Being in the entertainment industry is not just about the fun and fame. There's a lot of hard work that goes behind staying on top of your game. And, as much as some people celebrate your sucess, there are others who can't wait to see you fail. 

Fortunately for Pearl Thusi, this is something she realised a while ago. The Elle magazine August cover girl took to Instagram to share a bit of what she's learnt about the industry. 

 

A sneak peak from my @ellemagazinesa #africaissue cover coming out today!!! 💃💃💃💖📰💖 Keeping quiet for so long about this for as long as I did wasn't easy! A lesson I learnt long ago in this industry was that not everyone will be happy for you. People are selfish and can be very uncaring. Don't share your happiest moments with the whole world. They might not understand. Because the dream is yours. The success is yours. They're not meant to understand. So tell what is necessary and keep to yourself your deepest wishes and hopes. Only unlock it when no one else can take it away from you. Live your best life. Be strong and do it!!!! Much Love, Pearl Thusi, Mamma Pantha. 💖

A photo posted by Pearl Thusi- Real Black Pearl (@pearlthusi) on Jul 26, 2015 at 9:51pm PDT

We totally agree with you, Pearl. 

Pearl described the Elle magazine cover as a dream come true. She also paid tribute to her daughter, late mother, and eveyone who has supported her throughout the years. 

 

My 1st @ellemagazinesa cover. Dreams do come true. God is real. And He's so faithful and full of surprises!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Thank you to my family and friends for all the support throughout the years of my journey into and through this industry. I couldn't have gotten so far without you carrying me and lifting my spirit in dark and bleak times. To my daughter, where would I be without you? I'd probably have more money, lol, but my life is so enriched by your presence, your moans and giggles. Just hearing you speak is testament to what love is to me. How true, real and unconditional it is. Thank you for choosing me 👶🏽💝👑 To my mother. It's never been the same without you. But it's still to thank you for being here for me even today. I miss you terribly and I live to make you proud. To not repeat your mistakes and to emulate all your amazing strengths. The bravest and most hard working woman I ever knew. I can just imagine what you'd do if you saw this. I will always love you. Always. To think this very month marks 11 years since you passed on. And these great gifts are sprinkled in this very time to remind me that you're still here. I feel you. 😢❤️👑👑👑 To my amazing team @capacityrelations . Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I don't know where to begin. For believing in me and cheering me on. For scolding and loving me. I appreciate you immensely! To more success and happiness!! 🙌🏾✊🏾👯😘💫 To my man. 😘😘😘😘 To my fans, My CUBZ... I LOVE YOU!!!! Thank you for caring and reminding me what I am capable of!!! It means so much! I hope I'm making you proud and showing you what YOU are also capable of!!! To many more years of success for us !!!! 🙏🏾💝🙏🏾😘😘😘 To @ellemagazinesa , thank you for your bravery and belief in me. I'm still not sure why but I am honored to be on your cover that celebrates my favorite thing- Africa. Thank you for believing in local stars. South Africa STAND UP !!! ❤️❤️❤️

A photo posted by Pearl Thusi- Real Black Pearl (@pearlthusi) on Jul 27, 2015 at 3:25am PDT

Well done on the cover and keep slaying, mama Pantha!

Image credit: Instagram