Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
South African-born creative Gugulethu Skhosana, popularly known as Gugulaysh, is a 19-year-old visionary aiming to uplift the regional modelling industry.
In 2023, while still in school, she launched three pageants to help identify raw talent from Diepsloot, a suburb home to many foreign nationals from across Africa. These pageants include Miss Laysh Our Confidence, Miss Riverside View, and Face of Laysh Our Confidence, which is set to be rebranded as Face of Laysh Fashion.
Speaking from South Africa, Gugulaysh explained that her pageants aim to unearth talent from across the SADC region.
“I founded Laysh Our Confidence in 2022, and it was officially registered on December 23, 2023, after I completed my matric at Diepsloot West Secondary School. Laysh Our Confidence is a modelling agency that inspires young minds for a better future,” she said.
She said the pageants provide a platform for individuals to learn, grow, heal, and uplift themselves.
“We welcome all genders, body sizes, heights, and races. Our age range is from 6 to 30 years. I believe in local communities because there’s so much undiscovered talent, especially in the modelling industry. While I’m struggling to get sponsors, I have faith that one day, God will open doors,” she added.
Beyond talent discovery, the pageants aim to boost self-esteem and combat discrimination.
“I was inspired by seeing young people, and even adults, being discriminated against, body-shamed, and lacking self-esteem. I see myself as a lifelong solution to their struggles because, through my modelling agency, I teach confidence, self-respect, community responsibility, and how to navigate personal issues,” said the Mpumalanga-born model.
Gugulaysh has lined up three major events for 2025, Miss Laysh Our Confidence 2025, Miss Riverside View 2025, and a fashion and style show titled Face of Laysh Fashion and Style 2025. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
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