Hers is a name that resonates with grace, beauty and achievement, extending well beyond just the realm of beauty pageantry…
When Amy Kleinhans walks into a room, it’s almost electrifying; she is exuberant, welcoming, warm – and stunning. It’s crazy to think it’s been more than 30 years since she stole our hearts as the first Miss South Africa of colour in 1992.
She undoubtedly paved the way for women with a dream of representing their country both locally and internationally. Today, Amy is a successful businesswoman, teacher and philanthropist, but of all her titles, the powerhouse is most proud to be called mom and wife.
Life is for the Living
She’s basically a superwoman, one could argue, juggling being a “serial entrepreneur” with being a devoted wife and mother. “Look, I think work/life balance means different things for everyone,” she says candidly.
“My life looks like a beautiful fruit salad because I love my work so much. It always feels like there is a balance between having fun, being inspired and stimulated, crazy busy – all entwined with a lifestyle of friendship and family.”
She admits that though she has an extremely tight schedule with loads of commitments, her family always comes first. Mom to four (Gugu, Phillipa, Thomas and Georgia), Amy’s kids, along with husband Leighton Curd, are her greatest joys.
‘Being a wife and a mother keeps me exceptionally grounded and feeds my need to live an authentic life.’
“The most rewarding thing is that with my lifestyle my children are my biggest grounders, which I am so grateful for. I love that they bring me back to myself and pull me in,” she says. “Being a wife and a mother keeps me exceptionally grounded and feeds my need to live an authentic life.”
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Always pushing through and making the most of the day and special moments, Amy makes sure to make time for self-care, too. “I afford myself the luxury of waking up an hour before I have to get out of bed, where I spend quality time meditating, praying and doing a mindfulness focus exercise on where I am in life and what I’m up to,” she reveals.
Screen Queen
Amy again recently stole the show with her bubbly personality on KykNet’s Die Real Housewives van die Wynlande. The Afrikaans version of the global hit series has been an entertainment highlight for 2023, giving viewers a glimpse into the mischief, flair and hard work of these women.
The legacy I am hoping to leave behind is that when you love what you do and do what you love, everything is possible.
“Being part of the show was exciting and lots of fun. I learnt a lot, in many ways, about my personality, especially through others’ observations of me,” Amy says. “My highlights were all the funny, tummy-aching laughter moments – Anita drifting away on her SUP board, crazy conversations at the spa at Spier, our dance routine at the burlesque class and the making of our TikTok video. The best of all was making incredible friends, which I will have for the rest of my life.”
It’s definitely been quite an eventful few years for the former beauty queen, speaking at multiple events and uplifting the spirits of women around the country, getting involved in charities (including establishing Dial-A Teacher), launching her sustainable range of radiant skin and body care called Karoo by Amy, making her Amelia Cap Classique and bringing HerGin (a refreshing and sophisticated virgin gin & tonic) into the spotlight.
“Life has been very generous to me in the past couple of years, and I have taken full advantage of it. I am grateful for my thriving children, for all my new adventures in business, the opportunity to meet wonderful new people, and for my fascinating travels both local and afar,” she says.
Full Steam Ahead
As Amy celebrates the end of another fantastic year of personal and entrepreneurial growth, she admits she has lots of planning and grinding ahead of her if she wants to reach her goals for 2024.
“My biggest goal is to be my own main creative force and live true to my nature and purpose – the biggest of which is to help my youngest daughter navigate her matric year and set her free into the big world with confidence.”
Always working on something fresh, Amy is also hoping to bring something fascinating to fruition in the world of health and wellness, which is something she’s become quite passionate about. “The legacy I am hoping to leave behind is that when you love what you do and do what you love, everything is possible,” she enthuses.
Heading into the festive season, she simply cannot wait to spend quality time with her beautiful family. Amy envisions being fully present and immersed in the magical moments. “This year, we’ll be travelling to New Zealand to see all the relatives and celebrate Christmas with the family, which includes Leighton’s mother who is 94 years old.
It will be a time of great celebration and bonding as we haven’t seen each other in about four years. I believe all the wonderful traditional experiences will be lived and appreciated in a very special way this year!”
Amy cannot be more grateful for all the blessings that have come her way, for the health of her family and herself, and for the opportunity and platform to have a positive impact on society and shine her beacon of light and hope on anyone who needs it.
“My message for Club readers over this festive period (which can be the silly season) is to know and understand that just because everything is crazy around you, doesn’t mean that everything has to be crazy within you. Make yourself your first priority, fill up your cup, and from that fullness you’ll be able to give wholeheartedly to the rest of the world.”
About Amelia Cap Classique
Crafted by Amy, a bubbly lover herself, this exquisite Brut Rosé Cap Classique is a delicate Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend. Aged for three years, the finish is crisp and refreshing, with a brisk and vibrant bubble that enlivens the palate.
The perfect celebratory drink of choice, Amelia represents Amy’s passion for winemaking and her dedication to creating a drink that truly represents the beauty and elegance she embodies.
“We had the people with the expertise, and we love bubbles, so I thought why not? It’s a lovely symbolism of celebration in our lives. I love making people feel happy. Amelia is something special and I love that I get to share it.”
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Zhann Solomons
