Nicole Meyer blossoms beyond the runway: Cultivating change with the Protea Movement

From global fashion campaigns to frontline advocacy, Nicole Meyer is leveraging her voice for those who need it most.

The launch of the Protea Movement marks a pivotal moment in her journey, as she commits to fostering unity, healing, and hope through initiatives that uplift women, youth, wildlife, and vulnerable communities in South Africa.

Born in Cape Town and known for her work with global brands like Guess, Meyer is now using her platform to inspire change and plant seeds of hope at her roots. The Protea Movement is a testament to her belief that helping others is a powerful form of healing.

“I am not a freedom fighter but a fighter for those who can’t stand up for themselves like our wildlife and our youth,” Meyer shared.

"I want to combine this with an education development program on teaching how we can care for each other and our environment sustainably."

Meyer’s motivation stems from a desire to overcome personal challenges and use her voice for good. "I wanted to heal from things that happened to me as a young child and a woman, and I figured out when I help - I heal," she explained.

"I was not recognised in my environment and I grew to what other people thought about me. I decided to do things independently and count on my faith to push through for others and use my platform for good."

The movement’s immediate focus is a collaboration with Sweat 1000 and the Ozone Lounge in Cape Town, where they are collecting donations of clothes, running shoes, food, and stationery. This effort is timed to coincide with Women's Month and World Food Day on October 16.

Through this initiative, Meyer hopes to foster a sense of unity and grace in South Africa, inspired by her passion for community and her country.

"I believe with my talent, modelling, acting, storytelling, and the theatre I can help," she said. “I don’t want to indulge my own success for myself but for others, my family, my country too.”

Meyer envisions the Protea Movement as a catalyst for a new generation of leaders and a more sustainable network of non-profit organisations.

“We see how our president’s speech at the G20 touched us all, and the influence of the Protea Movement could birth new future leaders," she said, before revealing another heartwarming goal: to assist a "community warrior" named Jeanette, who has a kidney disease. "This lady nurtured communities and we are hoping to give back to her."

The launch has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response, for which Meyer is deeply grateful.

"I have had an amazing reaction," she said. "I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this. It’s very, very scary to launch something like this as a woman isn't always seen as a leader."

While based in Johannesburg for a new project, Meyer hints at more to come, leaving fans and supporters eagerly anticipating the next phase of the Protea Movement.

"I also can’t say too much about certain things unfolding. We will have to wait and see," she said.