How a South African travel influencer balances motherhood and career: tips you need to know
Samashni Bhoja is a 37-year-old mother of two wonderful boys, aged three and six. While she grew up in Chatsworth, she now resides in Bluff.
Professionally, Bhoja works as a medical sales representative and holds a degree in medical science. In addition to her primary career, she is an entrepreneur who founded Hair-e-tage Hair Oil, a product she formulated to address issues such as hair loss, eczema and bald patches.
Balancing a career and motherhood has been both challenging and rewarding for Bhoja, allowing her to inspire others through various avenues. We spoke to the mom and influencer on balancing work and motherhood.
What inspires or motivates you when you wake up in the morning?
My main purpose in life is to inspire and motivate others. Every morning, I wake up with the hope of making a positive impact on at least one person’s day.
Whether it’s through my content, my work or my interactions, knowing that I can uplift someone fuels my motivation and keeps me driven.
What is your favourite part about being a mom and a lifestyle content creator?
One of the most fulfilling aspects is seeing my boys have fun while I create content. Collaborating with various brands and organizations has kept me inspired to continue my journey as an influencer.
Additionally, I cherish the moments when people recognise me, approach me and engage in meaningful conversations. Those interactions reaffirm the positive influence I strive to have.
You have an amazing platform. How did you start out?
I launched my TikTok journey in September 2022 with a skincare video. At the time, I didn’t even have a ring light — I simply positioned my phone in the bathroom cabinet, using shampoo bottle to hold it in place, and a magneto light for brightness.
I never anticipated gaining traction but when I did my video on intermittent fasting, it went viral, which was a pivotal moment for my platform’s growth.
What inspired you to create your platform?
My best friend, Diane, encouraged me to join TikTok and become an influencer, noticing that I was always offering parenting advice and recommending places to take their children.
I created an account without any prior knowledge of the platform; I didn’t even have the app on my phone initially.
While I don’t focus on a specific niche, I enjoy providing parenting tips, life hacks, and recommendations for family friendly activities.
Additionally, I create content featuring restaurants in KZN, offering honest reviews to help others make informed choices.
What are some of the challenges you face as a working mom and influencer and how do you overcome them?
Time management is my biggest challenge. I often have a lot of videos sitting in drafts awaiting editing. To balance my responsibilities, I prioritise what’s most important each day.
When doing collaborations with my children, I manage to achieve two goals simultaneously: creating engaging content and spending quality time with them.
This approach helps me stay organised and ensures that I’m fulfilling both my professional and personal roles effectively.
Who do you look up to in your community or working space?
I deeply admire individuals who remain humble despite their success and those who maintain authenticity in their endeavours. People who stay grounded and true to themselves, regardless of their achievements, serve as my role models.
What are some tips you can share with moms and dads travelling with little ones this festive season?
Travelling with kids requires a bit of preparation to ensure a smooth experience. Here are some tips:
Pack activity bags, include puzzles, colouring books, crayons, cars, dolls and other small toys to keep them entertained.
Limit device time. believe kids shouldn’t be glued to devices all the time. Doing activities with them can make the journey more enjoyable.
Choose kid-friendly accommodations when selecting a place to stay. Check out the activities they offer for children to keep them entertained.
Essentials for road trips: pack snacks, water, sunscreen and always carry extra clothes because, with kids, anything can happen.
And plan ahead. I’m currently creating a TikTok playlist featuring kid-friendly places to stay in KZN, which can help other parents make informed decisions.
Lastly, why should South Africans get out there and travel the country?
South Africa has an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be explored. By travelling within our own country before venturing overseas, we can truly appreciate what’s right on our doorstep.
Through my work as a medical representative, I’ve had the opportunity to travel throughout KZN and discover something unique in each city.
I’m planning to take my children to places like Cape Town, Gauteng, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, among others.
I plan to create content documenting our travels, showcasing the diverse and beautiful experiences our country offers.