Maria Nepembe, the model-turned-reality TV star-turned-fashion designer now self proclaimed is breaking barriers. Being one who is consistent with her fitness and health regimes puts some fitness junkies to shame as stated by The Namibians’ entertainment, award nominated reporter Rukee Kaakunga .
Running late as is, Maria, loads items off from her car, walks up the stairs with a 1.5l of bonaque water and a Jungle energy mini crunch pack. Always kind and warm, she responds with a short smile from a “Hey, Maria, how are you doing this morning?”. Wondering whether we have revealed our fan moment, we keep it calm, cool and collected.
Maria, takes a sit at one of The Lofts’ chairs and collects herself while she awaits to be instructed what to do next. Eagerly waiting for our in-house makeup artist Melvy Macky, to make her way to the venue, we sit in awkward yet not so awkward silence because everyone in the room is on their phones watching, liking, tagging each others posts and comments on their socials.
In comes walking what has been keeping us from starting our photoshoot with Maria Nepembe, who talks about her new profound fitness and health journey, love and her family and her plans for her brand.
Happy Read!
Maria on Fitness and Health
When did your fitness and health journey start and what motivated you to start?
I have always been skinny and had little to no eating appetite. I never liked the weight my body was at and I had to do something about it. Even through my normal workout sessions I was still not getting the results i wanted and only last year, 2016, is when I decided to change my workout sessions and eating plan.
What’s your fitness goal? Is there someone you aspire your body to look like?
I would like to reach a 60kg mark because I feel that’s an appropriate number for my height. Someone I aspire my body to look like is definitely Teyana Taylor’s legs and her butt.
Do you feel pressure to be in perfect shape?
Not at all. It is about how I want to feel and look at the end of the day. My fitness and health journey and no one else. No one is perfect that is something I want everyone to understand and comprehend.
What’s your typical workout routine?
Before my HIT sessions I do 10 minutes on the treadmill, 100m sprint just to prepare my body for the session. Lifting weights, squads and lunges is what you will find me doing in my HIT reps. It usually depends on my mood for the day and which ever I find myself in, we work on that.
Does it drive you crazy when you don’t get to exercise?
Not really, but it does bother me. Being lazy is unacceptable and I always find ways to make it up for not getting my workout session in for the day. I would watch a short YouTube workout video to compensate that sometimes.
Is it possible to have the perfect body?
Not at all. We are all human, formed differently. So, lets embrace our imperfections and move on with it.
What’s the best way for someone to motivate him/herself to get fit?
Looking yourself in the mirror and seeing what you want to change and making the change. I guarantee that is one thing your body, mind and soul will thank you for eternally.
On Love
The love for your family and friends is huge, how do you balance spending time with them and your busy schedule?
My love is huge indeed. and I appreciate all the support they provide me with. For when I cannot see them physically, I always call them and find out how they are doing. My house is filled with most of my relatives. You will not find a day when it is quite as a mouse.
Talk to us about your relationship with your grandpa
My grandfather is the most coolest person I have ever met. He is incredible., loving and passionate about everything. you are able to notice this just from the way he speaks to people. So calm and collected yet so powerful and inspiring. There is never a dull moment with him. I appreciate the knowledge he continues to pass down to my family. So much wisdom, I must admit. I love and adore him sincerely.
You are the super aunt in your family. What values and life lessons would you like to pass down to your nieces?
I’m the cool aunt most definitely. My nieces can attest to that. They always obey my orders for some reason and I appreciate that. They love me like crazy and I love them just as much. One thing I’d love to share with them is to be strong, follow your heart, love those who love you and believe in those that believe in you.
Is there a Tate Fire that we should know about?
“hehehehehe” Yes, there is and that’s all I am going to say.
On Career
Creatively directing Dillish Mathews, new music video “Lights”, how has that contributed to the growth of your brand?
I can now call myself a Director. Something I have always seen myself doing for many years now. Dillish, presented me with an opportunity that I could not turn away. I creatively orchestrated her music video “Lights” in such a way that it represented who she is and what she wanted her music to sound and feel like. I made sure I included all the IT ladies that are making waves in our industry right now and had a blast while we were shooting.
We have heard your voice featured on some music tracks. Are you planning on becoming a recording artist one day?
Definitely not. I am no musician nor an artist. These type of things come as favours or happen in the hit-of-the-moment. Something I find quite fun to do when I have nothing to do and not aware that a musician will actually take me seriously, you know.
Talk to us about RIA, your clothing brand, how is that doing? Plans for it?
I have been so preoccupied lately that I barely find time to seat down and whip-up a collection *giggles. RIA is so dear to my heart that when and if I am ready to create again, I will do so with as much drive and creativity as I started her off with. For now, we cater to clientele that want custom made clothes. We just finalized making a bridal gown for a wedding this weekend and I can not wait to share it with you guys *winks.
There is buzz on a new NBC fitness challenge program. Tell us a little more about that.
“Body with Maria Nepembe” is a reality TV show that will be airing on NBC.It is aimed to help people that have weight issues to tackle them through outdoors exercises, proper meal plans as monitored nutritionists and dietitians and workout with different trainers that will help to tackle specific body parts.
The show intends to uplift these individuals spirits so that they feel and look better. Please stay tuned on all my socials and NBCs for more information and updates .
Plans for Maria Nepembe the brand?
To grow. To grow everything. Grow bigger and better. Bigger stages, larger audiences and more partnerships. I want my directing and producing debuts to be something Namibia will be proud of.
Fun facts:
It is cheat day, what are you having?
Oreo cookies
What do you consider workout heaven and workout hell?
Heaven: Abs and legs Hell: Bur-pees
You are busy with your last Reps. What keeps you focused to reach your finish line?
Imagining a banging body
What works best for you? Gym or Outdoors?
Gym – not really an outdoor person.
Fitness and Health Magazine or Fitness blog/app/YouTube video? (Which do you prefer?)
YouTube fitness videos
Follow Maria Nepembe
and social with her.
