Pnina Fenster is an icon in South African media, known for her transformative work as the launch Editor-in-Chief of both Marie Claire South Africa and Glamour South Africa. Under her leadership, Glamour skyrocketed to bestseller status, cementing her place as one of the most influential figures in journalism. Today, Pnina’s adventures extend beyond magazines—she writes on style, travel, and ghostwrites memoirs for fascinating individuals.
In this exclusive interview, Pnina shares her insights on living adventurously, her boldest career moves, and the transformative power of travel.
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How Pnina Fenster Finds Adventure in Daily Life
Pnina believes that adventure isn’t confined to big, dramatic moments—it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life.
“Two simple things—being intentional and paying attention—infuse adventure into everyday moments,” she explains.
Living in Cape Town, with its breathtaking natural beauty, offers endless opportunities for discovery. For Pnina, adventure can be as simple as a coastal drive, a meaningful conversation, or immersing herself in creative projects.
“It’s the difference between the mundanity of just drinking a glass of wine and the magic of toasting properly while looking into someone’s eyes before drinking,” she says.
She also credits meditation and ritual with adding depth and wonder to her life. Pnina shares that her father gifted her meditation lessons for her 21st birthday, sparking a lifelong practice that she describes as “adventure on a whole other level.”
A Gutsy Move That Defined Her Career
Pnina’s journey to becoming a trailblazing editor is a story of courage, determination, and resourcefulness.
Applying for the role of launch editor for Marie Claire South Africa was one of the most pivotal moments in her life. To secure the position, Pnina faced an assignment that required both creative and strategic thinking. When an ambiguous section of the project left her stumped, she made an impulsive decision that would change her life.
“I phoned the Paris office to ask for clarification. When the secretary told me the international director was busy preparing for a board meeting in New York, I blurted out, ‘Oh, New York, what a coincidence. I’m also going to New York next week,’” she recalls.
The gamble paid off. Pnina hustled to fund the trip, lining up freelance commissions and working around the clock to meet other deadlines. Her persistence earned her a 15-minute meeting that turned into a 40-minute conversation with the international director, followed by an introduction to the company chairman.
“That 15-minute meeting changed the rest of my life,” she reflects.
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The Thrill of Launching Glamour South Africa
Stepping into the role of founding Editor-in-Chief for Glamour South Africa was a dream come true for Pnina, but it came with its share of challenges.
“It was thrilling, terrifying, challenging, inspiring, stressful, transformational, and marvelous—all at the same time,” she says.
With the local magazine market fiercely competitive, Pnina knew she had to bring her A-game. She describes the experience as a mix of relentless deadlines and creative collaboration, with glimmers of true glamour.
“Contrary to The Devil Wears Prada, editing the magazine was far from wall-to-wall glitz and more about working until 2am if that’s what it took. But I truly loved the experience, including working till 2am.”
The glamour, when it appeared, was extraordinary. From hosting dazzling events to sipping cocktails in Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment, attending editorial conferences in historic villas, and even participating in a designer event at Buckingham Palace, the memories are nothing short of magical.
Pnina Fenster’s Transformative Journey to India
India holds a special place in Pnina’s heart. Over the years, her travels there have offered profound lessons and unforgettable experiences.
“India enchants with its marvels, challenges with its contradictions, and inspires with its soul,” she says.
On her most recent visit, Pnina spent three weeks at an Ayurvedic clinic in Kerala. Far from the luxurious spas often associated with Ayurveda, this clinic was a minimalist retreat.
“It was the opposite of luxurious, but absolutely transformative,” she explains. The experience involved simple vegetarian food, daily treatments, and the physical and emotional detox of being confined to one plain room for three weeks.
This stripped-down lifestyle offered Pnina a new perspective, further deepening her appreciation for India’s complexity and mysticism.
If Pnina Could Teleport Anywhere…
When asked about her dream destination, Pnina’s eyes light up.
“I’d take a luxurious cruise to all sorts of fascinating places for a long, long time,” she says, embodying the spirit of adventure she so passionately embraces.
Inspiring a Life of Adventure
Pnina Fenster’s story is a testament to the power of courage, creativity, and curiosity. From bold career moves to soulful travel experiences, she exemplifies what it means to live adventurously. For more inspiring stories like Pnina’s, explore this issue of Ripple Magazine, where we celebrate the beauty of reinvention, resilience, and adventure. For more inspiring stories like Pnina’s, explore this issue of Ripple Magazine, where we celebrate the beauty of reinvention, resilience, and adventure.
