International queen from humble beginnings

Looking at the current Miss KwaZulu Natal 2016 and recently crowned Miss Hope International 2017, you would never say that this striking lady started her Ballito life as a house maid.

“After I finished my A levels in my home country, Zimbabwe, I could not afford to go to university. I did people’s hair, saved money and came to Ballito about eight years ago. I worked as a house maid and then found a job at Pick n Pay at the Ballito Junction, where I worked for one and a half years, saving up to do a course as a dental assistant,” said Natalie Memory, who was initially blown away by all the food in Pick n Pay.

“I could not believe how much food people have here. In Zimbabwe we used to say a guy was a real catch if he could buy you a slice of pizza, because we had no food.

“Here, I just ate and ate until I weighed 102 kilograms. That is when I decided to take control and lose weight. I now weigh about 52 kilograms.”

Memory soon discovered that she is a natural sales lady and started doing promotions on the side.

“I can sell anything. I could pick leaves off a tree and sell them!”

Noticed for her inner and outer beauty, she started entering pageants including Miss Ballito 2014 where she made the Top 12 and was awarded the Miss Congeniality title.

“I have the most beautiful heart, but I am not a pretty girl. I use my brains and my heart to get where I am,” said the humble 26-year-old who has claimed various titles including former Miss Heritage International Zimbabwe, Miss Upper Highway and made top three in the Face of the World pageant.

Memory also plays various ambassador roles for brands such as Raw Juice, Posh Salon and VFK.

The ambitious beauty is also stepping into the business world with her own modeling agency, Aloisia Models, based at Sugar Dance, Ballito.

“There are so many beautiful girls here with so much talent, but not everyone can afford to go to fancy modeling agencies. I hope to give these girls a chance to reach their dreams through Aloisia Models.”

She will also be involved in the organisation of various pageants around Africa and plans to launch her own clothing range soon.

“This year is going to be so exciting! I have so many amazing opportunities and I look forward to all the international traveling I will do for Miss Hope International, which focuses on bringing hope and making a positive impact in the world through empowerment and education for all.”

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