Yanda Woods

Luyanda Mhlalukwana, widely known as Yanda Woods, is one of South Africa's most compelling young creative forces. Born on 21 August 2004 in Pretoria, Tshwane, she is living proof of what happens when ambition, authenticity, and an impeccable sense of style grow up together. Where Gen Z boldness meets timeless elegance, Yanda doesn't wait for an invitation into the room. She walks in, rearranges the furniture, and makes it entirely her own.

Her creative journey began in 2021, started quietly as a personal passion. By 2022, it had become a full-time career, and it hasn't slowed since. Her high-fashion aesthetic and commitment to authentic storytelling quickly caught the attention of some of the world's most recognisable brands. At just 17, she walked into a male-dominated industry and opened Legends Barber, a venture that speaks to something most creators don't have: a genuine entrepreneurial instinct. Then she made an even bolder move, stepping away from what was already working to build something entirely on her own terms.

Her reach extends across the South African digital landscape and well beyond. She carries an engaged audience, with a core following of South African women aged 25 to 35 who trust her taste, follow her recommendations, and show up consistently. Brands like Elizabeth Arden, Doritos, Dior, Lancôme, Maybelline Africa, YSL, GHD, and Disney+ already know this. They have seen what a collaboration with Yanda actually does.

In the media space, she co-hosts the Spreading Humours podcast, having overcome her own stage fright to become a confident, compelling on-screen presence. She was nominated for Influencer of the Year at the 2025 Briefly News Entertainment Awards, a recognition that reflects both her digital footprint and her cultural standing. From scroll-stopping content to full campaign executions, Yanda brings production values and a natural on-camera presence that makes brand integration feel effortless rather than transactional. A collaborator who treats every brief with the same seriousness she brings to running her own business, and a voice that has earned its audience.