Meet Faith Wanjiku, a Kenyan model obsessed with the art
“I have always had a passion for modeling and I came to realize that modelling isn’t just about being trendy and cute. It’s (also) about expressing my character, building my confidence and ultimately celebrating myself and having fun while at it.”
Faith Wanjiku started modelling in 2018 when she was barely 16. The 22-year-old resilience and enthusiasm for modeling makes her one of the special talents in the East African region. Her alluring slim and slender body coupled with her fair, smooth and sparkling skin texture is what you make you wish to watch her swing her angelic body when she catwalks down the runway.
The Insider’s writer Linda Apollo caught up with Wanjiku in this one-on-one interview.
1. TI: Hi Faith, please tell us a little about you?
FW: I’m called Faith Wanjiku, I’m originally from Nakuru Kenya but moved to Nairobi for my university studies. I’m a professional runway and commercial model. I started modelling in 2018 at a young age and before I knew it I was a finalist at the Miss Universe Kenya 2019.
2. TI: How would you describe yourself in just three words?
FW: Resilient, enthusiastic, optimistic.
3. TI: Why did you join modelling?
FW: When I’m on the runway I feel alive, I feel free. Modelling gives me a sense of purpose as well as challenges me to put in the work to become better.
4. TI: Who is your inspiration?
FW: Candice Swanepoel inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams and goals in this art. Her walk is fierce and elegant. (Candice Susan Swanepoel is a South African model and philanthropist. She is known for her work with Victoria’s Secret. She became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010 and is still contracted with the brand. In 2016, she was listed 8th on the Forbes top-earning models list.)
5. TI: How old are you now and at what age did you first think of becoming a model?
FW: I am 22 years young and I thought of joining the modeling industry when I was 16 years.
6. TI: How did it all start?
FW: I have loved modelling since I was in high school back in 2013 and tried out the pageants in school. After completing my final year, I decided to pursue it as a career. In early 2018, a friend shared an audition poster with me and encouraged me to try out. Despite my fears and insecurities, I pushed myself to try and got signed to an agency that has mentored me and I have never looked back. I have always had a passion for modeling and I came to realize that modelling isn’t just about being trendy and cute. It’s (also) about expressing my character, building my confidence and ultimately celebrating myself and having fun while at it.
7. TI: Where did you attend your high school and college?
FW: I cleared my high school from Vanessa Grant and I am currently a final year student at Kenyatta University pursuing a degree in Real Estate Management.
8. TI: What are your goals in modelling?
FW: Travelling internationally for runway shows; AFI Fashion week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion week, New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion week to name but a few. Being fully booked and well paid. Partnering with quality brands in advertising and investments. Working with upcoming models through mentorship.
9. TI: How did the Covid-19 pandemic impact you personally and professionally as a model?
FW: The pandemic gave me fear of the unknown and sometimes paranoia. Staying away from people I love and not being able to have quality time and face-to-face conversations and interaction was such a challenge for me. With regards to modeling, there were no jobs within the first few months of the pandemic and over time still very few jobs but I’m still hopeful.
10. TI: How did you overcome these challenges?
FW: Conversations with God gave me peace and a sense of reassurance. My mother would constantly encourage me to remain optimistic and fix my trust in God. Supportive friends who would check up on me, kept me sane.
11. TI: What are some of the challenges you face as a model?
FW: Body insecurities. I know this might come as a surprise but even we models have body insecurities and especially with the set beauty standards in society that are quite misleading. Rejection as much as it is part of the job, it sometimes affects someone especially if it’s a job or client you really wanted to work with. There’s also the money issue; underpayment. It is a growing industry that still has a long way to go and a lot of work to be done.
12. TI: If you were to change how modelling is viewed by the society, what would it be?
FW: Modeling is a profession, a career that ought to be accorded respect and be treated with rightful dignity in all aspects.
13. TI: Lastly, if you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
FW: I would be an eagle. I want to be the best that I can be in the modelling industry and nothing will deter my focus.
Follow Faith Wanjui on twitter @wanjiku_wangombeh.
Recent Comments