Confidence and passion are things Lauren Wallet is unlikely to run out of. This AFDA graduate has been a go-getter since she could walk. She has never been afraid of a challenge, which is why she’s always gone after her dreams. Throughout adult her life she has owned her own business and been her own boss.
Lauren’s current business is called ‘Malva’ – a pop-up stall which showcases creativity from various designers in South Africa across fashion, household design, novelties and art. With her in every venture is her adorable pug Jozi Starr, who is something of a celebrity her hometown of Joburg, having graced the front page of several newspapers and magazines.
Since receiving the news that she made Top 10 in the competition, Lauren has kept her head on her shoulders and remains positive.
“It’s been such a humbling, eye-opening experience,” she says. “I’ve learnt so much, but it’s also been terrifying, in a good way. I’ve never been put in a situation like this; all I can do is be myself and let my personality shine through.”
Will Lauren’s independent personality, husky voice and integral business skills translate into a confident and savvy Top Billing presenter?
Week 3 Judge's comments:
Lauren W's Celebrity Interview insert:
Sneak-Peek for Week 3:
Lauren W's travel insert:
Lauren's link and judges comments for Task 2:
Lauren says:
Week 1: On her makeover experience: “It was a very informative experience. The clothing challenge was the most difficult for me because I'm usually so comfortable in my shape, but I felt very uncomfortable with the initial selection of clothing. I'm more of a theatrical dresser than a stylish one. When I get dressed in the morning I tend to think of character rather than what's in right now.”
On the mock elimination: “It was completely terrifying; I get shivers thinking about it. It totally stressed me out, but then you've just got to remember that you're in a job interview, not with your friends in a five-star hotel.”
Week 2: On the Knysna task: "Thesen Island is my favourite place in the world, it's so magical. It was very unusual for me to be there in that situation, though, with a reality TV crew. I did a piece on the hotel that we stayed at and I felt very comfortable doing that. From 20 to 28 I lived in industrial buildings that have been renovated. I have a passion for interior design, so I felt really at home.”
Week 3: On the third task: "It was definitely one of the funniest moments of my life, interviewing Arno. I was totally caught off guard when his leg went into spasm. I thought he was having some sort of seizure. He looked in so much pain and suffering, but he kept going with the interview. He really is a truly brilliant actor."
On the toughest parts of the interview: "Being caught off guard was definitely difficult. I prepared my questions for a different person. Only once we got to the airport did they tell me that plans had changed and I was to interview Arno instead. That night I planned my questions from an actor-to-actor point of view and was thrown again when I was told the interview would be over a game of pool, which I don't play. I thought I was organized and prepared, but the new environment caught me off guard and it taught me to just expect the unexpected."
On leaving the show: "This has been the highlight of my life so far and I'm so blessed to have worked with this team. For the last ten years I've steered away from being a performer, but this experience has shown me that this is what I want to do with my life!"
