Lungi Nhlanhla, DUT graduate and former Masterchef contestant, has been appointed as the new brand ambassador for olive oil brand, Olive Pride.

Lungi, who graduated with a DUT National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles in 2011, grew up in Westville, Durban.

Lungi hopes to bring a young and fresh way of using the Olive Pride range of products and wants to make fans unafraid to try new things.

“I’m excited about being the new brand ambassador. I want to take people on a food journey through recipes, tastings and various other experiences to enjoy the product. People will need to watch the social media space for the next couple of months to see what I have in store,” she said.

“I would really like to get people out of their comfort zones in terms of thinking and cooking. I want to make them realise that food is not rocket science and how much more there is to the product than what you see at face value.”

On her experiences in the food industry as contributing food editor to a weekly magazine, as well as being the youngest Masterchef finalist, Lungi said it is always a challenge when you are the youngest in anything that you do as it comes with people doubting your ability.

“What I have learnt from both experiences is that age and experience do not always go hand-in-hand. Masterchef and the magazine took a chance with me and I think we all benefited. It has taught me to take chances and to trust my own ability and God-given talent.”

Lungi feels her greatest achievement in life so far is having started her own company and living her passion daily.

“It is not very often that you get to do what you love every day, pouring your energy into it and gaining great rewards from it too.”

Lungi loves to travel and visit new places. “I’m also trying to make gym a hobby because I feel that you need to keep a healthy mind and body to be at your most productive. I also have a few ideas that I would love to turn them into a reality.

“My goals are to grow my business, Lungi’s Corner, and to stop procrastinating.” She added that she is excited for what life has in store for her and working with Olive Pride.

“I wish to expand their reach as well as my own and also to find ways to introduce each other to worlds unknown. If you are passionate about something, you can always find a way to make it work for you,” she said.