If you’ve been waiting in anticipation for Season 2 of ‘Life With Kelly’ then, like us, you probably can’t wait to find out what the charismatic muso has in store.
Season 1 of ‘Life With Kelly’ introduced us to a dynamic, multi-faceted queen, and seeing her move seamlessly between her different roles left us feeling inspired. She says that her biggest takeaway from the first season was that life is a journey, and not a destination. “As much as one would try to figure out everything at once, that’s not how it goes. We decided to catch up with her after streaming the first episode of season 2 to get into her headspace and find out what else has in store for her fans. Here, she shares a snapshot of her life after Season 1, her role as a liberated woman, daughter, mom, friend and businesswoman. She also offers us a glimpse into Season 2.
Glamour: What are some of the positive conversations that happened around season 1?
Kelly Khumalo: I instantly became the voice of the voiceless: the single moms. The show also opened a dialogue between family members within the black community, which doesn't happen often. Now people are able to have open conversations with their parents, or with their children. This is a parenting style we’ve shied away from within the black community.
Glamour: What's the biggest misconception about Kelly?
KK: I think the misconception is that I need to explain myself to the world, which I don’t think I should. So my reality show or any product that comes out of the Kelly Khumalo brand has nothing to do with setting the record straight: it’s just me walking my journey.
Glamour: Family dynamics were explored in season 1. How would you describe your relationship with your mother?
KK: Ours is a very weird one because we’ve had a lot of time lost between the two of us. A lot of things have fallen through the cracks, which we’ve never really managed to talk about openly. That is only happening now. We are in amending process, where we’re trying to find a relationship between the two of us.
Glamour: What do you enjoy most about being a mom?
KK: The unconditional love part. And having a life that I get to impact, motivate, and protect. To see my children growing up to be the people they are turning out to be - that’s the best thing ever.
Glamour: It's clear that family is important to you, and your sisterhood with Wanda and Brenda affirms that you can choose your family. What are your shared friendship values?
KK: I think honesty is one of them. And creating a safe space where we can all be ourselves without holding back, space where we are not afraid to share even the most delicate parts of who we are, a space where it’s okay to disagree and it doesn’t change how we feel about each other as friends…
Glamour: It takes courage to open up yourself to the public. Did you have any fears coming into the reality show space?
KK: Not really, because I don’t care about people’s opinion of me. This is my reality and I’m comfortable in it. How people receive it is entirely up to them.
Glamour: You share so much of yourself with your loved ones and with the public through your craft, what does self-care look like to Kelly?
KK: It’s putting myself first in everything. I can’t give what I don’t have. It all starts and ends with me.
Glamour: We've seen Kelly at her best and most vulnerable. How would you describe the experience of allowing people to experience "Life With Kelly?"
KK: It’s like learning to breathe again. It’s giving myself freedom that a lot of people shy away from.
Glamour: You come across as confident, self-assured and unapologetically You. Love to see it! Have you always been this comfortable in your own skin?
KK: I’ve always been myself. Even as a child. I’ve never shied away from being me, even if it meant being different or being crucified for it. I’ve always believed that the best gift I can give myself is to be myself. But society is not always ready for people who are bold in who they are.
Glamour: We’d like to send a shout out to your skincare routine. Care to share?
KK: My skincare routine involves dermaplaning once a month and it involves a facial once a month. And it involves IV drip every two weeks. And it involves three-step daily care. And it involves sunblock. And taking collagen on a daily basis. And botox every six months.
Glamour: Your content is relatable, how important is it to show up as your authentic self?
KK: It is very important. At the end of the day, we are dealing with a society that is tired of the superficial life that is portrayed on social media and TV and magazines. People want to find a way to accept who they are, and Life with Kelly Khumalo is doing just that.
Glamour: What's your approach to occupying space as a musician and businesswoman in 2021?
KK: We plan but the universe decides otherwise. So, my approach is to be the best I can be, in whatever area of business, and be consistent in that, and I can only hope that I get the results out of everything that I invest myself in.
Glamour: What can we look forward to this season?
KK: A woman who is content with where she is in her life. Whether things work out or not, it is what it is.
Glamour: One word to describe Season 2?
KK: Freedom.
Stream S2 of Life with Kelly on Showmax
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