We have marveled at her beauty for so long. Gasped at her incredible talent. From runways to our TV screens, theater to radio. Odile Gertze is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does she encompass so much professionalism in what she does, she also radiates the most positive energy – effortlessly releasing frequencies of love, joy and togetherness.
For our love issue we caught up with the star, who shared a little on her career, dealing with heartbreak and a lot on what love means to her.
Happy Read!
Craft
Everyone’s been watching your journey from the start, rooting for you in everything you do, would you agree you’re “Namibia’s Sweetheart”?
I certainly won’t lie when I say I get a little giddy at the mere thought of being Namibia’s Sweetheart, but I would never call myself that. I work hard and am incredibly thankful and humbled by the support.
You are a multi-talented creative, what’s your favorite medium of expression?
That’s like asking to choose between two important people in my life. Acting does take the lead when it comes to my dedication, but I simply cannot resist a chance to dance. It’s about balance and loving the journey.
What image, do you believe, have you built through being crowned Miss Namibia and does it reflect an aspect of your own personality?
When you are crowned Miss Namibia, there is an instant perception and assumption – As if you fall under a certain type of woman. My main aim was to be honest to myself and my work. Work hard and be true to who you are. I am human, I make mistakes, I learn, I am growing every day. Some people will make assumptions and judge, but more will support and encourage you.
My brand is me, glowing up and learning to be a better me every day.
Have you ever had to reinvent yourself?
Yes. It is important to always reevaluate and take note of what does not serve you anymore.
What has been your favorite highlight in your career?
Miss Namibia always takes the crown….. (see what I did there).
In the top 5 it has to be; Miss Namibia 2010, the filming of Katutura and going to LA for Katutura, winning Best Actress in Film, Anima, and my 2 seconds of fame in The Mummy.
What would you like to do more of?
Acting, singing and traveling!
What has been your biggest career lesson?
There are so many, but the most recent is learn to listen to your gut. People can help you grow and help you fall. Trust God, be kind, but be sharp. You are not a doormat.
What are you most excited for?
I have a theater production coming up at the NTN on the 2nd and 3rd of March. It is a thrilling story titled Thinning Lines, proudly Namibian, and I cannot wait to take the stage.
Love
What has love done for you?
It has healed me, gave me confidence and taught me to love myself…
What would you do for love?
It is all about who is at the end of that love… There are people on the planet that I would move heaven and earth for… My family, my friends. It all comes down to doing unto others what you want done to yourself.
How have you always dealt with heartbreak? As a teenager and now?
Breakups are horrible yes, but so is stumping your toe. The shock and piercing pain will feel like it might never end, but it does, you stand up and you move on. The most important factor is to take the time to forgive, including yourself…. oh, and a lot of activities to keep you active, and then ice cream in bed with a series to keep you happy. DO the things that you love. Find the joy in the situation. The peace in the storm…. easier said than done but so worth the effort.
What aspect of love would you want to pass on to your children?
Unconditional Love. I want to raise children that know God, that can see people and not colour but still learn to understand and appreciate the world and what makes each and every one of us unique.
How do you want to be loved?
I want all the good kinds of love. Unconditional love, tough love, soft love, passionate love, you get the idea…
Brand
What can we look forward to from the Odile Gertze brand?
Well you will certainly see a lot more of me😊 I’m more of a do then talk about it kinda girl,,,
Aspirations for it?
I hope to do a lot more in theater and film, and to just keep rising… It will never be easy.
Because if it is, then I know it won’t be worth it….
What, ultimately, do you want to be known for?
For acting, but mostly a Namibian who won’t take no for an answer when it comes to the desires of her heart and that of her home and society.
What other parts of the industry would you want your brand to get into in the next few years?
Any producers keen on getting together to make some music…. Maybe…hint hint
Fun facts
3 words to describe your character in Katutura…
Singer, Mother, Survivor
Describe your dream role…
Anything with Baz Luhrmann… Anything!
If you could star next to anyone in the world for a movie, who would it be?
Ummmmmm, NOOOOO that’s not fair…. Ummmmmm……. Maybe…….Daniel Day Lewis
Your favourite thing about acting?
That I get paid to pretend
What’s harder to do; a kissing scene or a crying scene?
Kissing scene
What do your friends call you?
Odie
If you had to live your life over, what would you do different?
To read more books when I had the chance.
Something we don’t know about you?
I snort when I laugh and I never want that to change
Mantra you live by?
There’s no angry way to say bubbles
AND
Why be a second rate version of someone else when you can be a first rate version of you.
Follow Odile on Instagram to see what else she gets up to.
Our February cover was shot by @shadows.of.wolf of @tuvawolf
Looks:
Red dress and two-piece by Melisa Poulton of @houseofpoulton
The coats are by Deon Angelo
Accessories by Sai Style Namibia
Make Up and Hair by Melvy Macky
