Life after the runway

Aqua Bonsu — Miss Earth Kenya, 2001/2002
Aqua Bonsu doesn’t need any special introduction. A few words spring to mind when it comes to describing her — sexy, stylish and brainy.

We’ve all seen her face on glossy magazines and she has constantly been the highlight of the media. Before winning the Miss Earth Kenya title, Aqua was the runner-up for both Miss Kenya and Miss Tourism Kenya titles in the year 2000.

With a personality that’s larger than life, brains and beauty to go with, Aqua is without a doubt the envy of many women out there. But just for the record, this is not just another beautiful woman who was struck by luck - no.

She has had to struggle to get where she is today. This first child born of a Ghanaian father and a Digo mother is currently based in Dubai, working as flight attendant for Emirates Airlines and a part-time model for Bare Face Modeling Agency.

When did you venture into modeling? Before I won the title, I was already modeling for Surazuri modeling agency and Kiko Romeo. My mother and siblings encouraged me to get into modeling saying I had what it takes.

So I gave it a try and soon after my modeling career kicked off. Although I still continue with modeling, I only do it during gaps when I have limited time on my off days or when I’m back home on leave.

How is the service industry? It’s very different. Besides, getting into this industry was something I hadn’t really planned for. When I graduated from St. Christopher’s School in Nairobi, I got a scholarship to do a degree in medicine, and that was what I really wanted.

But just after I won the Miss Earth title and had come home from an international pageant, I had to take the job at Emirates. My family was going through financial problems and I had no other choice.

And that was the end of my dream to becoming a doctor. During my short stay in Kenya, I was involved in government projects, tourism and environmental programs.

How do you manage to juggle work and studies? It’s tough, especially because of the nature of my job. At the moment I’m doing a part-time degree in Social Studies. It’s my second best option from medicine but I really don’t have a choice.

I have to get an education and my career on track. It’s just the way it is. My future plan is to specialize in International Relations and Diplomacy. Thereafter I’d like to work with an NGO, preferably the United Nations.

So who floats in Aqua’s boat? Oh dear, I’m not seeing anyone if that’s what you mean. I just have no time for that. In fact, the last time I dated someone was 3 years ago! Since then, I went solo.

But I’m not lonely. When I broke up with him, my bother and sister came to live in Dubai and they took up all my time! In life, there’s no time to be lonely. I’m surrounded by loving friends and family and for now that’s all I need.

With this kind of job, it’s so hard to be in a relationship. I have tried and failed. There are always trust issues and the distance makes it even worse. But while in Dubai, I spend most of my time with my girlfriends. I love reading too and I’m definitely a sucker for books.

I assume you’ve had your fair share of challenges in life? Indeed. Growing up wasn’t easy for my siblings and me. My father left us when we were very young and my mother had to bring us up single-handedly. It’s not an easy thing.

She struggled to put us through school and provide for us. Life was putting us through a hard test and I was terrified that someday we would find ourselves out on the streets. Because of poverty, I had to severally brush-off thoughts of finding a man to look after me.

But my mother instilled strong principles in us. Ironically after winning the beauty titles, the big shots started pursuing me and tried to make me their woman. If I wasn’t the strong woman my mother brought me up to be, I’d be so lost right now.

I’d like to tell every single mother out there that prayer has the power to move mountains. Do not despair. With prayer, absolutely anything is possible. I have come a long way, and God is my witness.

You look stunning… any beauty secrets? Oh, how sweet of you (lightens up). I honestly can’t say I have any. It’s just in my genes. My mum is a good looking, small-bodied woman and I take after her.

I’m really not a health freak because I love eating. I don’t remember ever denying myself good food to keep in shape. Besides, how can you enjoy life without eating well while you can?

So that makes me different from other models. I really feel sad when I see my friends dieting to maintain their weight only to binge a week later. On the contrary, I once tried to add weight but my body refused to cooperate. I guess that’s just Aqua...

Bidanya Barassa — Mnet Face of Africa Finalist, 1999/2000
Chatting with Bidanya was like a breathe of fresh air. Her friendly manner quickly put me at ease. She is charming, funny with a very refined sense of dressing. Despite her busy schedule, she had all the time for an impromptu interview - yes, this girl rocks!

In 1999, Bidanya won the Mnet Face of Africa - Kenya title, which opened doors to many opportunities including travelling around the world to grace various runways. Bidanya has been to places like the Caribbean, Europe and many African countries on fashion tours.

She is currently working at Tetra Pak Eastern Africa as the Marketing Manager. A complete package? You may say so. For this former glamour queen, the journey to her destination has only begun.

Did you always want to be a model? - As a matter of fact - no. After completing my O-levels, my mother thought I had what it takes, so she encouraged me to try modeling. I then joined Kelu Modeling Agency.

Before that I didn’t realize it took so much to become a model. I had so many skills to learn including training how to catwalk, dress, do my make-up and so much on photography. It was a different experience, but a pleasant one all the same.

What did winning the title involve? - Well, I got to travel a lot and meet a scores of people. It was the perfect opportunity for networking. Besides, I love traveling so it was more than a pleasure.

After finishing my bachelors degree in International Business Administration (Marketing) at USIU, I packed my bags and traveled to USA for my masters at Pepperdine University in California. At the time I was also a part-time model with a Los Angeles modeling Agency, LA Models.

What was it like being in the limelight? - I wasn’t ecstatic about modeling in the first place so being in the limelight didn’t exactly make me go bananas. My real ambition was to get into business, so modeling was just a thing I was doing on the side.

The media was also good to me; reporters were decent about interviewing me and never published lies in the tabloids. It wasn’t like in the Western countries where I’d go through the nightmare of being stalked by the paparazzi!

