Image is very important to image guru and supermodel Doris Msibi. The owner of Capricorn Image Institute says she enjoys transforming people to be the best they can be, but still remain grounded and maintain their own individuality.

Contrary to popular belief that models only care about themselves, Msibi, who has been crowned Miss Soweto and Mrs SA Globe, says her modelling days taught her a lot about the importance of good appearance and how it boosts confidence.

She then decided to start a personal development programme to impart her skills and knowledge to her community.

Her programme, which teaches young people life skills that include personal grooming, self confidence and communication skills among others, has completely transformed many people.

Msibi, who oozes confidence and has amazingly kept her feet firmly on the ground despite the limelight, says her mission is to develop and work with people and to turn them into confident, well-groomed individuals who will see and appreciate their worth.

Q: How did you become an image consultant?

A: I have always been frustrated by beautiful people who do not know their worth and those intelligent people who think they don't need to look good because they have brains. Also people who understood the power of making positive impressions, but were not prepared to share their knowledge, pushed me to this path.

Q: You are a model, an entrepreneur, a television presenter and an image consultant. Would you say you have found your calling? If so, how has it changed your life?

A: I definitely believe that I am on the right path. My work and the different roles I play are a true reflection of who I am. This has changed me into a confident and self-motivated person who is not afraid to keep raising the bar.

Q: How do you balance these different roles?

A: With experience, I have come to realise that it is not possible to achieve complete balance. I take it a day at a time and what helps me remain sane is having my priorities in order.

Q: The common factor about your work is that they all bring you to the public eye. Was that deliberate?

A: Not at all. Instead, it came as a shock to everyone who knew me from my early years. Having been an "invisible" child, being in the public eye really pushed me out of my comfort zone. However, this has contributed positively towards my personal growth.

Q: What has been the highlight of your career?

A: Assisting people who had not been able to secure job appointments, because of the way they presented themselves, to get employed stands out for me.

Q: In your experience, what are the common mistakes women make when it comes to looking after themselves?

A: Dressing a size or two bigger than what they actually should be wearing just to cover up, being afraid to try make-up because they are not sure how to use it, not asking for help from professionals and not wearing the correct bra type and size.

Q: What can be done to rectify these mistakes?

A: Women should not be afraid to show off their feminine curves. They should also understand that wearing make-up doesn't make one cheap, it simply means that you care enough about yourself to spend some time and a little money on yourself. Make-up was made to help women highlight the beautiful features they already have.

Q: What fulfills you?

A: Most of the time I find myself in a position of being able to change or impact on someone else's life in a positive manner, that fulfills me.

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I am a God-fearing young woman with an old soul, who enjoys life's simple pleasures.

Q: What motivates you?

A: Knowing that I am living my life according to my Creator's plans for me. That's what gets me out of bed each morning.

Q: What legacy would you like to leave behind?

A: I would like to be remembered as the woman who opened up channels for black women in the image-consultancy industry.