Bio
Taryn Morris is a South African model best known for being one of the Top 12 finalists in the 2015 Miss South Africa pageant.
Miss SA Bio
Age: 25
From: Cape Town, Western Cape
Occupation
I studied BCom marketing at Varsity College through UNISA. When I graduated I knew I wanted to go into the marketing side of the fashion industry. I am currently working for a fashion distribution company. I am their brand manager and marketing co-ordinator, and I have recently been appointed to run all their sales in Johannesburg.
I also model part time.
Why do you want to be Miss SA and what do you think you will be able to bring to the role?
I want to win Miss South Africa as I think it is an ideal platform to be able to represent my country in the best way possible. I value the fact that it would allow me to truly make a difference in South Africa.
I believe I have what it takes as I am determined, compassionate, well-educated and a strong independent woman with a big personality who's not afraid to speak her mind. I believe that inner beauty is as important and I would find it extremely fulfilling to be able to influence my country in a positive way, and to help those in need and to inspire other South Africans to do the same.
It would be an honour for me to represent the Miss South Africa and Sun International brand and everything it stands for.
Who is a previous Miss SA who has inspired you and why?
The previous Miss South Africa who has inspired me most would have to be Melinda Bam. She is such a beautiful, graceful and down-to-earth woman who really left her mark when she was crowned Miss South Africa.
Who are your role models/who has inspired you and why?
My role models would have to be my parents. My dad is successful in everything he does and the drive and ambition he possesses is beyond inspiring. He always gives me the best advice and I know I can always count on him.
My mom has always taught me good life lessons, but most importantly she has taught me how to laugh and have fun and has encompassed such good morals within me. She has the amazing ability to always look on the bright side of everything and to always remain positive.
My mom was also a Miss South Africa semi-finalist, so she has been my biggest inspiration, support and motivator throughout this whole experience.
Tell us a bit more about your family.
My mom and I are very close, we are more like sisters than mother and daughter and we always giggle at everything when we are together. My mom runs her own business as a clothing and accessories agent, and also has her helicopter pilot's license. Besides my brother and me, our three dogs are her obsession.
My dad lives in Australia but we are closer than most children who see their fathers every day. I look up to him in so many ways, and he is the kindest person I know. He is also in the fashion industry and runs a holding company in Australia.
My brother has just turned 21, which is hard to believe because I will always see him as my baby brother. He is a qualified medic and is always out to help others. We have always been exceptionally close and share a very special bond.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to hang out with my friends and family. I am a typical Capetownian who loves the beach, and I have every reason to with the beautiful beaches with which we are blessed. Socially I love to experience new restaurants with friends; I am a big foodie so I love trying different dishes.
I am also a big music lover and in my spare time enjoy relaxing and watching movies. I also love going for long walks on the promenade with my dogs. There is nothing more peaceful and rejuvenating.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
My message would be to always believe in yourself, follow your heart and never let anyone take advantage of you. We are all worthy and deserve to be treated that way.
If you won the Miss SA crown and was able to meet one person, who would it be and why?
If I were able to meet one person it would have to be Oprah Winfrey. I think that she is such an incredible woman who has achieved so much. Even though she had a difficult upbringing, she still managed to become the woman she is today.
I love how humble she is and how her number one focus has always been to give back, but most importantly her passion for education. She even opened a school in South Africa for young girls which is truly amazing.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
The one thing that most surprises people about me is that I'm a sports fanatic! I absolutely love watching all sports, my favourites being cricket, soccer and rugby. I am also an avid Arsenal supporter!
What are you reading?
I am currently reading Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom. It is such a moving story and it teaches us so much about our history and all the struggles of apartheid. It also shows us how much Madiba really did for our country and what a legend he was and always will be.
What music do you listen to?
I love all music, as long as it has lyrics! I have everything on my iPod from old school Michael Jackson, to more chilled Sam Smith to pop like Beyoncé and even hip hop and rap from Jay Z.
Your favourite TV show?
My all-time favourite TV show would have to be Friends. It is such a classic that it never fails to make me laugh and I think I have seen each episode 10 times!
Your favourite meal?
My favourite meal is spaghetti bolognaise. It has always been a childhood favourite of mine, and reminds me of my mom's home cooked meals.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am so excited about my Miss South Africa 2015 journey and I truly consider it such an honour. I look forward to whatever comes my way and I can't wait to meet all the other semi-finalists and to learn and grow through this incredible experience.