From Business to Bodybuilding: Delia Kroll's Inspiring Journey to Mrs. South Africa 2024 Finalist

September 22, 2024

From Business to Bodybuilding: Delia Kroll's Inspiring Journey to Mrs. South Africa 2024 Finalist

Delia Kroll, born and raised in Westville, KZN, has always been driven by her passions and a commitment to excellence. Married in 2006, she began her career as a regional sales manager for an IT company before transitioning to the insurance industry in 2016, where she now runs her own brokerage. Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed alongside her family, with her two sons, born in 2011 and 2014, growing up amidst her professional journey.

In 2012, just a year after her first son’s birth, Delia entered her first bodybuilding competition and clinched the KZN Championship title. With unwavering determination, she spent years perfecting her craft, eventually winning the title of South African Champion in Fitness Bikini in 2022.

Driven by her love for the stage and her desire to make a positive impact, Delia entered the Mrs. South Africa competition in 2024, becoming a finalist. She now eagerly anticipates the final pageant, set to take place in November 2024. Alongside her competitive endeavors, Delia remains deeply committed to her charity, The Family Protection Association, and enjoys spending time in the gym, cooking, and raising her two sons.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

1. Career Transition: You transitioned from IT sales to running your own brokerage in the insurance industry. What inspired that shift, and what challenges did you face as an entrepreneur?

I was inspired to make the change because I wanted to take my talent for sales and use it to my advantage by being in full control of the business. The best way to do this was to start my own! I also love the marketing and design aspects of running a business. I'm quite creative, and I enjoy having full creative control, whether it's designing the website, creating logos, or ordering customized gifts for clients. I get to play with my ideas without having to answer to a corporate team, and I love it! The challenges in the beginning are many—growing your client base, learning about business taxation, and finding the right staff. But as with anything in life, the more you do it, the better you become.

2. Bodybuilding Journey: Entering your first bodybuilding competition just a year after becoming a mom and eventually winning the South African Championship in Fitness Bikini is an incredible achievement. What motivated you to pursue bodybuilding, and how did you balance that with motherhood?

Thank you! I had always wanted to be on stage and admired local bikini competitors like Tammy Jackson and Jenna Limerick with absolute awe. I even watched a bodybuilding show before I had kids and thought these sculpted physiques were the pinnacle of beauty and a display of mental and physical fortitude. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to step on stage myself, but I admired them so much.

After my first son was born, I was dismayed by the state of my body—it was not only unlike the physiques I admired, but it was also worse than ever before. I realized I had two choices: accept my new body or work hard to achieve the physique I had always admired. As a new mom, I owed it to myself to pursue the dream I had in my heart for so long. I hired a coach, followed a training program and an eating plan, and got to work! It wasn’t easy. I fit my training sessions into nap times and had many days when I felt like giving up due to fatigue. But I persevered and entered the KZN Championships in the bikini division just 363 days after giving birth. To my enormous surprise, I won. That victory began a bodybuilding journey that has lasted over a decade, culminating in my becoming a national champion in 2021.

3. Mrs. South Africa Finalist: What inspired you to enter the Mrs. South Africa competition, and how has the experience shaped your personal and professional life?

I was inspired by my fitness coach, Joe Manjoo. One day, I asked him why he never charged me for all the advice he gave. He explained that, due to his religious beliefs, gifts or talents from God shouldn’t be used selfishly—they should be shared to make the world a better place. I loved that thought and wanted to do the same, but I felt I had no gifts to offer! I think many of us fail to see the talents we possess.

When I saw Mrs. South Africa, I realized this platform could marry my love for the stage, public speaking, marketing, and community service. I was right. Through this platform, I’ve been able to give back to my community and raise significant funds for my charity, Fampro. This is only the beginning, and I know I can make the world a better place.

Professionally, the experience has made me truly brave. Public speaking is now not only easy but enjoyable, and I’ve learned that "no" just means "next opportunity." Personally, my sons have grown more confident. Listening to mommy on the radio while dad drives them to school is not an experience all kids have. I’m blessed to have a platform that shows them they can be brave and believe in themselves. I know they will become the men this world and community need.

4. Family and Motherhood: With two sons and a thriving career, how do you manage your time between family, work, and your bodybuilding and competition endeavors?

I wake up early! Honestly, there’s no secret—time management is tough. My advice is to commit to what you love, even if it feels like you’re biting off more than you can chew. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. As demands grow, so does your ability to meet them. If it’s what God wants for you, the way will reveal itself, and people will guide and support you. You just need to open your heart and have faith.

5. Charity Work: You are deeply committed to The Family Protection Association. Can you share more about your involvement with this charity and why it’s so important to you?

I have been close to a family affected by femicide, and it deeply shook the remaining members. Women in abusive relationships often don’t know how to leave and are frequently threatened when they try. Fampro offers real legal support to these victims, which can save many women from a terrible fate. The organization also aims to build safe spaces for children. KZN’s Department of Community Safety and Liaison has one of the smallest provincial budgets, which is almost non-existent. It’s urgent that we come together as a community to protect these children. If you don’t know where to start, contact me. If you have a heart for this cause, we can do something together. Fampro belongs to all of us.

6. Fitness and Wellness: As a fitness enthusiast, what role does health and wellness play in your everyday routine, and how do you inspire others to lead a healthy lifestyle?

My daily routine starts with training every morning, and it sets a positive tone for my entire day. If you haven’t tried it, train every day for a month—it will become a habit! I love sports and bodybuilding-style weights, but I’ve also trained with kettlebells (fun fact: I’m a certified kettlebell instructor!). I’m starting Pilates classes too because injury prevention is important. I hope I inspire others to train, and I’m always open to offering advice. The gym is a judgment-free zone, and you’ll be surprised at how welcoming the gym community is. Don’t be scared to start!

7. Future Aspirations: With so many achievements already, what are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally, as you approach the Mrs. South Africa pageant?

My goal is to become Mrs. South Africa. I’d love to win this pageant and use the platform to bring people together to make my home province a better place. This year, we raised enough money for one court case—it’s just a start. Imagine what we could achieve next year!