From navigating heartbreak to creating a life that prioritises balance, Zaina Sesay shares her authentic approach to wellness, self-care, and the power of listening to your body.
Zaina has become a beacon of balance, empowerment, and self-care in the wellness space. Known for her authentic approach to health and wellness, she is dedicated to helping others navigate life’s challenges with confidence and self-compassion.
In our exclusive Q&A, she opens up about her personal journey—reflecting on the pressures of wellness trends, her experiences with heartbreak, and how she’s turning those lessons into meaningful tools for healing. From her guided journal Purposeful Healing to her evolving wellness practices, she is reshaping the way we think about self-care, movement, and emotional growth.
Glamour: What has been the most surprising or unexpected experience you've had with wellness trends?
Zaina: Honestly, the most surprising experience I’ve had was discovering how much pressure wellness trends can put on you to be "perfect." I remember trying out a really intense detox routine that was supposed to clear your mind and body, but it left me feeling weak and anxious instead.
It was like I was so focused on sticking to it, that I completely ignored what my body actually needed. That experience taught me to stop blindly following what’s trending and start listening to my own body instead. Now, I’m all about finding balance and doing what feels right for me—even if it’s not the popular thing.
Glamour: Are there any wellness trends that you’ve tried and decided aren’t for you? What made you feel that way?
Zaina: One trend that didn’t work for me was intermittent fasting. I tried the 16:8 method, but skipping breakfast left me feeling sluggish and “hangry”. I realised that wellness shouldn’t feel like deprivation or force me into a routine that doesn’t honour my body’s needs. I’m all about finding what works for me personally, even if it’s not the trendiest option out there.
Glamour: How did the idea for "Purposeful Healing" come about, and what made you want to create a guided journal specifically for people going through breakups?
Zaina: The idea for Purposeful Healing came from my own experience of navigating heartbreak after The Ultimatum and realising how overwhelming it can feel. Breakup grief isn’t just emotional—it affects your mind, body, and soul. I wanted to create something that didn’t just focus on moving on, but on moving forward with clarity and self-worth.
I wanted to create this journal because I know how isolating and confusing heartbreak can be and I wanted to give people the structure and support to heal intentionally. Healing from a breakup often mirrors the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—so I designed the journal to guide people through each stage with thoughtful prompts that encourage self-compassion and growth. The focus is on holistic healing: renewing your mind, refuelling your body, and replenishing your soul.
I also knew I wanted the journal to be impactful, so I collaborated with mindset coach Jordan Fortier to bring in her perspective. Her insights help deepen the reflective exercises, guiding people toward emotional resilience and self-discovery. My hope is that this journal becomes a safe space for anyone going through heartbreak, giving them the tools to heal and reclaim their power.
Glamour: In your own journey, what do you think has been the most powerful tool or practice for healing from emotional pain?
Zaina: Journaling has been the most transformative practice for me. It’s not just about venting, but really sitting with my feelings and challenging my own thoughts. I also prioritise movement—whether it’s hitting the gym or doing Pilates. It’s my way of physically releasing the heaviness that emotional pain brings. Connecting mind, body, and soul has been crucial to my healing journey.
Glamour: What do you hope people experience or discover about themselves while using your guided journal?
Zaina: I hope they find a deeper sense of self-awareness and compassion. The journal is designed to help people confront uncomfortable emotions, reflect on their growth, and recognise their own resilience. It’s about holistic healing—mind, body, and soul—so they can reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. I want them to feel empowered to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they are worthy of love—especially from themselves.
Glamour: How has the process of creating this journal helped you in your personal healing and growth?
Zaina: Creating the journal was therapeutic in itself. Revisiting my own heartbreak and writing prompts that genuinely challenged me to reflect and forgive was tough but necessary. It reminded me that healing isn’t linear—it’s messy and beautiful all at once. Sharing that vulnerability through the journal has helped me grow more comfortable with my own story.
Glamour: Can you describe a time when you really struggled with heartbreak, and how you managed to navigate that?
Zaina: One of the hardest moments was accepting that someone I loved and invested in didn’t value the relationship the same way. It felt surreal to go from being partners to complete strangers. I leaned heavily on God, journaling, therapy, and my community to unpack those feelings. learned to create new routines that didn’t revolve around that person. Reclaiming my identity outside of the relationship was a game-changer.
Glamour: As you reflect on turning 34, how do you feel about the person you've become and the work you're doing now?
Zaina: Turning 34 feels empowering. I’m proud of how far I’ve come—not just in my career but in how I’ve learned to love myself and own my story. Last year, I made the bold decision to leave my corporate job and fully step into my passion as a wellness entrepreneur—months before The Ultimatum even aired. It was a scary leap, but it pushed me to embrace my purpose and trust myself. I’ve embraced vulnerability and am using my experiences to uplift others, which is the most rewarding part. I’m walking into this new chapter with intention and purpose, knowing that sharing my journey openly is helping others heal and grow too.
Glamour: In what ways has your understanding of self-care evolved as you’ve grown older and experienced more in life?
