Big Brother Mzansi gave us many moments, but two people who truly stood out? Ashley Ogle and Akhonamathemba Mbele, aka Sweet Guluva.

They captured hearts, trended regularly, and yes, gave us a romance we couldn’t stop watching. But now? They’re switching gears and going solo with their personal brands.

TV personality Ashley Ogle captured the audience’s attention with her no-sleep pledge to keep things lively in the BBM house. Her time on the show was cut short, but her romance with the show’s winner, Sweet Guluva, lives on! 

Also a TV personality and influence, Sweet Guluva walked away with the R2 million grand prize. But also Ogle’s attention.

Now, the power couple is choosing to go separate ways. But only in business. The romance stays, but they’re building separate brands. You read that right. And it might just be the smartest move they’ve made yet. Here’s why:

1. It makes them more relatable (and trustworthy)

People love authenticity. When you focus on your own voice, your own vibe, and your own goals, it resonates. Fans get to connect with the real you, not just the couple dynamic. When people follow influencers or celebrities, they’re not just looking for picture-perfect moments they want to connect with someone who feels real.

Audience can easily tell when marketing isn’t genuine. That’s why over 89% of marketers prefer working with influencers who create real, honest content, even if they don’t have a huge following, as long as their followers are active and engaged.

2. It’s way easier to sell yourself

Let’s be honest: when your brand is tied up with someone else’s, it gets complicated. Separate brands mean clear messaging, stronger identities, and more freedom to explore different opportunities.

3. It helps attract the right audience

Ashley might appeal to a beauty and lifestyle crowd. Guluva? More of an arts, fashion and sport crossover. Building solo lets each of them speak directly to their core fans and grow faster.

Jeff Bezos famously describes a brand as “what other people say about you when you aren’t in the room.” Want to be known as someone’s romantic partner? Or as an expert in your field?

4. It sets them apart in a crowded market

There’s no shortage of couples riding the post-reality TV wave. But going solo? That takes guts. And it helps you stand out.

Even PR experts agree. Farah Fortune says joint social accounts can be risky, even for married couples. “I would never advise any couple to have joint social media accounts, not even married couples, whether famous or not. I think it could weaken their brands if they split up. It’s like a divorce, just instead of ‘who gets the kids’ it’s ‘who gets the followers’.”

5. Even the biggest stars do it

Ogle and Guluva aren’t the first to go this route. Here are a few power couples who’ve mastered the art of solo brand-building:

* Meghan Markle & Prince Harry
She’s building a media empire. He’s championing the Invictus Games. Same team, separate lanes.

* Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Queen B is a brand all her own. Jay’s out here running businesses. Power moves, separately.

* Oprah Winfrey & Stedman Graham
They’ve been together for decades but kept their careers distinct. And they’re intentional about it, as noted by Stedman himself: “I’ve been able to find my own happiness, and to find my own skills, my own talents, my own abilities, and I’m satisfied with that.”

* Michelle & Barack Obama
She’s a bestselling author and girls’ education advocate. He’s still active in politics. Both thriving.

* Chrissy Teigen & John Legend
One dominates the kitchen (and Twitter). The other? The music charts. It works because they’ve got different strengths and let them shine.

With all these examples making a relationship and business life work, Ogle and Guluva have a solid template to follow. Because, let’s face it, the reality show honeymoon phase fades. Building a solid, independent brand means you’re not just a BBM star – you’re a business. Ogle’s got her “Ash Angels.” Guluva’s a natural entertainer with hustle for days. Together or apart, they’ve got the tools to thrive. But by stepping into their own spotlights, they’re showing fans (and future partners) that they’re here for more than 15 minutes of fame.

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