Endless ambition, self-discovery and self-love is why Jo-Ann Strauss is Tracey's #WCW

Wednesday = Women Crush time with Tracey Lange!

This week, Tracey's Women Crush is former Miss South Africa (2001) Jo-Ann Cindy Strauss. The Capetonian is a model, public speaker, and businesswoman.

Catch up on the chat below.

First things first, Jo-Ann says she's the 'biggest fan' of Tracey's flou joke Friday - LOVE THAT!

Second things second, Jo-Ann loves Mzansi and will never leave!

"The more I've travelled, the more I've realised what an incredible gem South Africa is... and the people... I mean, yes, we have our problems, but so does everywhere in the world. I am fortunate to work and travel internationally, but I will stay here always. It is the best place in the world."

- Jo-Ann Strauss 

It's been more than 20 years since winning Miss South Africa and Jo-Ann continues to use her platform to highlight the beauty of South Africa.

Her latest life chapter includes travelling and being 'on a journey of self-discovery through art' while serving the Zeitz MOCAA Global Council.

But she's not done yet!

Jo-Ann is starting a podcast called 'Artdacity'. As the name alludes, it's all about having the audacity to speak about art when you don't know much about it.

She plans to open the art world and make it more accessible.

The podcast is another way to take people along with her on her journey, she says, to show people that you should take up space wherever you want to.

"I've always wanted to take people on the journey with me... take them into spaces where they might think that they're not actually supposed to be. We're all supposed to take up space wherever we feel we want to."

- Jo-Ann Strauss 

The mom of four is also thankful for her tribe who raised her with the spirit of Ubuntu which she now passes to her kids. 

"Opportunity dances with those already on the dancefloor... ek gaan dans!... I also understand that I did not do this alone... through my mom, dad, brother, family, and community... that is why I am where I am and able to take people along with me and that's something I don't take for granted."

- Jo-Ann Strauss 

Jo-Ann says a big part of her success more than 20 years since winning Miss SA can be attributed to social media and using it to help grow her platform. 

She's always tried to use her platform to 'amplify voices and stories that need to be told of people attaining and inspiring for success'.

For those looking to grow their success using social media, Jo-Ann shares some advice...

"Social media can be a powerful tool and it can be dangerous. It's generally the highlights reel of someone's life because what they post might not be reality. For me, and something I try to teach my kids, is to seek internal affirmation or affirmation from those who are actually close to you as opposed to seeking affirmation and likes from strangers, because when it comes to social media it's quality not quantity that counts. You want the people who you actually love to reach out and like you in a real way, not just by pushing a little red heart."

- Jo-Ann Strauss

And that's that on real talk!

You can follow Jo-Ann into spaces she'll go on Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook @jo_annstrauss but she'll much rather you follow and focus on your journey and step away from things that don't involve a screen once in a while. She recommends a museum, speaking to a friend in person, or doing something for yourself.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.