All star model

From the humble grounds of Mumias to the streets of China competing amongst beauty queens from top fashion countries. Diana Nekoye, 22, tells Crystal Okusa about her journey into modelling and charity work.

You recently attended the Miss Bikini International Competition, tell us a little about that?

I was not competing against 20 girls as is usually the case locally, this time it was a global competition and it was a contest against more than 60 models who are top beauty queens in their countries. In the boot camp it was up to you to outshine the others without losing sight of the instilled values in etiquette and professionalism as models and beauty queens.

It was a month long competition, what were you doing all that time?

It was a well organised and executed competition and no time ever went to waste. We had a scheduled itinerary since the time we set foot in China. We were either having a shoot session or touring the country. I finally had a chance to see the Great Wall of China — something I had heard about in my History lessons in school . We also visited the Panda and Pearl museums. The last two weeks gave us an honoured chance to be hosted first class by the Sanya government.

Only two African girls took part and you were the only African girl who made it to the top 13, was it a challenge?

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You would expect to be discriminated against when you are the only black girl, but that was not the case. It is funny, but there was the obvious fascination of a dark skinned, black girl, but that was no leverage. The competition was based on merit only.

How was the competition for Miss Bikini locally before you won to represent Kenya in China?

I did not compete locally; I was invited by beauties of Africa Inc. to represent my country given my excellence in other modelling competition in Kenya and Africa. Beauty of Africa Inc. is the franchise holder of the title and they have the right to select top models with previous experience and excellence to take part in the international competitions. I have been a runners-up in Miss Kenyatta University, Ford Models Kenya and recently I was a finalist in Face of Africa competition held in Nigeria.

How do you manage to emerge top of the other models in local competition?

No competition is easy, I work hard at what I am doing, being a model is not a complement, I take it very seriously, and I believe it is the reason I have come this far. It is usually unfortunate that I am not very tall. At 5’7 æ I usually reach the exact mark of height requirement or fall slightly below it, but I somehow manage to get through the competitions.

How did you perform in the Miss Bikini competition?

I became the first runner-up in the Body Beautiful Category with regards to body measurement, fitness and health. I was also the first runners-up in Miss Summer, which puts me at the 3rd place in the overall competition.

Any cash prizes won, what did you do with it?

I will not say how much it was because I do not believe in revealing my finances, but I did win some money that I am currently using to build my website (www.simbaressfashions.com).

I am also in liaison with Ms Lucy of Hope for Teenage Mothers, to work with the young mothers and motivate them that they can still get something better out of life.

What is the Simbaress fashion site about? Why the name Simbaress?

At the moment it is a fashion website and a blog. In the long run I intend it to have my clothing line and an online shopping avenue for international designers to sell their wear. Simbaress is a name I coined out of lioness. It is like my alter ego and I love it, I want to build it as a brand name for my future ventures.

How did you become a Kenya’s representative in Face of Africa?

I was among so many girls in the competition and we all went through the gruelling process. I got shortlisted among ten girls and our photos taken down to South Africa. I later received an email about my selection to be one of the two Kenyans in the competition for the continental prize.

How was your experience in Face of Africa?

It was really exciting; I made a lot of friends and contacts in the fashion industry, which I know will come in handy in my future projects. I also met top models like Oluchi, Kaone – who was our chaperone, and super model Naomi Campbell. Had I won, I would have met Iman, oh, how I wish!

For all the other competitions too, I really enjoy the rich cuisines we get to eat. I am a Luhya so of course I love to eat (chuckles).

Travelling to exotic places?

I finally got to experience Lagos, to check if it is the same one with the huge houses like I see in Nollywood films. I met Nigerian Actor Ramsey Noah by the way! (Laughs). We went to Johannesburg South Africa, it was such a beautiful place that I wished we stayed longer as the 10 days just flew by. Then to the African paradise Dar-es-salaam and finally, all time favourite Mombasa, Kenya.

How did participating in these international competitions (Miss Bikini, Ford Models and Face of Africa) affect your life?

It has hastened my growth, (laughs) sometimes I feel like I am 25 years or over. All the jet-setting, meeting new people is mind blowing. Being under different chaperones, judges, directors, models, choreographers, make-up artists and hair stylists has made me understand the world of modelling more. I am not easily influenced, when I see myself losing focus on the important things in life, I quickly get back on track. If all else fails, I have my friends to make me to stop!

Who is Diana Nekoye away from the catwalk and all that make-up?

I have just completed my Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing at the Kenyatta University. I am currently working as a production trainee at Vivid Features production house. I also just moved out of home — big step — but any moment I get, I go back home to spend time with my younger siblings. I am the second born of seven children. I also try updating my website when I get free time, otherwise you will find me knitting scarves and making mats!!

Tell us about your upbringing?

I had a pretty normal childhood in Western Province, my mother raised me half my life but my father has always been there to support me. I went to school at Mumias Sugar Central primary before joining Lugulu Girls High School.

I am very close to my sister, she is the one who tells me the naked truth and I love her for that.

You recently signed up with O models from South Africa and were to move down south this April, how is that going?

I have not committed myself to full time modelling. I had second thoughts about relocating to South Africa to model. But the contract remains open for two years. Currently I want to build myself in the mainstream.

How did you get into modelling?

When I competed for Miss Kenyatta University, I was very naÔve. I knew nothing about make up. I came out fifth but that never stopped me. I was called to audition for the Ford Models competition with Surazuri and I made to the final eight. And from that day, I have been sailing higher.

What do you enjoy most about modelling?

I am passionate about modelling because to me it’s a serious profession. It is a not easy posing for photos or to strut the runway in designer outfits. The beauty of it is that at the end of the day I feel fulfilled . I enjoy the adrenaline rush of working with different photographers, hairstylists, designers, stylists and models.