BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, has announced the new BIC Soleil brand ambassadors for the year 2021/2022. The three new ambassadors (BIC Soleil Squad), Mandisa Makunga, Khona Dunjwa and Anarzade Omar, will take over from Tumelo Matela, Sherri Andreas, and Amanda Nchukana, who have spent the past year learning, growing, inspiring, and empowering other women.
This stems from BICâs annual Soleil Squad initiative which was launched in 2020. Entries for this year opened in September, inviting women to participate. The campaign, âShine, Your Wayâ, aims to motivate and empower young women to reach their best potential, âfind their shineâ, and embrace it. With the help of the brand, the BIC Soleil Squad will connect with school girls and young women looking for inspiration and guidance, reaching them through media opportunities, events, and BIC’s social media platforms. This yearâs winners were selected from a total of 600 entries.
Commenting on the newly selected Squad, Lillian Henderson, Marketing Director of BIC, Southeast Central Africa, said: âThe BIC Soleil Squad initiative is one that we pride ourselves with as it touches young women who will be the future of our country. Through the campaign, not only do we celebrate confident and inspirational women, but partner with prominent figures to empower the younger generation. At BIC, our culture is centered around diversity, inclusion, integrity, and empowerment, and we are committed to bringing those to life in the communities that we operate in.â
A deeper diver into the 2021 BIC Soleil Squad:
Anarzade Omar: is 23 years old, born and raised in Johannesburg South. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Marketing from the University of Johannesburg. Anarzade is passionate about content creation and cooking. She owns her own sushi restaurant. Anarzade describes herself as a âbig city girl with big dreamsâ. When asked about her ambitions and dreams, Anarzade said: âWherever these dreams take me, my goal is to take as many people as I can to the top with me, and Iâll inspire and empower them to do the same!â
Khona Dunjwa: was born and raised in a small village in the Eastern Cape â Zwartwater, Ladyfrere. The 23-year-old graduated with an Industrial Engineering degree from Nelson Mandela University. Khona is currently an intern at a medical company. She is also a philanthropist, and the founder of two businesses â an online clothing store, and a travel and adventure agency. In her free time, Khona mentors young girls. Commenting on the occasion, Khona said: âWhen you know yourself and your identity youâre mostly likely to become your best and authentic self in everything that you do, to reach and live your life purposefully.â
Mandisa Makunga: a 34-year-old Internal Auditing graduate and Albinism Activist. Mandisa recently won the Ambassador title in the Miss Albinism South Africa pageant. She is a philanthropist and motivational speaker who is passionate about diversity and community service. Mandisa works with young school kids in her community to encourage them to reach their best potential and follow their dreams, against all odds. She currently works in the public sector as an admin clerk. Commenting on her purpose, Mandisa said: âBelieving in myself is my superpower. I want to live a life of service and impact so I can inspire young children and women to always believe in themselves.â
The new BIC Soleil Squad ladies have an exciting journey ahead of them. The winners will work closely with BIC to get the right tools and skills that will set them up for success, while the Squad connects with youth and women through social media channels, events, and motivational talks.
The BIC Soleil Squad initiative was launched in South Africa in September 2020. The confidence movement aims to empower South African women. The âShine, Your Wayâ campaign was launched under this movement and is now in its second year. The campaign stems from BICâs commitment to support communities it operates in and empower the younger generations. The brand recognizes that confidence goes far beyond product choices and aims to play a key role in supporting self-care and empowering women to have the confidence to shine in their own way; whether through their abilities, talent, beauty, or diversity.
To learn more about the BIC Soleil Squad initiative and âShine, Your Wayâ campaign, visit za.bicworld.com/MissSoleilSquad and follow BIC Soleil on Facebook @BICSoleilSA or Instagram @BIC_SA. Join the conversation using #ShineYourWay.
