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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay local Berenice Paulson (née Kogana) has a regular radio slot on Eden FM and she has organised an annual women's conference in town for a number of years.
Berenice works for the municipality and is a familiar face in the community. She enjoys fashion and is always well turned out.
Photo gallery: Style icon Berenice Paulson
The Mossel Bay Advertiser interviewed her on her personal style and her lifestyle.
1.You are so gentle, such a leader of women. How do you do it?
My life and our lives are not for ourselves. The bad and the good are to glorify God. It is my responsibility to show the goodness of God always.
2. You’re also joyful.
I've had some very bad days and months. But I pledge to myself that I will always celebrate myself. There's always something to be thankful for.
3.What is it like being a radio personality?
I love being on radio. I love people and I love talking. It's my fifth year on radio and from day one I told myself: ''I'm here to uplift one person." It's about changing our community one by one. I do a talk show, Woman to Woman, every second Monday night on Eden FM
4. You have just got married. It happened suddenly. Tell us about this.
Everyone thinks it's sudden, but actually I married a man with whom I have been friends for years. Our friendship changed to romance, but I kept it private. My opinion is that a boyfriend is just a boyfriend; there's no covenant. Marriage is what we must flaunt and celebrate. So yes, we married on 20 March, a Friday evening, in a private, intimate, beautiful celebration.
One of my characteristics is, I like to be different
5. On a style note, you always look good. You are always well turned out and your look is current. Speak about this.
Yes, I love fashion and style. Style says a lot about the inside. I dress for the mirror. I love to explore and think outside of the box.
6.You are feminine in your clothing choice. It’s all about dresses or otherwise ladylike things. Describe your personal style.
I love a dress. I was in uniform for years as a traffic officer and felt so manly. Now that I have the opportunity to embrace my femininity, I go all out. There's just something beautiful about a woman in a dress.
I love girly clothes and also formal clothes. It depends on the occasion. I'm also brave when it comes to fashion: I go for short or tight, but still respectable.
7. Do you go to the shops or buy things online?
I'm very old fashioned in that area. I love to try something on. I wear clothes from any shop.
8. Looking good takes time. Women are more under pressure than ever before, now that the economy is depressed and life has become extremely serious and pared down. What is your advice for women now?
Shop with beauty in mind and not brands. You can turn heads with an inexpensive outfit. It's how you carry yourself. Shop according to your personality and not what the next girl wears. And yes, you may wear the same outfit twice. Just add an accessory, such as a scarf or belt.
9. Briefly tell us your history and how you arrived at where you are now.
I was a single mom for 11 years. I have a daughter. I was a traffic officer at the Mossel Bay Municipality for 13 years. I went on radio as a guest speaker and was offered a full time slot. I'm back at the municipality as a process clerk at the Municipal Court.
I love writing and am proud that three of my works have been published.
I'm also a public speaker and have had the opportunity to speak on different platforms. I love women and organise events for them in Mossel Bay. For three years I have held an event the day before Mother's Day. It has been a huge success. There are still more coming. I pray God will use me now in my new capacity as a married woman.
10.You have a strong personal faith. Tell us about your beliefs and how they influence your life and what you do.
Yes, I'm a woman of faith. My life is directed by faith. Every decision is driven by faith. We steer our lives either through faith or fear. I chose faith and never was I disappointed.
I've had to make many huge decisions in life. I could never do it on my own. I've learned that when God wants you to do something or take steps, he will only reveal it to you. It's a lonely road.
You will have to trust Him and Him alone. People will not understand. It's fine; they don't have to. People won't always approve. It's fine; they did not get the revelation. Before I make a decision in faith I make sure I have a scripture to back my decision. When doubt or fear come, I go back to my scripture and remind God.
Wedding and engagement photos: Jacolene Lategan Photography
Other photos: Supplied
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