Tracy Mokgopo is someone who seems to be making sure her every next move is her best move.

Written By Sizwe Shabalala

Fashion enthusiast, model, set designer and just all-round multidisciplinary creative, growing up in Thembisa, a multicultural township with dissimilar people that were very embracing, was one of Tracy’s early experiences of an inclusive society. She recalls how, one of her Xhosa neighbours could speak fluent SePedi and the other Sotho neighbour was fluent in XiTsonga and it was all just very normal.

Growing up in a township and attending a Model C school in the suburbs made her hyper-aware of social classes very early in her life.

“I also noticed the nuances in treatment which was awful,” she says, as she recalls the realization. “I understood early that it doesn't matter where you come from, you can achieve anything. It's not going to be easy but it is 100% possible.”

Some of her childhood influences that planted the creative seeds that she now works hard at nurturing and growing, include a whole lot of TV watching and magazine content consumption. She recalls a time when she would attentively read the style sections and credits so she could memorise designer names featured in various publications. “Watching America’s Next Top Model and Fashion TV almost daily really narrowed it down that I loved fashion and would pursue it despite my family wanting me to do something corporate and square.”

Music videos were also a big part of unlocking her creative side and kept that fire burning inside of her. “I had the biggest obsession with Brandy! She could sing, act and dressed so well. I still remember the essay I wrote on her in grade 3.”

When Tracy finally managed to convince her mother that going the corporate route just wouldn’t work out for her, she landed in fashion school and, even though she wasn’t there for long, it was enough to get a taste of how demanding the industry can be.

“My experience in fashion school was bittersweet and eye opening. They certainly weren't lying about the workload and ridiculous hours (that part was excruciating). I think it affirmed that I was on the right track more than anything. My time there was technically scant but also effective and I'm grateful that my mom finally let me go... even though I ended up dropping out.

*Image Credit: Travys Owen for Thebe Magugu*

These days, modeling tends to overlap with fashion/beauty influencer work quite often and with social media being what it is today, putting yourself out there can sometimes be a brutal experience. The importance of equipping yourself with tools to help navigate the world of social media, especially when a big part of your job relies on being present on social media, is something that many people struggle with.

“Adapting to everything was also a struggle too but I think I'm doing okay now. There's a saying that goes, ‘change or die’ and even though it's so volatile, it best explains everything.”

Digital marketing has changed the game and influencer marketing has basically changed how many brands approach their strategies. Tracy admits that, for her, it has been a weird space to navigate and wrap her head around. “I think having to accept that things aren't the way they used to be. An influencer can get to be the face of something just based off the number of followers and traction they'll bring to the brand which is a mind-boggle.”

*Image Credit: Francesco Mbele for Xzavier Zulu’s Adidas Upcycled collection*

Being a creative that wears so many hats, from modeling, influencing, fashion, set designer and so much more, it’s admirable to see how well Tracy has managed to show up at the highest level on every occasion. “I don't think I have found balance yet; I think I'm still trying to figure it out. There are times when I think I got it which feels great and there are times when it feels like I'm juggling too many balls at the same time.” Tracy admits that she hates settling for mediocrity and genuinely wants everything she does to be brilliant and even though delegating time for everything is still a challenge, she is optimistic she’ll get there.

“My dedication and determination to what I do, all that I do, are some of the key factors I can pinpoint for my success thus far. Being a creative isn't a walk in the park but I don't have thoughts about giving up or feeling like it isn't worth it. I know that the journey isn't linear but that is the beauty of it all.”

*Image Credit: Nqaba Mnyameni for NIVEA*

While reflecting on her journey, when asked about how she defines success outside of her work and career, she says, “I read a quote a week ago by Toni Morrison: ‘For me, success is not a public thing. It's a private thing. It's when you have fewer and fewer regrets’ and blew my mind! I relate to it fully. I don't think I would've been able to articulate it better than her.”

A few years in and with some skin in the game, Tracy is now focused on working smarter, not harder. Granted, there is still a lot to learn and experience but she is focused on what she can control right now. From a mental health standpoint, she says she is working on not being in her head too much. “Overthinking is probably the biggest challenge for me. Unlearning it daily and getting better at it is so freeing and I know that the less I do it, the better I'll become.”

*Image Credit: Ongaphotos and LethaboSix*

Even though her career is still in its early years, Tracy has won over so many people with her authenticity and has landed on various successful campaigns and exhibitions. Those who are familiar with her work in the various creative spaces she works in will agree that Tracy has only just scratched the surface of what she can bring to the table. “Being able to work with people I look up to is one of the best things ever. My mom gloating about me also feels great.”