Teaching East Londoners how to turn an old T-shirt into a macramé plant holder, among other fun up-cycling tricks and secrets, SuzelleDIY entertained a live audience of excited fans on Saturday.
With the backdrop of the idyllic Santa Paloma Farm, Suzelle shared some inventive do-it-yourself tips, appearing in her eccentric Frida Khalo-inspired attire.
From 13-year-olds admiring their idol to the ladies who worship Suzelle’s quiet and simple friend Marianne, the farm’s rustic events hall was filled with laughs and applause for the kooky character and her hilarious sayings.
Some fans even went as far as to “Suzelle” themselves, showing up to the event sporting Suzelle’s signature hairdo, accessories and colourful dresses.
Bringing SuzelleDIY to East London for the first time, the Johannesburg-born actress behind the zany persona, Julia Anastasopoulos, said she’d enjoyed the experience.
“I’ve received such a warm welcome in East London and I’ve absolutely loved it. It’s been a really nice little getaway for me,” Anastasopoulos said while chatting to the Daily Dispatch after the lively event.
“Live events are my favourite. I love this part of being Suzelle.
“Meeting fans and engaging with a live audience is wonderful.”
The DIY demo also saw audience members find their creative spark, as Suzelle handed out shirts and scissors and encouraged audiences to keep up with a “Come on guys, get with the programme”.
After a few rounds of Q and As with fans, revealing all the ins and outs about SuzelleDIY, including her style secrets, inspiration, new DIY ideas and most loved and hated DIYs, fans were treated to a meet and greet and book signing session with the charismatic social media star.
The day also saw various lucky draws with generous prizes, from sponsors including Lovisa Skin, The Bamboo Project, Serendipity Body Spa and Soga Organic among others.
In an auction of products and services from sponsors, more than R4,000 was raised for local charity Buckaroo Project.
Ending off the day with a final “There’s It!”, Suzelle definitely felt the love in East London, and may even have walked away with a few more creative ideas for her wacky web series.
“I would definitely love to come back and maybe next time I’ll bring Marianne with me.
“I’d really like to travel to the smaller towns more often.
“It’s a way to see SA but also a way for me to reach out and meet fans I wouldn’t get the opportunity to otherwise,” Anastasopoulos, who recently became a mom, said.
“Having a baby has definitely changed the way I view Suzelle.
“I think the most rewarding thing about this character is to see how kids have responded to her and to see young girls with such a positive role model,” Anastasopoulos said...