February 2010 Style Star: Jena Dover

Written by the gsport Features Desk

Monday, 25 January 2010 18:12

How does one get an interview with a film star? Well, not through their agents, it appears, but gsport was fortunate enough to be able to hook up this famed former K-TV star anyway, and came across a gem of a Style Star to welcome 2010 in.

Though her face may be memorable enough to recall at the mention of her name, it’s her words that make the lasting impression. She’s bold enough to acknowledge meeting Naomi Campbell at Nelson Mandela’s birthday party in Postmasburg without leaving an impression that her personality revolves around that one beautiful moment.

In her words, her career highlight is “ … (the) entire length of my career, its longevity. Being able to stay relevant and reinvent myself for the past 20 years.” She believes that we South African’s should “ … be brave enough to make bold choices, in business, personally and in politics.” We have great pleasure in introducing our first 2010 Style Star, Jena Dover!

Hi Jena, thank for talking to gsport! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in Alberton, and live in Morningside, Johannesburg.

Jena, what makes you a proud South African?

I think our situation as South Africans is special. Instead of being born into an already established country like Denmark or France, we can grow and build our young democracy together, the way we want it. Im proud of South Africans for showing forgiveness in a way that was beyond what was expected.

What is the greatest thing that happened to you last year?

I completed my law degree at Wits whilst still maintaining my acting career. I also have a film called “JOZI” out in 2010, which is my proudest work to date.

What has 2009 taught you?

When you suppress your ego, your life will be instantaneously transformed. I’m still learning to maintain a fine balance between surprising my ego and promoting various projects as an actor. It’s almost a contradiction (laughs)!

Considering your accomplishments, what career highlight that you can pick out, that gives you the most pride?

It is the longevity of my career that is special. I’m only 26 and still have a long road ahead, but I’m so proud of everything I have accomplished thus far. This means my bar has to be higher. I’m looking to become more commercially involved, producing great movies and assisting talented directors in getting their projects off the ground. That’s after I qualify as an attorney, of course, which is another goal! Khanyi Dhlomo is big inspiration to me, her career is varied and powerful. I would love to sit and pick her brain.

You’ve been accustomed to being in the public eye for a long time: How do you get away for those special private moments, when they’re needed?

I get on a plane to New York! I have been there twice a year since 2002. It’s my “other” home. However I don’t need to run away from the public, I love and appreciate South Africa’s support all the time. I’m lucky.

What are your main projects at the moment?

At the moment I’m looking forward to the film out in February. Jozi - go see it!

When you’ve got an important date, work or private, what simple rules do you use to decide on an appropriate outfit?

Whether it’s a romantic date or a business meeting I’m always conservative. I take myself very seriously, and I want a professional career. My goodies will be saved for the man I’m with!

How have you dealt with challenges that have come your way?

I’m still learning how to deal with things. I have wonderful girlfriends Doanie and Bianca, who are elegant women and give me wonderful advice that is different, but equally valuable. I make mistakes, but what I hold onto is that things are temporary and challenges are to make you tougher.

What is the best advice you have received?

Whether you think you can or cannot, you are right.

What are you most passionate about?

I’m passionate about women, their development, their rights, their freedom. I have a strong mother who is a great inspiration. Amazing things happen when women are liberated. I’m always reading up on powerful women and their journey. Love or hate Helen Zille, her strength is admirable.

How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?

My personal style now is conservative, and a little edgy. I’m not trendy at all any more, and prefer to follow a clean and classical look. It used to be over-the-top and attention-grabbing. However, what is the point in that when I’m six foot tall with red hair, it was nothing but a hot mess!

What are your favourite colours for summer?

Green, navy and black, and for winter … green, navy and black (laughs)!

Where do you enjoy shopping for clothing?

In South Africa I stick to local designers. They put awful mark-ups on imported clothing in this country that makes it unpleasant for me to purchase anything. I ask for discounts on everything. I’m the best person to shop for clothes with!

What are your favourite labels?

I love kluk cgdt, Helmut Lang, black halo …

Who are your style icons?

Selma Blair has wonderful style, and Zoe Saldana is a new style inspiration for me.

What is always in your handbag?

Hair bands, hand cream, lip gloss, my cell phone, Hand sanitizer, gum, shades, diary and pen, and my Blackberry.

What is your beauty routine?

I try keep it simple. I hate facials. I cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize. I think people should spend their money at a dermatologist rather than on expensive creams. You’ll find your skin doesn’t appreciate expensive cream with hundreds of ingredients as much as you think it does.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

Femininity is motherhood, kindness, loyalty, curves, strength, sacrifice, beauty, affection … the list goes on. I think women don’t need to necessarily exclude what makes them womanly, on their path to the top. We don’t need to behave like men to find equality in the work place. My mother, as the boss of her company, is incredibly maternal, and she gets the maximum out of her employees.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by art, talent, architecture, bravery, children, the simple things in life.

What do you hope to be doing in 2010?

I hope to be happy, healthy and keep living my dreams. Just keep it simple.