Interview with Elani Pienaar, Miss Hartenbos 2023 – 1st Princess
By PPMC MAGAZINE
In the heart of Pretoria, a vibrant and spirited young woman, Elani Pienaar, has captured the crown as the 1st Princess at the esteemed Miss Hartenbos 2023. Hailing from the beautiful Jacaranda City, Elani is not your typical beauty queen – she’s a 2nd-year Occupational Therapy student at the University of Pretoria, armed with degrees in Dance and Modeling Teaching. Her mantra in life: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Elani’s journey to the Miss Hartenbos 1st Princess title was nothing short of an exhilarating adventure. Fueled by a long-standing desire to participate in the Mr en Miss Hartenbos competition, she took the leap this year, making the most of every moment. Her preparation involved rigorous practice sessions, refining her walk, and honing her interview skills. Through it all, she stayed true to herself, embracing the journey as a joyous experience.
The entire competition was a delightful affair for Elani, marked by new friendships, sponsor blessings, and the grand finale where her passion for dance and modeling took center stage. As a dancer and model, the lights, stage, and action of the finale were the zenith of her journey, creating lasting memories.
Elani’s life story is one marked by a love for the arts. She started dancing at the tender age of 4 and has never stopped since. Pageants became a part of her life at 7, leading her to pursue a career as a commercial and photography model. From magazines to music videos and even soap operas like Binnelanders, Elani has left her mark. She’s partaken in various competitions, clinching titles such as Miss Gauteng Schools 2019 and Miss Teen of SA 2021.
Rooted in a loving household of four, Elani has a big brother and two supportive parents. Her family and friends are pivotal in her life, offering unwavering support. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Elani enjoys the outdoors, often swapping makeup and dresses for fishing trips with her brother and father and the thrill of riding motorbikes. These diverse experiences, along with her tight-knit support group, have molded Elani into the person she is today.
Being crowned as the 1st Princess at Miss Hartenbos 2023 holds immense personal significance for Elani. It’s not just a title; it’s a validation of her hard work and preparation, a sense of accomplishment that she holds dear.
The impact of winning the title extends beyond the glittering crown. Elani has gained new experiences, forged lasting friendships, and created beautiful memories that will stay with her for a lifetime.
Dancing and modeling aren’t just hobbies for Elani – they are her passions. A qualified dance and model instructor with SA Colors in both, she thrives under the spotlight, relishing the cheers of the crowd.
Beyond the glamorous facade, Elani is deeply involved in community initiatives. She actively contributes to the Lig Centre in Danville, gathering essentials like food parcels, clothes, and toys for the less fortunate. Taking it a step further, she initiated her outreach project for young girls, ensuring they have access to essential toiletries and sanitation goods.
As Miss Hartenbos 2023 1st Princess, Elani envisions using her platform to inspire and contribute to the local community. Her commitment involves fulfilling the responsibilities bestowed upon her by the Miss Hartenbos team and continuing her community involvement. For Elani, this win serves as a testament that taking chances and believing in oneself can lead to remarkable outcomes.
The journey has been a catalyst for personal growth, allowing Elani to build new friendships and learn from professionals in the industry. Her advice to others considering similar competitions or pursuing their passions is simple but powerful: “Your dreams and goals are valid, and you already have what it takes to achieve greatness inside of you. Don’t let the fear of failing keep you from living your unique and extraordinary life.”
While currently focused on her Occupational Therapy studies, Elani harbors dreams of opening her practice one day and entering Miss South Africa. She remains open to opportunities, making the most of every moment that comes her way.
Looking beyond her reign as Miss Hartenbos 2023 1st Princess, Elani plans to continue making a positive impact by simply being her true self. She firmly believes that real change doesn’t require a crown or title; it’s about having the attitude to make a difference and harnessing the driving force within.
Amid Elani’s adventure at Miss Hartenbos, one standout moment shines bright – the lively opening dance. It pumped up the energy and brought contestants together, creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.
If her journey had a theme song, it would undoubtedly be “Good Time” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen. Why? Because Elani had a good time throughout the entire journey, turning what could be a competition into a joy-filled adventure.
