just so lovely—it makes me feel like a million bucks. I have so many perfumes and appreciate anyone who also appreciates scents. Smelling good is just a power move of some sort.
My home
I am suddenly a homebody, and I think Okuhle has everything to do with it. My friends don’t even invite me to things anymore. But within that, I have come to appreciate my home more, the comfort of it, and the energy that is in it. I love shopping for home decor stuff and get excited when my home gets a facelift of some sort. Maybe it’s growing up, but home is definitely my favorite place to be.
Friends
As we grow older, our circles become smaller, and I think the friends I have now just get me, and we complement each other. They are very supportive, and we are all appreciative of the different stages we are in in life. Most of my friends are married; we are parents now, and all that comes with boundaries. Healthy boundaries that say we are still very close, still very much love each other, but understand that we are growing.
Lunch dates
I personally don’t like cooking, but I am such a great cook. So, when given a chance, lunch dates are the way. Lately, I have had so many lunch dates with my son, and the prerequisites have changed. Before, I looked for Instagrammable places and didn’t really worry about the food. Now, it’s about the taste. The experience. We always look for places that create experiences with my son and friends.
My mother
Oh, my mom is just everything to me. I was raised by a single parent; although my father is very much alive, we never had a relationship, so my mother was the main parent. And she never made me feel like I needed my dad. She’s been holding it down alone. There’s a time when she had to get an operation as a cancer survivor, and she went alone, and I was only called to collect her. I couldn’t believe how strong she was. She’s my best friend; she knows everything about me and doesn’t judge me for anything. Instead, she encourages me to be my best self. I really appreciate her. She’s actually up there on the list.
Hair
Hair ties in with the love of looking good. I started my business in 2016 out of my love of hair, and that is because I am so good at spotting quality and finding great suppliers. Although that business went down, I am working towards re-establishing myself within that space. Hair makes me feel confident, adds personality to whatever outfit you wear, and has a way of boosting one’s confidence.