Dr. Saumya T Gautam [Mrs. India South Africa] Shares Her Powerful Journey in Pageantry, Healthcare, and Giving Back to the Global Community
“I have had an amazing journey from being a medical doctor to a beauty queen (Mrs India South Africa), influencer, public figure, and brand ambassador of various non-profit organisations (Heart and Stroke Foundation, Smile Foundation South Africa).” Today’s woman dreamer, Dr. Dr. Saumya T Gautam [Mrs. India South Africa] has is on a mission to uplift women around the globe. In her Women Who Win interview, she shares her powerful journey in Pageantry, Healthcare, and Giving Back to the Global Community.
What was your journey like being a woman in STEM, especially medicine? What were some of the obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them to get your Diploma in aesthetic medicine?
I am a medical doctor from Cape Town with speciality in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). I am also the director and founder of S & S Aesthetics. I originally hail from the beautiful country of India. Becoming a doctor like my parents was always my dream and passion. I completed my medical studies in Mumbai and got married.
I relocated to Cape Town 9 years ago after tying the knot.I chose my medical profession to make a difference in the world. To relieve the suffering of human beings and give them the healing touch of love, care and compassion. It was always my dream and passion to serve humanity in the world, and when career and passion comes together it gives me great satisfaction.I have had an amazing journey from being a medical doctor to a beauty queen (Mrs India South Africa), influencer, public figure, and brand ambassador of various non-profit organisations (Heart and Stroke Foundation, Smile Foundation South Africa).
I have been a recipient of many women leadership and empowerment awards across the world. I have also been featured in many magazines and television shows, both nationally and internationally. Challenges are a part of life it depends how you take those challenges and overcome from it. I was and I am always focused on my goals so I see challenges also in a positive way.
2. You are the brand ambassador for several nonprofits, including The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Smile Foundation. How did you find these organizations and what does working with them mean to you?
Bringing smile to the faces of children is next to god. To relieve the suffering of human beings and give them the healing touch of love, care and compassion. It was always my dream and passion to serve humanity in the world, and when career and passion comes together it gives me great satisfaction.
3. Tell me a little about how you navigated the Ms. India South Africa competition and what that award signifies to you.
I have had an amazing journey from being a medical doctor to a beauty queen (Mrs India South Africa), influencer, public figure, and brand ambassador of various non-profit organisations (Heart and Stroke Foundation, Smile Foundation South Africa). I have been a recipient of many women leadership and empowerment awards across the world. I have also been featured in many magazines and television shows, both nationally and internationally.
4. You recently received the Influential Women of the Year 2023 Award South Africa award. How did that feel and what steps did you do towards earning it?
It feels great. I am just focused on my dreams and serving humanity. Being told you’re appreciated is one of the simplest & most uplifting things you can hear. Recognition is the greatest motivator.
5. A lot of your work focuses on self care and uplifting women, especially when married with your medical work in skincare. What tips do you have for women to nurture themselves both outwardly and inwardly?
I believe in a holistic approach to skin care; & considers all contributing factors to your skin health including extrinsic and intrinsic attributes, & recommends a practical and actionable approach to improving the health of your skin. My passion is skin health focusing on incorporating modern anti-aging and rejuvenating medical aesthetic treatments to provide a more youthful and natural look. I believe in cherishing and living every moment of life to its utmost best without fear and regrets. Women are the most beautiful creation by God, I believe that every woman is a super woman in her own way. I believe feminism is not about making women stronger, women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.