Photographer: Meluleki Sibanda
Lorna Maseko affectionately known as ‘Lorns’ and South Africa’s culinary princess, comes from humble beginnings.
Born and raised in Alexandra township in Gauteng, she’s proved she is a woman who can wear many hats and excel at all she puts her mind to.
After fourteen years gracing the stage as a Prima ballerina at the South African Ballet Theatre, she turned her attention to the small screen. The multi-talented media personality rose to fame as a presenter on SABC3’s show Top Billing and on her cooking show The Hostess on SABC 3 plus she’s an avid entrepreneur with companies in advertising as well as the mining sector.
Lorna also recently published her own cookbook Celebrate in which she shares her food journey and where her deep passion for food started. She lets us in on who her mentors are and all the different kinds of food she’s tried all over the world and what inspiration she has taken from her travels.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND HOW YOU GREW UP?
I grew up in one of the poorest townships in South Africa, Alexandra. My parents did whatever they could to ensure we have the best childhood. Because my parents worked hard to give us a good home, they took me to one of the first schools that allowed black kids to attend. I started ballet and as they say, the rest is history.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR MANY JOBS?
I think setting my goals and fulfilling them is my favourite part of what I do. I love the fact that everything I do, encapsulates elements of my personality.
WITH SUCH A BUSY LIFESTYLE HOW DO YOU KEEP THE BALANCE BETWEEN WORK, SOCIAL AND FAMILY LIFE?
I don’t believe there’s a balance; I believe there are different rhythms in the different seasons of your life. To put it in dance terms, one season is a slow adage (slow and graceful), then it’s a wild crump but the most important thing is that you’re always keeping it moving.
BESIDES COOKING UP A STORM, WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO FOR LEISURE?
I enjoy playing golf, catching up on my favourite shows on Netflix – always food or a crime-related series. A strange combination yes, but it works for me. I also enjoy spending time with my loved ones.
PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING FANS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU.
I love watching documentaries on how people survive prison or got into prison such as Girls Incarcerated, 60 Days In A Happy Jail, the list goes on and on.
SHARE WITH US THE JOURNEY LEADING TO PUBLISHING YOUR COOKBOOK?
It was quite a personal one because I had to tap into where I grew up, how I grew up and it really took me back and made me realise how far I’ve come. Don’t get me twisted – I still have a long way to go but it really allowed me to reflect.
YOUR FAVOURITE CHAPTER OF YOUR BOOK IS?
It’s a memoir through food, so I can’t really say one chapter is better than another because each element and part of my book has contributed to the woman I am today.
WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO IN LIFE?
I always say keep it moving. I think my relationship with God keeps me grounded and is truly my anchor.
WHAT KEEPS YOU FOCUSED?
It’s about staying true to who you are and working hard towards your goal. Research, perseverance, patience all plays a part. Love what you do because that will keep you going on days you don’t feel like it.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE GIVEN YOURSELF 10 YEARS AGO?
Failure is not the end of it but more steps to success.
WHAT’S NEXT IN LINE FOR LORNA?
Having so much happening, a cookbook tour in South Africa. I have an amazing campaign for December and will continue doing amazing work with my family at Tanqueray and Mercedes Benz.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OUR JET CLUB READERS ABOUT REACHING FOR YOUR DREAMS?
Never give up, keep going. Be unapologetic about your dreams and goals.
Follow Lorna on:
Instagram: @lornamaseko
Facebook: @LornaMaseko
Twitter: @Lorns_Maseko
Youtube: Lorna With A Pinch Of Salt
CELEBRATE LIFE AND FOOD WITH LORNA MASEKO
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
October 23, 2019
Rating:
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
October 23, 2019
Rating:
