She offers hope to aspiring young models
Maite Makgato is the founder of ITE Creations, a modelling company that does modelling, fashion design, face painting and is a beauty salon.
POLOKWANE – Model, singer, face painter, make-up artist and hairdresser, Maite Makgato (21) hails from Thakgalang-Nobody.
“Where you come from does not affect your success, success is the reward for your hard work and determination” Makgato, ITE Creations.
“I started modelling in 2010 when I was 15 years old. Being a model is not just about having a beautiful face and body, you need a beautiful heart and personality. You also have to be smart. I was always interested in modelling, but I was scared to try it. My friend, Emily Malebati, is a model and she encouraged me to try modelling,” says Makgato.
“I manage and train female models for free because I noticed many young girls are interested in modelling but they cannot afford the monthly fees most modelling agencies charge. I help young aspiring models for free with the experience I have gained in the industry thus far.”
Makgatho is involved with the Lifetime of Love Foundation which helps premature babies and their mothers. They donate nappies, beanies and socks to the babies and sanitary towels to their mothers.
What/who inspires her
“My mother is one of my biggest inspirations. She is a hard worker and doesn’t depend on anyone to do things for her. If she needs something, she is not afraid to get up and work hard to get it. She has achieved so many things in her life and that is why I will always admire her.
Who is her role model
One of my modelling role models is Katryn Barwise, Miss Limpopo 2012 and Miss Humanity International 2014. She is from Polokwane and I admire her because she is a hardworking and determined woman.
Makgato told Review that she has entered 18 beauty pageants since she started modelling in 2010 of which she won 17.
Last year she won several beauty titles: Miss Valentine Polokwane 2015 (first princess), Face of Limpopo 2015 (first princess), Miss Kierieklapper 2015 (second princess), and Miss Limpopo 2015.
She has been a judge at 50 beauty pageants and was featured in Ngola Lekgothoane’s music video, 7 Women 1 Man.
She says the biggest challenge she has come across was fear. “I always felt threatened by other models, wondering how I could a chance to win in pageants. I confided in my mother about my insecurities and she prayed with me. This gave me hope and courage to pursue my dreams. The fact is, you will never be successful if you keep running away from your fears. Nothing in this world is impossible. Your presence and confidence automatically liberates those around you,” she concludes
