ASHLEY Reyneke’s journey to the semi-finals of Mrs Curve South Africa 2025 is more than a personal triumph - it’s a testament to perseverance, rediscovery, and the courage to chase one’s dreams at any stage in life.

A woman who has met life’s challenges head-on, Ashley embodies resilience and the quiet strength that comes from reclaiming one’s voice.

Roots of Strength: A Childhood of Challenges

Born in Kimberley, Ashley’s early life was marked by movement and instability. Her family relocated several times - first to Upington, then to Kleinmond - before eventually returning to Kimberley when she was in Grade 6. Raised by a single mother who juggled two jobs to support her children, Ashley grew up with financial hardship and emotional wounds, including the absence of her father.

Despite the obstacles, her childhood taught her valuable lessons: humility, determination, and the strength to rise above adversity.

“As a child, it felt like everyone was always looking down on us, especially in school,” she recalls. “That shaped me into a very soft-spoken, humble person - and that is something I now try to teach my children: never look down on anyone.”

A Spark for Modelling

Ashley’s passion for modelling ignited in Grade 4 while living in Kleinmond, where she had a brief opportunity to explore the industry. Although financial constraints forced her to step away, the dream never faded. The allure wasn’t just the glamour - it was the sense of empowerment and visibility that came with it.

“Seeing those women on stage, being recognised and heard, made me realise that’s something I’ve always wanted - to be seen, to be heard, and to know that I matter.”

Her early inspiration came from Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model. Today, she draws strength from women like Aldytha Da Silva, national director of Mrs Curve South Africa, and Burgette Yarlett, an NLP master coach - figures who have helped fuel her personal growth and self-belief.

The Turning Point: Mrs Curve South Africa

For years, Ashley placed her children’s needs above her own, setting her own dreams aside. But something inside her yearned for more.

“After years of hardship and just living for my kids, I started searching for myself again,” she says. “I realised I’m a mother, yes- but I’m also my own person, a woman with hopes and dreams.”

When she saw an advert for Mrs Curve South Africa 2025, something stirred within her. Just three days before the deadline, she applied. A week later, she was on a plane to Durban for the casting workshop - an exhilarating experience that forced her to step far outside her comfort zone.

The moment she heard her name announced as a semi-finalist was life-changing. “It was one of my proudest moments,” she says. “I took that leap of faith, travelled far with so much uncertainty, and yet I stood there, realising - I did it. Taking that first step was empowering.”

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Chasing dreams at any age: Ashley’s journey to empowerment