Confidence
Creating safe, professional spaces where people learn to trust their voice and recognise their worth.
Karen LensingOfficial profileMenu
South African entrepreneur & empowerment leader
KarenLensing
Building platforms that inspire confidence, celebrate excellence and transform communities.
Official profile6+Purpose-led platforms
2023SACBW nominee
Eden FMRadio presenter
SANational talent scout
01 / About
The woman behind the work
Vision with heart. Leadership with purpose.
Karen Lensing is a visionary entrepreneur, empowerment leader and industry innovator dedicated to uplifting individuals and transforming communities across South Africa.
Her work brings together pageantry, youth development, anti-bullying advocacy, natural wellness, media and national recognition. Across every platform she builds, one idea remains constant: people flourish when they are seen, supported and given the opportunity to rise.
Karen currently scouts emerging talent for Mr & Miss Global South Africa, Talent America and Manhunt South Africa, helping promising individuals connect with respected national and international platforms.
Formerly known publicly as Karen Gray, she now leads a growing ecosystem of organisations and initiatives shaped by dignity, resilience and service.
“Confidence. Purpose. Excellence. Legacy.”
The philosophy
Four ideas guide every platform.
From a first moment on stage to a life-changing community initiative, Karen’s work begins with belief in human potential.
Purpose
Turning talent and lived experience into meaningful direction, opportunity and positive action.
Excellence
Raising standards through mentorship, recognition and platforms that encourage people to grow.
Legacy
Building organisations and initiatives that continue to uplift communities for years to come.
02 / Work & impact
A connected ecosystem
Platforms built to help people shine.
Karen works at the intersection of confidence, community, wellbeing, media and recognition—turning ideas into platforms with real-world impact.
Crawlers & Crowns
Founder & DirectorPageantry, modelling and youth development designed to build confidence, purpose and excellence.
The Anti-Bullying Academy
Founder, Director & ChairpersonA registered social-impact platform championing dignity, kindness, awareness and lasting change.
Apex Magazine
Co-OwnerA media platform that gives meaningful stories, people and achievements the visibility they deserve.Visit Apex Magazine ↗
Industry Recognition Awards
Creator & Co-OrganiserA national platform celebrating excellence, leadership and impact across South African industries.
Natural Health Corner
Owner & Qualified HerbalistHolistic wellness guidance and natural health solutions rooted in care, knowledge and empowerment.
DK Productions
Co-OwnerPurpose-led events, productions and public platforms that connect talent, stories and opportunity.
Current appointments
Official talent scout
Karen identifies and guides promising pageant, modelling and performance talent toward credible opportunities.
Mr & Miss Global South Africa
National pageant scouting
Talent America
Talent discovery and development
Manhunt South Africa
National model scouting
Recognised2023South African Chamber of Business Women
Leadership & recognition
Social Entrepreneur & Warrior Woman nominee.
Karen’s nomination reflects a wider body of work: creating opportunity, mentoring talent, advocating for dignity and building organisations that turn compassion into action.
03 / Voice & media
On air
A voice for honest, meaningful conversation.
As a presenter on Eden FM’s Aksie met Reaksie and co-creator of the upcoming Straight Talk, Karen brings growth, wellness, purpose and real-life challenges into the conversation.
Available for
- Radio and podcast interviews
- Panel conversations
- Community campaigns
- Wellness and empowerment features
- Pageant and talent development media
Verified public coverage
Karen in the media
A sourced archive of reporting connected to Karen’s leadership, advocacy, pageantry, talent development and community work. Earlier articles refer to her by her former public name, Karen Gray.
Comments over Hartenbos contest winner results in cease and desist notice
Karen Lensing clarifies the distinction between two Hartenbos events and speaks firmly against harassment, hate speech and discrimination.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗The bullied become the bullies: Breaking the cycle of hurt
Karen Gray, founder and chairperson of the Anti-Bullying Academy, explains the bully-victim cycle and the need for early, consistent intervention.
The Star
Read original article ↗Violence erupts at Milnerton High School
Karen Lensing offers national media guidance on the emotional effects of bullying and the roles of families, schools and community leaders.
Tabletalk
Read original article ↗Join Anti-Bullying Colour Fun Run
Coverage of the Anti-Bullying Academy’s annual five-kilometre colour fun run and fundraiser at Hartenbos Beach.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗At age 15, I’m proud I was MC at beauty pageant
A young master of ceremonies credits Karen Gray and Deon Lensing for the opportunity to co-host the Eden SA Top Model Competition.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗Pageant an Alice in Wonderland extravaganza
Coverage of the seventh annual Crawlers and Crowns Eden SA and Top Model pageant, organised by Karen Gray and Deon Lensing.
George Herald
Read original article ↗New Dawn Park pageant a true community celebration
Karen Gray is featured as founder and CEO of Crawlers & Crowns and selects six contestants for Top Model SA Pageant America.
George Herald
Read original article ↗Eden Top Model SA contest has ‘five elements’ theme
Karen discusses her annual model search, talent scouting and the mission to inspire, uplift and help community dreams come true.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗Strong focus on charity work
Karen’s Eden SA pageants, international scouting pathways and emphasis on charity and social responsibility are profiled.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗Generous community, business people make golf day a success
Karen Gray, founder and director of the Anti-Bullying Academy, thanks supporters of the organisation’s first fundraising golf day.
George Herald
Read original article ↗Talent Africa contest regional finals held in town
Karen Gray is identified as co-organiser and coordinator of the first Talent Africa Southern Cape regional finals in Mossel Bay.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗Mossel Bay entrant wins Eden model competition
Karen is profiled as director of Crawlers & Crowns, Eden SA Pageants and charity events, as well as a national model scout.
Mossel Bay Advertiser
Read original article ↗Fashion show features local designers’ creations
A Wilderness Arts Festival fashion show organised by Karen highlights local designers and Crawlers & Crowns models.
George Herald
Read original article ↗This archive contains publicly indexed coverage verified on 9 August 2026. It excludes unrelated people with the same name and duplicate syndications of the same story.
Official media profile
Karen Lensing press kit
Approved profile information for journalists, event organisers, sponsors, partners and media platforms.
- Full name
- Karen Lensing
- Also known as
- Karen Gray · Karen Gray Lensing
- Based in
- Garden Route, South Africa
- Primary roles
- Entrepreneur · Empowerment leader · Media personality · National talent scout
- Current scouting appointments
- Mr & Miss Global South Africa · Talent America · Manhunt South Africa
- Website
- karen.apexmagazine.net
Bookings & collaborations
Bring purpose, warmth and experience to your next platform.
Karen is available for selected talks, events, media conversations, judging opportunities and community-focused collaborations.
Anti-bullying talksWomen’s empowermentPageant judgingConfidence workshopsMedia interviewsSchool programmes
Start a conversation
Book Karen
Share your event, audience, proposed date and the kind of impact you would like to create together.
Email: Karen@apexmagazine.co.za · WhatsApp: +27 81 869 6090