Welcome to MikaStefano.com
Mika Stefano is a powerhouse young South African entrepreneur who juggles his love for media, fitness, marketing and event management with flair! A Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African, Mika shook up the blogging scene many years ago with his award winning entertainment blog while heading the marketing department at Theatre on the Square, and strutted his stuff as a part-time celebrity. Now, he's the proud founder of STRONG Gym in Melrose Arch and STRONG PR, Marketing and Events.
Welcome to his new online playground.
About Mika Stefano
Mika Stefano's entrepreneurial journey is a vibrant tale that began on MySpace many ears ago, but truly found his rhythm on Facebook. From managing a small Facebook group to becoming one of South Africa's pioneering bloggers, Mika’s passion for media and entertainment has always been the golden thread to his career. His talent for creating engaging and lively online content quickly became evident, even leading to a quirky attempt at a music career with his debut single, "Twitter Dance." Although the internet was still a novelty at the time, Mika’s dedication saw him crafting award-winning blog content making him one of South Africa’s top entertainment bloggers.
Mika’s online escapades coincided with his professional evolution, starting in the marketing department of The Market Theatre and progressing to the iconic Theatre on the Square in Sandton. His nearly 20-year tenure at the Theatre on the Square has been a masterclass in hands-on business management, working alongside owner and producer Daphne Kuhn, who runs the theatre with unparalleled grace and determination. Mika’s experience there has allowed him to collaborate with many of South Africa’s most iconic theatre makers, leaving an indelible mark on his career.
Mika’s flair for entertainment has also brought him into the limelight on TV and radio. He has graced the screen hosting various TV shows, including the live SABC 3 Durban July show for four consecutive years, and featured on programs across VuzuTV, MTV and SABC. His love for radio found him hosting entertainment segments on stations like 947, Metro FM, 5FM and East Coast Radio, eventually leading to a role at Trans Africa Radio. At Trans Africa Radio, Mika not only hosted his own show but took on the role of station manager, working with radio stars like Ms Cosmo, DJ Speedster, Lunga Shabalala, Twins on Decks, DJ Zinhle, SK Khoza and DJ Capital.
Mika’s passion extends beyond media and entertainment; he has championed impactful social causes, particularly within the LGBTQI community. He spearheaded two notable campaigns against bullying: the South African leg of the famous NOH8 campaign and his own initiative, #PushPurple. Both campaigns garnered support from influential figures, including AKA, Khanyi Mbau, Reeva Steenkamp, Lulo Cafe, DJ Warras, Bujy, JJ Schoeman and Ms Party.
Mika’s journey took a transformative turn when he embraced fitness, losing over 30kgs and finding a new passion for health and wellness. This led him to teach group fitness classes at SWEAT1000 and embark on a HIIT tour around Gauteng with Planet Fitness. The challenges of 2020’s lockdown pushed him further into the digital space, where he created a vibrant community through daily online fitness classes. This momentum culminated in a partnership with Moove Motion Fitness and the opening of his very own HIIT-based running gym, STRONG, in Melrose Arch in March 2021. Mika has since built a team of incredible trainers, motivating thousands of members to lead healthier lives.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Mika’s entrepreneurial spirit found another outlet in 2022. Partnering with his friend Herkie Du Preez, he co-founded STRONG PR, Marketing, and Events, a multifaceted agency handling everything from corporate events to social media campaigns and award dinners. STRONG PR’s media department thrives on creating engaging corporate content, and the agency’s impressive portfolio reflects the high praise from clients.
His journey has been marked by evolution, resilience and an unshakeable commitment to authenticity. While the platforms may have changed, the zesty, over-the-top character who first captivated audiences on social media all those years ago is still very much alive.