By LILLIAN KIARIE

KENYA: The opportunities in professional modelling have given one beautiful woman the opportunity to cash in. Emily Nzasu, 23, is a journalism student and proprietor of 2Face Modelling Agency, which most recently organised a fashion show at the Kajiado County Miss Tourism contest.

Who is Emily Nzasu?

I am a dynamic and determined person with a passion for modelling and fashion. I am outgoing yet reserved; I warm up to people once I get to know them.

What is your average weekday like?

I get up at 6am, or sometimes earlier when we have an event. Each day starts with a prayer. I jog every other day and enjoy listening to gospel music while doing it. Breakfast is essential and I must always have fruits. After this, I go through my emails, and then leave for school. My classes start at 9am and end at 1pm, after which I research fashion events that need models and contact clients.

I hold training sessions and auditions for new models every Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 5pm. I’m usually home by 7pm, have dinner, and then work on school assignments until 11pm. I’m ready for bed after this.

What does your agency do?

2Face Modelling Agency is about empowering young women in Kajiado County through modelling. I train models to catwalk, do photoshoots for magazines, in fashion, etiquette and real-life issues, including creating awareness on HIV and Aids.

How did you get started?

I started modeling when I was nine, thanks to my mum. When I cleared high school, I joined several modelling agencies in Nairobi, but I knew wanted to do more than just model; I wanted to be a model trainer. So I started with a few girls from my neighbourhood, and luckily enough, in 2010, one of my brothers who is a DJ asked me to source girls for a fashion show at Nairobi’s Club Iconic. The girls impressed the show’s organisers, and after that, I got more girls looking to join the agency. I now have more than 50 registered models between the ages of 18 and 27, both male and female.

How do you juggle school and business?

I have been a leader since childhood and I have learnt to keep time and meet deadlines.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt so far?

Patience. Sometimes you have to train slow learners, and this requires a strong will and endurance.

 

What is your biggest challenge?

When I did not have a training area for my models, I ended up training them in my compound and the space was not enough as people kept on coming for auditions. By God’s grace, Mr Mwathi Pere, the Ongata Rongai county representative, has secured a hall for the models to be trained in.

What’s your favourite quote?

My favourite author is Shiv Khera, and he wrote in his book, You Can Win: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”.

What are your future plans?

I would love to have a TV show on modelling like [American supermodel] Tyra Banks’s America’s Next Top Model to inspire more people.

What is your main inspiration?

My parents have always been there for me.

Parting shot? People who are willing to venture into this field should not be intimidated — they should seize every opportunity and run with it.