LISTEN: Glen Marais pop artist shares her new single
Not only is Stefani a singer/songwriter, but she’s the founder of a company that retails ‘period panties’ online.
A Glen Marais muso and entrepreneur (24) is about to release her new single Undone which she wrote herself.
Boksburg-born Stefani, a singer/songwriter, moved to Kempton Park five years ago.
“Music stems from my love of performing since I was five. I used to stand in front of our TV, watching Michael Jackson. However, I used to dance before I discovered my ability to sing,” she told Express.
Stefani started singing when she entered a Hannah Montana singing competition at Greenstone Mall in 2008. She was 12. She won the competition with a cover of one of Miley Cyrus’ early career hits, I got Nerve.
Music runs in the family. Her dad used to be a muso in the 80s, inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode. However, he was discouraged by his parents, who convinced him to find a more stable career. “My dad told me to go for it, and he supports me greatly in my music.”
Click here to listen to her song
Undone will be her second single. She previously released Hold on.
“My music career started after school when I wrote songs for DJs. They would mix my songs with their beats.
“With my latest singles, it was all my words, my experiences and emotions.”
For her, songwriting is a release from her busy schedule. “I used to write poetry from a very young age and it developed into music.”
As a graduate in performing arts, Stefani also ventured into acting. “I did drama at school and also played a small English role on 7de Laan, which was cool,” she said with giggles.
“I love bringing a message to people and being in front of a camera, and always have.”
Stefani is also an entrepreneur, founder and director of Feel Good & Co. “It’s an online store which sells padded underwear, imported from Australia. It basically eliminates the need for conventional female sanitation products.”
As part of her company’s social responsibility approach, she runs a social media programme that encourages people to donate underwear, pads or sanitary products for underprivileged girls in schools.
She has about 10 000 followers on Instagram. On her pages she shares more ‘behind the scenes’ footage and posts to inspire women, especially in the area of body positivity.
“I try not to take myself seriously on social media. It’s supposed to be fun,” she said.
Follow Stefani on Instagram and Facebook @stefanixoxxo to find out more about what this triple-threat artist is like in her busy everyday life.
