This Women’s Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Lerato Kind Ramagaga — a dynamic creative, talented photographer, and the visionary behind GlowyMommies, a flourishing maternity and kids’ dress hire and photography venture. Her story is one of determination, artistry, and the profound impact of family — a narrative woven with love, creativity, and personal growth.
Born into Art
Creativity is in Lerato’s DNA. Growing up, she was immersed in a world of art from every angle. Her grandmother was a painter, her aunts doubled in tailoring, and her late father had an incredible knack for capturing beauty. It was through him that Lerato first picked up a camera and learned the art of seeing.
“My dad was the one who got me into photography,” she reminisces. “He would take beautiful pictures with a little camera — of friends, family — and bring me along to art galleries and museums. He was such a clever, creative guy. Even his style… he was ahead of his time.”
From cozy coffee dates with her mom to diving into thought-provoking books, Lerato’s father nurtured her intellect and artistic vision. “He’d wake me up at 2 a.m. just to tell me I’m the most beautiful girl in the world. It’s only now that I realize what he was doing — affirming me, building me up.”
Finding Her Path
While she initially aspired to be a psychologist — intrigued by “picking people’s brains” and understanding human behavior — life had other plans, leading her to photography. After completing the Market Photo Workshop in Newtown, she jumped into freelancing, taking on event gigs, and saving diligently to upgrade her gear. “If I really want something, I save for it,” she chuckles. “Even my car, I bought it with money from T-shirt sales and gigs.”
Her journey began in the fast-paced realm of event and nightlife photography, where she stood out as one of the few women behind the camera. “I knew I didn’t want to do groove photography forever. When you find yourself dreading work, it’s a sign that it’s time for a change.”
That change came with the birth of GlowyMommies — a brand focused on maternity and kids’ photography and dress hire.
The Heart of GlowyMommy
Since its launch in 2023, GlowyMommie has become more than just a photography service; it’s a whole experience. Clients are treated like royalty, styled to perfection, and given the freedom to embrace their most beautiful, feminine selves. “They can never relive the moment of walking in, getting their makeup done, and being guided to the studio. I pour so much attention into my clients — we chat, we connect — and it brings them so much joy.”
For Lerato, maternity photography is a transformative journey, not just for her clients but for herself as well. “I’ve been a soldier for so long. Capturing weddings and maternity sessions has taught me to be gentler, to let others support me. It’s not just about a man — it’s about my choice to be softer for my own sake.”
Rooted in Resilience
Lerato’s life story is a testament to resilience. She grew up in various homes, sometimes with her parents, other times with grandparents or extended family. Watching her mother handle everything on her own instilled in her the belief that women must prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. “You can have all the money in the world, but if you’re not kind, I could never stick around. For me, being mentally stable and self-aware is everything.”
Her spirituality is her anchor. “Prayer means everything to me. It’s all I have now. I’ve stepped into rooms I never imagined I would because of God.” Even during her darkest days, including a year-long struggle with depression, she found her way back through her faith.
The Vision Ahead
Lerato envisions expanding GlowyMommies into multiple provinces, with branches all over South Africa. She feels a special connection to Durban, thanks to the demand she receives from the city. “I want to grow to a point where I have a team, where others can take pictures for me, and where we can also explore evening gown rentals.”
She’s acutely aware of the rapidly evolving creative industry, especially with the rise of AI. However, she firmly believes that no technology can replicate the warmth, connection, and confidence-building that her clients experience in person.
At the heart of Lerato’s story is a woman who views photography as more than just a job — it’s her true passion. “Photography? I could live and breathe it every day. I absolutely love it,” she shares with a smile. “My goal is for every woman who steps out of my studio to feel beautiful, recognized, and celebrated.”
As we honour Women’s Month, Lerato’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that being a woman isn’t solely about strength — it’s also about embracing vulnerability and discovering the strength that comes from that.
