Style Star

January Style Star: Tatum Keshwar

Shashi Naidoo is a young woman who is surely destined for great
things, if her successes of 2008 are anything to go by. This gorgeous Port
Elizabeth-born actress, model, TV presenter, and businesswoman appeared on the
cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine’s September 2008 edition, was named one of Cosmo’s
Awesome Women for 2008, was voted 14^th sexiest woman in the world by
FHM SA, and appears on the current FHM cover.

But it’s not all about beauty; this savvy 28 year old is
making the most out of her various career projects as she moulds her best life,
and there is no doubt her mind is set on making it big in business, while
maintaining a balanced life, which includes being the mother who makes the best
chocolate chip cookies in the world!

Four years after catching the public’s eye doing various
acting and presenting gigs, including co-hosting the e.tv magazine show
20Something, Shashi now co-hosts the youth magazine show EMS Volume 1 on SABC
1. She also co-owns a youth marketing and events company Vigor8, as well as a
model and stylist management company, called Alushi.

Shashi describes her personal style as feminine and
original with a touch of Eastern flair. Her best style moment is whenever she
wears a David Tlale creation.

Find out more about Shashi’s style philosophy below as she
opens up about her exciting life!

Introducing gsport’s December Style Star, Shashi Naidoo!

What is your full
name?

Shashi Naidoo

Do you have
nicknames? How did you get them, and what do they mean?

My friends call me Sushi & Sasha, when I’ve had more
than my limit of one glass of wine.

How old are you?

28 years.

Where do you live?

Norwood, Johannesburg.

What is your highest
qualification?

I studied chiropractic.

Which do you prefer
(and why): radio or television?

Definitely TV, I actually dreamt of having my own TV show
from the age of five, and its odd because even after all my years of TV
experience, the minute I get behind a radio mic, I become extremely nervous.

What are your current
business interests?

I co-own a youth marketing and events
company Vigor8, as well as a model and stylist management company, called Alushi.

What are your current
projects?

My main focus at the moment is driving forward Alushi, with
the hope of being one of the most recognised and successful agencies in South Africa.
My primary role within the agency is marketing and strategic development, I do,
however enjoy having a hands-on approach, and therefore get involved in the
day-to-day running of the office.

How long have you
been in the entertainment industry?

Roughly four years.

What did you do
before then?

I studied chiropractic for five years at the University of Johannesburg, and did two years’ of
internship at the chiropractic clinic in Doornfontein.

You’ve had quite a
successful year, tell us about some of the highlights of 2008?

I did a three-month stint at Egoli playing Sureshni Patel.
What I loved most about the role was that it was quite challenging, because at
one point my character is kidnapped and becomes a heroin addict.

I was on the cover of Cosmopolitan in September, and also
had the honour of being recognised as one of the Cosmo Awesome Women of 2008.

I was voted the 14th sexiest woman in the world by FHM SA,
featured in the 2008 FHM Calendar, and I currently appear on their cover.

I was the headliner for the Woolworths 2008 celebrity
campaign.

I was voted no. 84 in the Heat Hot 100 celebrities.

… and of course, being nominated as the December Style Star
for gsport! … It really has been a great year!

How are you dealing
with life as a celebrity?

I awake every morning and, just like everyone else I go to
work. The only time I am really aware of the fact that my job is different from
most people’s is when something happens, like being asked for an autograph.

The entertainment industry has great perks … Meeting
incredibly talented, creative and sometimes famous people, and it has allowed
me to see the world. Although I have to say, so many people aspire to an
illusive concept of fame, and equate it with success.

The sad truth is you’re only as successful as your last
project. The industry is ruthless … You can be at the top of your game today,
and gone tomorrow.

How would you
describe your personal style and how has it evolved over the years?

Feminine and original, with a touch of eastern flair. I was
over the moon when yellow-gold came back on the fashion scene.

Tell us about your
best style moment.

Anytime I step out in a David Tlale creation.

Who are some of the
style icons you look up to?

David Tlale, because he challenges conventional thinking… I
love the unpredictability of his designs. I also love Kate Moss. She wears what
she likes, sets the trends, never follows them and breaks every rule while
always looking fabulous.

What is the best
style advice you’ve received?

My mother told me to always wear underwear that fits.

Which are your
favourite fashion labels?

Jimmy Choo & Louis Vuitton.

Where do you enjoy
shopping?

I love Zara and Mango, and just about any label that sounds
like an exotic fruit. I also spend a lot to time in local stores too – Hilton
Weiner, Woolworths and Jenny Button are my staple diet, when it comes to office
attire.

What is always in
your handbag?

My blackberry, my wallet, eight-hour cream, Mac studio fix,
Smint (no Smint no kiss!).

Tell us about your
beauty routines?

I cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and night. I
prefer to spend my money on better skincare products (Dermologica is my first
choice), rather than on lots of make-up to cover up bad skin.

What advice do you
have for women struggling to find their style groove?

Find a signature trait -skinny jeans, accessories, a big
bag or chunky belt, and then build your outfit around that. Stick to the basics
and what is comfortable for you!

gsport strives to
celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity and what role does it
play in your life?

Femininity is representative of nurturing, life-giving
qualities, creativity and openness to those around; these are attributes which
I regard highly, and try to instill in my everyday life.