22-year-old, Capetonian TikTok sensation, Kelsey Maggott, is changing up the game by championing the humanity of womxn through her content. Through visibly embracing her own body hair, she challenges the societal expectation that womxn should shave and the mass social shaming and violence against womxn who exercise their choice not to. On top of TikTok, she is the founder and content creator of Kloudt Media, with an undergraduate degree in Multimedia Production and an Honours degree in Religious Studies. We spoke to Kelsey to find out a little more about her TikTok career and how her life has changed as a result.
1. We have seen your TikToks, and you can move! Have you had any professional training? If so, please tell us a bit more! If not, WOW.
When I was three years old, I asked my mom when she could take me to dance lessons because I’d “been waiting my whole life!” Straight after that, my mom enrolled me in dance classes. I took contemporary, modern, and hip hop classes until I was 17 years old. So dancing has always been a big part of my life and held a very special place in my heart.
2. Not only do you dance but you also promote body and hair positivity simultaneously. How much do you rate this contributed to your success?
I rate that promoting body normativity, with the sassiness that I’m able to [include] when I dance, contributed to my success 100%. While my body hair journey has always been a part of my life’s journey, sharing it on the scale that I do now (to 1.5+M people on TikTok) is a result of the huge global feedback I received from it. People were intrigued, disgusted and inspired. Most people had never seen a womxn with body hair, even more so, a womxn confidently embracing hers on social media. From the day that my first post went viral, I decided to take the opportunity to use my social media as a platform to champion the humanity of womxn and the many other causes I feel strongly about, such as supporting the slow fashion movement.
3. Have you always been so free with your body hair? And did you have any reservations at first about sharing this part of your life online?
I have not always been completely comfortable or confident with sharing my body hair journey online. Growing up, my home was always my safe haven. At 15 years old, when I started embracing my body hair, I could exist loudly and proudly. I could challenge the views held by those in my household about womxn’s body hair, and I could embrace mine wholly knowing that my family supported me. However, social media always felt unsafe, judgemental and misogynistic. A powerful platform with a relentless gaze. I would share bits and pieces of my body hair journey throughout high school, but I never felt particularly secure when doing so. Now I’m at a point in my life where I’m content being me, and I understand that criticism and judgement comes with the territory. My new favourite quote that speaks to this is, “Well shaved womxn seldom make History”. I wasn’t made to be a subtle darling.
4. So you pretty much blew up overnight! Did you ever picture becoming this big?
When I downloaded TikTok and started posting videos, I always imagined my account “blowing up” and would joke with my friend about us being TikTok famous together. When months passed and my most watched video at the time only had about 300 views, I kinda gave up on the idea and focused my energy on just having fun with it!
5. How would you say your life has changed as a result of this sudden fame? Anyone stopping you in the street for a picture? And what opportunities have you got as a result?
The other day a young girl recognised me and stopped me in the shop to ask for a photo together. That moment was very memorable for me and what added to its specialness was that the mall we were in is the same one that I’ve been going to throughout my childhood. Reflecting on it, it felt like a full-circle moment. In terms of opportunities, I’ve been able to network and collaborate with brands that I have shared values with. Being able to work with and highlight local businesses and others that prioritise sustainability and ethical production practices is thrilling!
6. Do you feel any pressure to be constantly keeping up with trends? And to not lose followers?
I feel like my growth on the platform is certainly up to me and how driven I am. If I don’t post quality content, I don’t reap rewards that can come along with it.
7. With a lot of fame comes a lot of hate. Especially when you’re promoting something society has deemed as a taboo. How have you been able to handle it all?
In the beginning, it was important for me to say the hate comments that I saw out loud and just laugh about them with my family or friends. If I didn’t, I would find myself feeling very alone, and the words would ring around in my mind. Now I’m at a point where it doesn’t phase me. I understand it comes with where I’m at and what I’m doing. People feel entitled to shame womxn and others who claim their humanity. I’m not here to please anyone or play the role you expect me to. I’m here to be free, to be me.
8. And lastly, Kelsey, what advice would you give to someone who wants to be body and hair positive but is too scared of what people might think?
Always stay true. If that means covering up until you feel secure enough to own your choice, that is okay too. Always choose you however that looks. Your time will come. I’m rooting for you!
Words by Fran Rattle