Zaina: Self-care used to mean pampering and surface-level rituals, but now it’s so much deeper. It’s about setting boundaries, honouring my needs, and protecting my energy. Whether it’s saying no without guilt or prioritising my mental health, self-care has become an act of self-love.
Glamour: Do you have any daily rituals or practices that help you maintain emotional balance, and how have those developed over time?
Zaina: Absolutely! Morning meditation and listening to a devotional or motivational sermon are non-negotiables for me. They help set a positive tone for my day and keep me grounded, no matter what’s on my plate. I also make it a point to move my body daily—even if it’s just a quick stretch or a walk.
Another ritual that brings me so much joy is connecting with friends or family over the phone or FaceTime—especially since living alone can feel isolating sometimes. Staying in touch with my loved ones reminds me that I’m supported and connected. Over time, these practices have evolved from feeling like obligations to becoming essential parts of my routine that keep me balanced and centred.
Glamour: If someone came to you feeling stuck after a breakup, what’s the first piece of advice you’d give them?
Zaina: I’d tell them to give themselves permission to feel everything—without judgment. Numbing the pain or rushing to move on only prolongs the healing process. Allow yourself to grieve, journal it out, and take it one day at a time. You deserve the time to heal.
Glamour: How do you see your role in the wellness space growing in the future? Are there new projects or ideas you’re particularly passionate about exploring?
Zaina: I’m definitely looking to expand my wellness brand with more guided tools and community-driven initiatives. One of my big goals is to create workshops and wellness retreats that combine fitness, healing, and empowerment—places where people can feel safe embracing their journey and thriving. I also plan to get my fitness certification so I can roll out workout plans and guides that reflect my own approach to movement and self-care. Beyond that, I want to encourage people to try new things and step out of their comfort zones—whether that’s in fitness, fashion, or beauty. It’s all about feeling confident in who you are and not being afraid to reinvent yourself.
Glamour: If you could design a wellness retreat or program based on your own journey, what would it look like?
Zaina: It would reflect my own journey of finding balance between fitness, wellness, self-care, and connecting with others—all while having fun—the ultimate Zayxclusive experience.
We’d start with dynamic workouts that feel empowering and , alongside trending wellness practices to step out of our comfort zones. Balance is key, so we’d mix in plenty of fun group activities like journaling circles, cooking classes, beach games, and outdoor adventures.
The goal is to create a space where we laugh, grow, and support one another while celebrating every part of our journey—healing holistically through mind, body, and soul.
Glamour: In your time on The Ultimatum, did your experiences change the way you view relationships or emotional health?
Zaina: Definitely. It made me realise how crucial it is to advocate for yourself and never settle for less than you deserve. The show also taught me how easily people can switch up for television and do things for clout, which was a big wake-up call. It reinforced the importance of keeping my emotional guard up slightly when dating and paying close attention to someone’s actions and patterns over time—not just their words.
I’ve learned that it’s important to have genuine check-ins with yourself to see if the relationship is truly serving you and supporting your emotional well-being. Prioritising my own mental and emotional health has become non-negotiable, no matter how strong the connection might seem.
Glamour: How do you think reality TV has influenced how people approach their own personal wellness or self-care practices?
Zaina: Reality TV can create unrealistic expectations and make vulnerability feel performative. It’s important to remember that real healing doesn’t happen overnight—it’s messy, gradual, and deeply personal. Self-care is about genuinely nourishing your mind and spirit, not just creating curated moments on screen.
Glamour: How has the support from your fans and followers shaped your work and personal growth over the years?
Zaina: I’m endlessly grateful for my community. Their support reminds me that being open about my journey has a real impact. They encourage me to stay honest and transparent—even when it’s uncomfortable. Knowing that my story resonates with others keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward and creating content that feels real and relatable.
Glamour: What’s one thing you’ve learned through your wellness journey that you wish you had known earlier in life?
Zaina: I wish I had known that healing isn’t about being perfect or “over it.” It’s about embracing every part of the process—even the messy, uncomfortable parts. Giving myself grace and compassion through it all has made the biggest difference, and I always try to remind others to do the same.
Glamour: What does a perfect day of self-care look like for you, and how do you prioritise it amidst your busy schedule?
Zaina: A perfect self-care day starts with meditation and listening to a devotional or motivational sermon to set my intentions. Then, I’ll get in a great workout to move stagnant energy, followed by a long shower and a hydrating skincare routine. I love nourishing myself with good food and ending the day with a calming ritual—like lighting a candle and reflecting on my intentions for the week.
But I also embrace that every day will look different. I try to have genuine check-ins with myself to see what I truly need in the moment and prioritise that—even if it means rescheduling or giving myself permission to rest. Self-care isn’t about perfection, it’s about being honest with yourself and honouring where you are that day.
Recent stories by:
Thobeka Phanyeko
Man Candy: Jesse Suntele on his role as Sizwe on Meet The Khumalos
Behind the scenes with Khanyi Mbau: Life as Grace on Meet The Khumalos
A snapshot of our Mind/Body Issue Cover Story featuring Linda Mtoba
World Book Day: South African authors inspiring children to embrace their individuality through representation