What challenges did you face as a model? - Modeling comes with a lot of pressure. There was a lot of competition from other girls when I enrolled for Face of Africa. Trust me, no matter how tall you think you are, there’s always another girl who’s a few inches taller!

Its also very taxing because we had to wake up at 3 am (I love my sleep) to do our hair, make-up and sort out our clothes in case of a show! But at the end of the day, the beauty of it is that I got to do a lot of traveling and made many new friends. In a way it was worth the trouble.

What advice do you have for aspiring models out there? - What I can say to young girls is this - always have a plan B. Modeling is fun since you get to travel, meet a lot of people and for those who love publicity, it’s just the thing.

But it wears out. So you must have a plan B for your life. Get an education and build a stable career. Don’t put all your dreams and aspirations into modeling. You can experience it for a few years, have fun and then venture into more serious stuff.

What does your current job entail? - As the Marketing Manager for Tetra Pak Eastern Africa, I get to travel a lot, something that I do with pleasure. My work involves giving marketing advice and support to our clientele.

I’m also responsible for implementation of marketing strategies and sharing key learnings with our clients to help them achieve their marketing objectives. It’s taxing but at the end of the day, I absolutely love it.

Your future endeavours? - I’d like to own a marketing consultancy firm one day. In business you always have to look for ways in which you can grow and escalate. All you need is potential and drive. Thankfully I have both.

So what’s happening on Bidanya’s personal front? - (Laughs) Do I really have to answer that? (And after much convincing)...Well, I’m not married or engaged yet, but what I can say is that I’m currently dating...What will you write?

Pinky Ghelani-Sehmi — Miss India Kenya, 2000/2001
An infectious smile, a gorgeous face a body to match — this girl has got it all. Just by looking at her, you may think you know all about Pinky. After all, former models are all about fashion and the catwalk — right? So you thought.

Yes, she may be a head turner with her stunning looks and impeccable grooming, but that isn’t Pinky’s only appeal. This former radio presenter is on top of her game - she is currently the CEO of her own media consultancy firm and is set to go places.

Her career involves the taxing job of setting up new radio stations in various destinations, developing on-air personas, marketing various companies as well as “MC” international and local events.

She is currently involved in assisting with the set up of a radio station in Ethiopia and a modeling agency in Dubai. Despite her busy schedule, Pinky also continues to work tirelessly on her numerous charity projects.

Did you always want to be a model? - Absolutely. I was inspired by my mum, Neera Ghelani, who once modeled in front of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta during celebrations for independence.

Listening to her stories about her experiences inspired me to take on the catwalk. After finishing my A-levels, I had a gap year between my studies and I enrolled at Kelu Modeling Agency where it all began.

Did you expect to win the Miss India Kenya title? - Of course. You enter a competition with the hope of winning and not losing. Otherwise there’ll be not point of enrolling in it, so you just have to be confident no matter what.

Although the competition was one of a cutthroat nature, it was a wonderful experience for me. I was honored to be the one representing my country on an international platform.

Do you have any bad memories in modeling? I wouldn’t exactly say they are bad memories because everything in life is part of growth and learning. During the Miss India finals, they called out the Canadian contestant and I thought I heard “Kenya” instead of “Canada”.

So I modestly stepped forward and everyone was wondering what was wrong with me. When “the real” Miss Canada came forward, I was so embarrassed and had to step back. That experience really bruised at my ego. But looking back, it’s something I can laugh about!

I suppose you have good memories too? - Of course! I made it to the Top 10 and also won the title, “Miss Beautiful Hair”. After that I worked alongside my friend Yolanda Masinde in many charity projects.

We travelled all over the country to whatever function we were invited. During this time we got to meet a lot of dignitaries including CEO’s and ministers. It was a wonderful experience that I will always cherish. I also got a lot of support from people who ended up being good friends.

My modeling allowed me to travel to many countries around the world and as a result was exposed to so many people. I still make the occasional strut on the catwalk when I feel the cause is worth it.

What’s your opinion on modeling as a career? In Kenya the modeling industry has taken off quite well. We now have major events like The African Fashion Fair, Ford Supermodel Search and hopefully many more to come.

Better yet, seeing that there are a lot more local magazines using photographic models unlike my time, it’s an advantage for a model who wants to acquire as much experience as possible.

Why did you leave Capital FM? - I love radio and being on air to interact with people is an amazing experience. But when you’ve reached your peak and your frustrations are beginning to come out in your voice, you need to move on.

There was no growth for me at the time. I also didn’t want to disappoint my listeners and let down my boss by not being real, so I had to do what was best for everyone. Nevertheless, radio was a great platform and has brought me to where I am today.

Any advice to young people out there? I would like to encourage aspiring models to get into the industry with confidence and awareness. I would also like to warn them that in modeling and even media, there are dirty politics and you need to thicken your skin and be careful about who you trust.

Not everyone wants to see you prosper. You just have to be able to rise above and focus on your career.

So what’s cooking in Pinky’s social department? - I’m still a social butterfly and I love it! You will catch me doing things that I never thought I’d do but I am enjoying every moment of it.

Being married for a year and 10 months now has given me a different perspective on who I am and what I want. My husband, Raj is an amazing human being (beaming) and a superb person who really understands and brings out the best in me.

He’s the pillar of my strength and I just couldn’t be happier. What I can tell young people is that with marriage, communication plays a major role. As a woman, you have to know what you’re getting into.

Although marriages are made in heaven, it’s not for everybody. For others, it’s better to be happy alone than miserable with somebody by your side.