CAROL BOUWER is a well-known name in her home country of South Africa. Carol is the CEO and Founder of Carol Bouwer Productions, where she hosted her own television talk show, `Motswabo.’ Carol spearheaded discussions about Love, Money, Health, Mortality, and Beauty. A former actress on the popular South African soap opera “Generations,” Carol played the role of Lawyer Kgomotso, a breakout role that made her a household name. Carol recently hosted the seventh, annual “Mbokodo” Awards in Durban, South Africa, where women who excelled in the arts were honored for their work and accomplishments in that field. Carol is also the brainchild behind “African Odyssey” a summit aimed to empower young professionals in the fashion and beauty industry, which happens in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 29 and 30, 2018. A true entrepreneur and philanthropist, Carol is a UNICEF Advocate working closely with children in need in South Africa, and, she’s also an Ambassador for L’Oreal, the world’s foremost Beauty brand. Carol is the force behind ‘Carol Bouwer Handbags’ a luxury handbag company that was recently launched.

BEST QUALITY

A married mother of a teenage son, Carol is the epitome of elegance, whose natural beauty, grace and eloquence are incomparable. It’s with the same verve and aplomb, that the Carol Bouwer handbag line has taken shape. These luxurious Bespoke handbags from the heart of Africa are made from the best of African raw materials while ensuring the highest standards and conservation adherence at all times. Carol noted that the Brand of these, best quality accessories, is the Brand that started everything – “The reward of exotic leather is leading this conservation revolution, and, we are excited to be among the very first few, that are bold about being authentically African and proudly South African.”

CAROL’S ODYSSEY

Recently, Carol visited us in New York to launch her “African Odyssey 2018” summit and showcased her handbag collection at an exclusive cocktail reception held at the chic Noir et Blanc Boutique in Chelsea, NYC. We caught up with this talented entrepreneur and shared a moment – Listen in:

WALTER GREENE: You are a well known Television personality. What made you decide to go into the handbag business?

CAROL BOUWER: I think my departure from television prompted a desire to do more on the business side and over and above what I do as a content producer and employee in the television space. I wanted to indulge my love of fashion. I also believe I can add value in the positioning of the story of how our country is a source center for luxury in the world.

W.G.Tell our readers about your process in the creating these unique handbags?

C.B. So I am involved with my team in the design phase. I am unable to do it alone because I lack the training, but I certainly have the eye, the vision, so the team benefits from my knowledge of luxury and couture. I have, after all, been a consumer for the longest time.

W.G. What makes the Carol Bouwer Handbags special?

C.B. Heart! They are made with love. I grew up in the Township of Soweto where we consumed products merely because.

W.G. Can you elaborate on your charitable endeavors? Award shows – African Odyssey etc?

C.B. I take my work as UNICEF Special Advocate in South Africa seriously, because our kids face a unique set of challenges, and, as a mother I know turning a blind eye does not mean someone will pick up where I don’t. We must ensure the SDGs do not just become a UN aspiration, but they have to become our lived experience if we are to effect and change. With regards to the Mbokodo Awards, I host them in partnership with the coastal city of Durban and I created them in order to ensure women’s contribution to the arts would be well documented and used to enforce the end of patriarchy.

W.G. How do you manage to balance dual careers, with having a family?

C.B. Delegate widely, never forget to reward those who ensure the crown does not slip! The only call I take at ALL times is my son’s

NOW FOR THE RAPID FIRE FUN –

W.G. What is your favorite color?

C.B. Green….Mr.Greene

W.G. What’s your guilty pleasure?

C.B. Lindor Balls from Lindt

W.G. Favorite city in the world?

C.B. Amsterdam totally, because it’s home too

W.G. Favorite cocktail?

C.B. Bucks Fizz on a sunny morning, otherwise I am a Martini girl.

W.G. Favorite food?

C.B. Anything Japanese and that is the reason I visit

W.G. Boxers or briefs?

C.B. May the one who wears it chooses.

W.G. Binge watch on Television?

C.B. My talk show “Motswako” Nothing beats being in conversation with the women of my nation.

W.G. Who is your favorite Style Icon?

C.B. I was an Audrey Hepburn girl, but in the last years, I would say Carolina Herrera! A modern-day Princess with business acumen, charm, and talent in her arsenal!

W.G. What has been your most treasured moment?

C.B. Having young women say the work we do matters! Those moments beat any public glory.

W.G. Who is your celebrity crush?

C.B. Denzel

W.G. Who is your favorite all-time fashion designer?

C.B. I adore Ms. Carolina Herrera as mentioned and Yves Saint Laurent – the man was my ultimate! Delpozo and Marni have an irreverent independence that I love.

W.G. Complete this sentence – I am a big fan of……

C.B…Children who read.

W.G. Apart from your home, where is your favorite spot in South Africa?

C.B. It has to be at my Mom’s dinner table in Johannesburg, followed closely by the bush. Being one with nature, admiring the big five (Lion, African Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros) with Rooibos tea in hand. Or, in the Sunno tonic accompanied by one of South Africa’s gorgeous artisanal gins.

W.G. Where is your favorite Caribbean getaway?

C.B. It would have to be Nassau in the Bahamas. We got married there 18 years ago, It’s a sacred destination for us

W.G. Who would you invite (dead or alive) to your fantasy dinner party?

C.B. I would start with Rosa Parks who I believe to have sat down, so we could know we could stand up for ourselves. I would have Winnie Madikizela Mandela, who was the first woman other than my Mom to make me feel my voice mattered. I would love to invite Michelle Obama and my late cousin Kedi, who is the only sister I have ever had and the most beautiful human being I have encountered.

W.G. What would you serve?

C.B. I would start them with Iranian caviar, followed by a light African chicken broth, then a porcini mushroom risotto followed by a decadent green tea creme brulee’ then Tanzanian coffee.