Blog Post

Crawford Alumnae Kai Coates - A creative inspiration!

An authority on people, music, interiors, trends, well-being and style. Kai Coates is a Crawford North Coast Alumnae and young editor, writer and influencer at Fab Mags.


What does it mean to be a lifestyle editor?

It’s a very exciting job! You have to be on top of the latest lifestyle trends and be comfortable pitching and assigning big story ideas. It also helps that I work with an amazing team, they make it easy.


Do you have formal training in this field?

If you mean a degree in journalism, then no. But I am an example that anything is possible with solid commitment and hard work. I also had the best teachers when I was at Crawford International North Coast who set a foundation that I’m truly grateful for.


So, you’re following a degree of life!

Ha ha, yes, the degree of life will always be my compass, but I have enrolled to study an actual degree in BA: Communication Sciences in 2022. I’m very excited for my new journey.


Why a career path in Communication Science?

People are my jam, my thing! Studying communications can improve how we see others, it is the way we meet others, develop and manage relationships and work effectively with others. This was part of the global competencies programme that Crawford taught me and which drove my passion.


Read more about our globally aligned education programme.


You recently started your own businesses. Tell us more!

I took a gap year after Matric, which turned into gap years (plural) because of COVID. This led me to start my own businesses Ginger & Freckles that focuses on my passion for earring design as well as Ukugirlx which is teaching children online how to play the ukulele.  


Wow, you’re a jewelry designer and a musician too?

I’m a creative. Writing music and original melodies are not that far from crafting an engaging story. The rhythm and flow are just a little different, but the emotion it evokes is the same.


During your time at Fab Mags, has there been a particular interview that really inspired you?

As an editor, I read and edit a lot of wonderful articles, but one interview that stood out was a piece in the August edition of The Ballito Magazine, from Dr. Pramlall about women’s health. It has inspired me to get more in tune with my own body and health. Also, there is a piece that I’m working on for the December issue, which I think will be my most memorable interview to date. Watch this space.


Where do you see the magazine industry going?

We are in an interesting space. Technology has brought our world together, and it has also changed the magazine landscape. Traditional media organisations are unable to keep up with the trendier, online platforms that multiply daily. 

Fab Mags has already ventured into the digital magazine space to accommodate our advertisers and we are all very excited for the journey ahead. We are also aware that we will have to move beyond the page in an attempt to remain relevant and up to date. 


How do you keep learning?

I am not shy to ask for help. I read a lot of books on different subjects and I follow writer-editors to see how their work compares to my own and the people I work with daily. I learn as I go along.


What advice do you have for students wanting to be writers or editors?

It’s hard work and it never ends. Make sure you work well under pressure and don’t get frazzled by deadlines. Most importantly, be yourself, especially in your writing. You will never be bored in this industry as you meet and do many different things. So, have fun!


What can we expect from you in the future?

I hope the future holds stability and success for me and I hope children continue to enjoy music melodies from Ukugirlx as well as beautiful designs from Ginger & Freckles.


I also hope I will have the opportunity to finish my degree and move into the communications industry with ease. And finally, I really, really hope borders open for actual travel and not just travel as a digital nomad (someone who travels online).


Read more Crawford Alumni success stories here.

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By Karabo Molokomme 05 Jan, 2024
Why Learning an Instrument Is Beneficial for Children Listening to your child learning to play an instrument can be challenging. Nobody handles the same key being played repeatedly well. And if you think the piano is bad, try listening to a child who is learning to play the drums, a trumpet, or the violin! But wait, before you pull the plug on lessons, you need to know how much benefit there is for your child in learning a musical instrument. We have outlined 10 benefits below: 1. It’s Fun Music is and should be fun. Sure, while your child is learning a new instrument it may be a little frustrating (for them and for you), but there will come a point where the penny will drop, and the instrument will serve its purpose. Being able to play songs that your child loves will be a huge personal achievement for them and the more they play, the better they will be and ultimately the more fun music will become. 2. Improved Coordination There are hundreds of toys on the market aimed at improving your child’s motor skills and coordination, but before you drop some significant money on a short-term toy, think about a long-term instrument. A study conducted in the United States proves that there is a big difference in fine motor skills and coordination development between a child that plays an instrument and one that does not. This is because an instrument forces a child to use their hands intentionally and at specific moments to get results. 3. Reduced Anxiety and Depression There are many reasons why learning to play a musical instrument helps anxiety and depression. Besides the fact that playing an instrument is one of the purest forms of self-expression, it also ensures that a person who needs time for themselves is spending time with themselves as they master their instrument. Added to that, mastering an instrument brings a person a sense of self achievement and increased mood. All of that, combined with the actual soothing or uplifting sounds of music, means that anxiety and depression are reduced. 4. Creates Responsibility Every instrument needs to be cared for. Guitars and pianos need to be tuned, drums need to be reskinned and maintained and flutes need to be cleaned with a rod and cloth. Having your child take care of the instrument they are learning to play and having them also stick to practice schedules means they are learning responsibility. 5. Exposes Children to New Cultures We all know that music plays a huge role in culture and history. It not only reflects different eras of time, but it has also been instrumental in implementing significant social and political change. Understanding different music, and its purpose, means exposure to different genres and instruments. For instance, get your child to explore the guitar and then expose them to the sitar from India. 6. Mathematics Skills Playing a musical instrument holds parallels with critical thinking and problem-solving skills , which are the cornerstones of mathematics. When learning an instrument, children will have to count and measure scales, all of which requires numbers. And when children learn rhythm, they are learning ratios, fractions, and proportions. Instruments are a great way for children to learn Maths in a creative way. 7. Increases Memory When learning a musical instrument, children need to memorize sheet music and finger placement. They need to also remember cues and arrangements. It is proven that children who play a musical instrument have increased brain function, better focus, and therefore increased memory. 8. Improves Listening Skills Children who play a musical instrument need to listen to a variety of things, including rhythm, pitch, and speed. And they also need to listen to what other people are playing and, of course, instructions from the conductor or teacher. 9. Improves Social Skills Musical instruments are often played in a group, such as in a band, a production, or in an orchestra. This requires the musician to work “harmoniously” (see what we did there?) with other musicians to achieve the desired outcome… harmony! It is a proven fact that children who take part in music, develop higher levels of social cohesion. 10. Perseverance Learning an instrument can be challenging and your child’s music teacher should outline both short-term and long-term goals to monitor milestones. Achieving these milestones are both rewarding and encouraging for your child and these things drive perseverance – a wonderful trait and skill to have.
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