Beauty With A Purpose. Interview with Jenelle Ramsami

Melodi's very first interview with a model.

South African Jenelle Joanne Ramsami is the personification of beauty and brains. After discovering that she has a hearing impairement at the age of 12, Jenelle  was the first student at her high school, ever, to graduate with a matric merit and distinctions. Since then she has won many modelling and pageant awards. And now she is the Brand Ambassador for LifeSound, a retailer specialising in products for people with hearing impairements.

Read our interview below for her inspiring story.



© Jerome David



With tons of international models proving to be successful business women and brands, a lot of people still think that models are dumb. You, in particular, were the first to graduate from your high school with a Matric distinction and you have qualifications in Business Administration! As a model, do you have to constantly prove your intelligence to people?

I was naturally very focused on learning from an early age. I also think passion is what drove me to where I am. Growing up with impairment was not easy yet I preserved and also wanted to speak more rather than signing. Don’t get me wrong, sign language is very expressive language. Personally for me it worked because that was a stepping stone for something much greater receiving distinctions with merit which gave me a greater advantage. Reason being when I went to a mainstream campus they told me that because I had excellent symbols that I could go to any university.  At first I knew God had been good to me, my first day was very scary because I was in a world new to me was so much to fathom. With determination I focused totally on my studies getting six distinctions the first year.  At first people were kind to me, when I did very well most of my friends alienated me.  Sometimes I could not hear the lecturers, they would help. I guess they were threatened by my intelligence.  Sometimes I think they even thought how I could do so well when I have a hearing impairment.





 In your modelling career you have won many awards. Lots of girls want to be models. What advice can you give them to stand out of the crowd and move their careers forward?

 I think modelling is a fantastic opportunity for any women, yet at the same time I believe that because models are perceived to be skinny it gives the impression that all models should be skinny.  I do not agree because women are beautiful. Curves in a woman give sex appeal. I would like to share my quote stated, “one thing I have realised about modelling, beauty is skin deep. What you have inside is accentuated on the outside meaning, dissing other people brings them down. Remember we are all in competition, but don’t let vanity brings down your true worth.”

© Jerome David.

You have a social profile on the FHM magazine website. Tell us about it.

Promoting my modelling career in FHM is such a learning experience because there are so many beautiful women and being part of people like Adele Segal and other fantastic models has truly been an honour.  I also was being selected as Model of the day by FHM.  Hopefully if I am in top 100, it will inspire people like me that dreams do come true.

Do you think that because you are hearing-impaired people underestimate you?

Yes, I think people do that most of the time, that is why I was an introvert when I was young. I felt shutting myself from the hearing world was the only way because people would ask questions that did not make sense.  They would ask question that how I heard music when I claimed to be deaf and I explained that I could hear the beat, they thought I lied.





© Eugene De Bruin

You are Brand Ambassador for LifeSound. How did you get the gig?

 A journalist published a story about me from Eastern Express and Lifesound was inspired by my story and made me their Brand Ambassador. They also liked my personality and thought I had a story to tell people.  Lifesound has given me a stepping stone to help people like myself, realising that hearing impaired people do not have to live without sound. There is so much to help people who are hearing impaired and hearing people to have a more productive lifestyle.



You are a very positive person about your impairment. Were you always this positive or was it a journey to get to this point?

 It was a journey because life is not easy, especially when growing up. There are many challenges and obstacles that can damper on one’s spirit. I would not allow myself to be intimidated by people because I believe we are all unique and I can truly say I’m special and favour is what God gives me.

Best life advice you have ever received?

No matter what people do, you should not be pressured into doing things that is wrong because you have a mind of your own and a day of pleasure can be a lifetime of regret.  Always be insanely honest and keep your integrity intact.

(This question is for the guys) are you single?

No, I’m in a relationship with a most humble guy. (lol – Sorry guys!)

Someone recently reported your modelling pictures to FaceBook admin. With success come haters. How do you deal with it?

I received a lot of haters. One thing I have realised is that jealousy burns and I carry on with what I do best and enjoy my life.

You are truly inspirational and proof that all things are possible. 5 years from now, what do you want your life to look like?

I will be a liar if I told you I did it all my own. I think God sent angels my way to give me a helping hand because He knew that I am special. My future is totally in God’s Hands. I gather only He will know what is best for my future.  My greatest gig being part of Melodi Radio and Entertainment and being a first model interviewed, thank you!



© Eugene De Bruin



If you are as inspired and humbled by Jenelle as we are, and want to support her on her journey in being a source of motivation, visit her profile at http://fhm.co.za/social/profile/Jenjo/ and let's make her an FHM 2012 model!