Annie Mthembu

The Durban-based businesswoman who owns Annaesthetic Beauty Studio, is happily married to highly influential businessman Kgolo ‘Daguru’ Mthembu.

Annie consistently puts in much effort towards caring for her two children. She seemingly effortlessly manages multiple responsibilities and achieves success in everything she does.

The couple’s love story is one of the books. It all began when Annie was employed as a personal assistant to Kgolo, and it was during this time that their love blossomed. In 2021, they got married. With her aptitude for transforming ideas into thriving ventures, Annie has progressed from managing a dance agency to being an entrepreneur who also assists her husband in his businesses.

The star talks to us candidly about her experiences of motherhood and being a wife. She graciously shares insights into her remarkable journey on The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD), which has significantly heightened her visibility and acclaim in the realm of showbiz.

Click here for: Top parenting influencers

How has your experience of motherhood been?

It’s life changing. When you become a mother, there are a lot of things that even your parents don’t tell you about what it takes to be a present mother. For me, it was a bit of a culture shock in a way. There were so many things that I wasn’t prepared for, but it’s a learning curve and I am enjoying it.

What were some of the unexpected circumstances you encountered?

The early days were very difficult. The experience of caring for a newborn during the initial weeks is characterised by an overwhelming level of intensity and demand.

How do you ensure you are a good mom?

At the moment I try to make sure that everything is there for them. I make an effort to establish a routine to ensure that they arrive and are collected from school at a specific time. I’ve established a daily schedule for their meals and designated times for me to spend time with them.

I want them to have a routine so that they know that there’s consistency every day. Hopefully, it will make them realise that I love them, and I’m trying to put more time into ensuring they are well taken care of.

What did your parents teach you about parenting?

My mother has always said that I should be honest. We go through a lot of things in life and the best way to prepare your children for life in general is to be honest with them too. This is to create clear expectations for them so that they are not disappointed.

What’s your parenting style?

I am a strict parent; I like discipline a lot. That’s something that I need to instill in my kids. When they were younger, I used to use the naughty corner but now I have chats with them. I engage in meaningful conversations with them to help them understand the mistakes they have made and the potential consequences that may arise as a result of their actions.

How is parenting with your husband Kgolo?

My husband is a fun parent and enjoys playing with the kids. He takes them out and spoils them a lot. Sometimes I tell him though to put his foot down when the kids are wrong, but he has a soft spot for his kids. He finds it difficult to engage in the discipline area.

MUST READ: Top trending parenting styles

What do you get up to with your kids?

On Saturday morning my kids have soccer and ballet. We spend some time in the park and go home and have lunch. On Sundays we have church, breakfast and we prepare a Sunday lunch later on.

How do you maintain your posture when people speculate about your personal life?

It’s difficult to deal with people speaking badly about you. It does hurt, but it’s a matter of grounding yourself and having the right people around you.

How do you manage to balance it all?

I have a good nanny at home, and she makes it very easy for me to be comfortable even when I work late nights.  She understands all the routines I have put in place and has been with me since my kids were born. She’s their mother as well.

How has life changed since you joined the Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD)?

It’s more about public recognition. I don’t think my day-to-day life has changed much.

If RHOD is renewed would you do it again?

Another season for me is not something that I am interested in doing. I just want to be present at home and in my business. Also, from a mental health perspective, it has taken a toll on me. I would love to get back to knowing who I am and being okay with myself before I put myself out there again.

What did 2023 teach you?

2023 had many lessons. It taught me to always be prepared. From a business point of view, many businesses suffered this year–I learned the importance of being constantly financially ready.

What can we expect from you in 2024?

More hard work, brand building to put myself out there and making sure our businesses do well. I’m interested in starting a podcast where I discuss women in entrepreneurship and also tackle mental health challenges.

Watch more from Annie Mthembu here
Also read: Maternity shoots inspired by celebs