The fashion and modeling industry has shown resilience even in the light of the disruption in the sector by the global pandemic. An inside few of the fashion industry gave us a lucky encounter with talented model from Zimbabwe , Amanda Shamiso Mutabeni aka Amie Shay, whom we had the opportunity to interview, discover more into her world today;
1. Hey, how would you like to introduce
yourself?
1) Hello, my name is
Amanda Shamiso Mutabeni aka _Amie Shay_. I am a fashion and commercial model.
2. When did you discover your passion for
modeling?
2) I discovered my
passion for modeling in 2015 when I was still in high school, doing form 5.
There was a modeling contest that was to take place at my school and I felt
this strong urge to be part of it. I took part in the contest, I didnt win and
neither was I in the top 10 but after that contest I had this strong feeling
within me and I knew that this is something that I would really want to pursue
in life.
3. What inspired you to become a fashion
model?
3) Well, I have always
had a keen interest in fashion, but never really thought I was perfect for the
modeling work. I grew up watching the Fashion TV channel lol, and soon realized
this was something I could pursue, as a full figure model. It inspired me to
practice my walk, my posing, and try new looks. I decided to try modeling and
have done a few shoots with photographers thus far. Receiving positive feedback
from the small campaigns I have worked on, has also inspired me to want to
continue this as a full-time career and now I strongly believe there's more for
me out there.
4. How has your journey and experience been so
far in the industry?
4) On the bright side, my journey and experience in the modeling industry so far has been quite amazing. I've learnt a lot thus far and the exposure has been so astonishing. I think it's safe to say that I'm a whole different person now, whereas modeling is concerned...I'm different from where I was before, even though I haven't reached my full potential yet.
On the other hand, the
journey has been sometimes quite rocky and moderate. Sometimes it takes a while
to get hired for a fashion show or commercial which is kind of demotivating.
5. What opportunities and challenges have you
encountered?
5) The opportunities I
encountered were participating in pageants like Miss Winter etc, being part of
shoots for advertising new fashion trends, eg handbags and wedding gowns and
also the big one I've done so far which is featuring in a commercial advert for
SASAI Global.
On the other hand, yes
I've encountered certain challenges along the way and I think all these are
bunched up on the cost of getting discovered as a model. Finding a legitimate
agent is one of the challenges I faced. Some agents out there hire models for
certain jobs but end up not paying them, you only gain pictures from dealing
with them and this is their norm these days. They say you'll get your pictures
but you're not actually paid for showcasing their product, that's if you're
advertising.
The other challenge is
that, dealing with photographers and agents out there can be a scary path
sometimes as some make sexual advances.
6. Are there any stereotypes about modeling
and the fashion industry that have undermined your progress and growth as a
model in the dynamic fashion sector?
6) Yes there are...most people tend to judge models and associate the industry with "prostitution". It's actually sad and disappointing seeing how society perceives modeling negatively, especially for those models that make it, people never think it's their hard work that got them to the top but rather it is always said that, that person/ model did something for him/ her to get to the top.
7. Do you reckon that the fashion and modeling
industry in Zimbabwe has reached its full potential yet?
7) No, the fashion and
modeling industry in Zimbabwe has not reached it's full potential yet. The way
I see it, the fashion industry is pulling up but the modeling industry is sort
of lagging behind. A countable number of Zimbabwean models are making it to the
top whilst the rest are lagging behind. I believe this is so because not
everyone is being given the opportunity to stand out. The modeling industry
also faces stiff competition that is coming in from TV personalities and other
celebrities and these are the people that are being chosen for brand
ambassadorship of different companies and leaving the models behind.
8. What can be done to improve the industry in
Zimbabwe?
8) To improve the
industry in Zimbabwe, I believe opportunities should be created for the
upcoming models, they should be given a chance to stand out and showcase their
talents and what they are capable of.
9. Which pageants and brands do you aspire to
work with in future?
9) In future, I aspire
to work with local fashion brands like Edgars, Pokello pink bottoms brand and
fashion designers like Tapfumaneyi Munenge & also international fashion
brands like Jet, Nike and Chanel and to also feature on the Vogue magazine
cover .
10. What projects are you currently involved
with or hope to be part of this year?
10) Currently, I am
not involved in any project but I hope to be part of a commercial for Edgars or
Jet or any brand which features on the national TV channel or world wide .
11. What are your other interests apart from
modeling?
11) Apart from modeling I am also interested in dancing .
12. How can you be reached on social media?
12) On social media:
My Facebook profile
is: Amie Mutabeni
My Facebook page is:
Amie The Model
Instagram:
amie_mutabeni
Twitter: amie_mutabeni
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