Meet Patience Nyaga, a remarkable young woman whose life bridges two powerful worlds: medicine and fashion. Based in Nakuru, Kenya, Patience is both a dedicated medical practitioner and an accomplished fashion model. Her journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the belief that one doesn’t have to choose between science and style. In this candid Q&A, Patience opens up about her unique path, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s redefining what it means to pursue multiple dreams with purpose and grace.
Q1: Who are you, and how would you describe your journey so far in both fashion and medicine?
A:
My name is Patience Nyaga, and my life is a fascinating blend of medicine and fashion. I navigate the intense and deeply rewarding path of a doctor, immersed in the complexities of medicine within my specialization. Alongside this, I thrive in the dynamic world of fashion modeling, where artistry and self-expression take center stage.
Juggling these two passions hasn't always been easy. The dedication required for my medical career is significant, demanding both intellectual strength and emotional depth. Yet, the creativity and unique form of communication I find in modeling provide a wonderful counterpoint, allowing me to connect with others through imagery and style. This journey of pursuing both callings has been incredibly enriching, teaching me about time management, resilience, and the beauty of having diverse passions. It's a continuous adventure, and I'm eager for what lies ahead.
Q2: How did you first get into fashion modeling, and what inspired you to pursue it alongside your medical career?
A:
What inspired me to pursue modeling alongside my medical aspirations stems from a core belief I hold – the importance of pursuing everything we feel capable of achieving. For me, both medicine and modeling offer distinct avenues for connection and impact. Medicine allows me to heal and care for individuals directly, offering tangible support during vulnerable times.
Modeling, on the other hand, provides a platform to inspire, to evoke emotion, and to contribute to the broader conversation around beauty and style. While seemingly different, at their heart, both are about connecting with people and leaving a positive mark. The desire to explore and excel in both felt like a natural extension of this philosophy – embracing the full spectrum of what I felt I could achieve.
Q3: What challenges have you faced balancing your work as a medical practitioner and your passion for modeling?
A:
One of the most significant challenges in navigating both my medical studies, based here in Nakuru, and my modeling aspirations has been the geographical distance, with many events, training sessions, and boot camps taking place in Nairobi. The demanding schedule of medical school, often keeping me in classes until late in the day throughout the week, has meant that weekends are often consumed by bulky assignments and research, leaving very little time for travel and modeling commitments.
Furthermore, participation in pageant events often comes with considerable personal investment, particularly in terms of presentation and wardrobe. Sourcing appropriate and impactful outfits for various categories can be financially challenging, especially in the early stages before one has a stable income to support these costs. In a field where image is paramount, this can be a significant barrier, particularly if one is also building their presence and network.
Finally, like many competitive fields, there can sometimes be perceptions of unfairness within certain pageant environments. While I've had many positive experiences, this is a reality that some individuals are encountering.
Q4: How do your experiences in healthcare influence your perspective on beauty, style, and self-expression?
A:
My work in healthcare has profoundly shaped my understanding of beauty. Witnessing the strength and resilience of the human body, in all its forms, has taught me that true beauty radiates from within.
Style, then, becomes a powerful tool for self-expression – a way to outwardly reflect that inner strength and individuality. It's about celebrating who you really are, authentically.
Q5: What has been your most memorable modeling experience so far, and why does it stand out?
A:
Without a doubt, my most memorable modeling experience was a boot camp in Mombasa during my competition in POHAXVUVUFACES2023.It was so much more than just photoshoots. We had such a treat getting our hair beautifully styled by the brand owner POHA (President of hair Africa), and our makeup done professionally before these amazing shoots. And our walks and poses polished by VUVUAFRICA managers and choregaphers.I particularly enjoyed the ones on the beach, feeling so liberated and confident in bikinis with my cropped hair. We also did some really cute and fancy shoots in beach dresses and hats -the works 🔥. What made it truly stand out, though, was the intense learning and self-discovery. I was pushed outside my comfort zone, identified my weaknesses firsthand, and learned a tremendous amount about the industry and myself. It was a powerful experience of growth, beautiful aesthetics, and a strong reminder of why I love doing this.
Q6: How do people in the medical field react when they find out you're also a fashion model—and vice versa?
A:
You know, the reactions are quite something. In the hospital, some of my colleagues will jokingly say that just seeing me might make the patients feel a bit better – there's a lot of laughter about it, and it feels like a fun kind of support.
Then, when I'm on a shoot or meeting people in the fashion world, and they find out I'm also in medicine, there's often this surprised look, followed by a lot of respect, which is always really nice. It really highlights that people can be multifaceted.
Q7: What message do you hope to share with young Kenyan women who want to pursue multiple passions or careers?
A:
My message to young Kenyan women dreaming of more than one path is this: embrace all facets of yourself, because we are limitless in our potential. Don't feel pressured to choose just one dream. Your passions, whether in fashion, medicine, or anything else, can coexist and even enrich each other.
Believe in your ability to learn and grow in different areas. It's about recognizing your inherent worth and the unique beauty you bring to the world, in every role you choose to pursue. Navigate life with confidence by valuing yourself deeply, knowing that your diverse interests make you even more capable and extraordinary. Don't be afraid to carve your own unique journey.
Q8: Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both in your medical profession and in the fashion world?
A:
Looking ahead, my vision is to be a force of impact in both medicine and fashion. Within my medical profession, my goal is to specialize in orthopedic surgery, with a focus on making significant contributions through research and innovative surgical techniques. I aspire to be at the forefront of my field, known for my expertise and dedication to improving patients' lives.
In the fashion world, I see myself evolving into a prominent figure, a fashion icon who embodies versatility, intelligence, and grace. My experience extends beyond modeling itself; as a judge in the modeling industry, I have a keen eye for talent, style, and the transformative power of fashion. This perspective allows me to connect with brands on a deeper level, understanding their vision and how to best represent their identity.
I am committed to fitness and commercial modeling, and I am open to strategic collaborations with brands that align with my values of empowerment, health, and sophistication. My aim is to grace international platforms, potentially including pageantry, not just for the recognition, but to amplify my message of multifaceted achievement.
Ultimately, within the next ten years, I envision myself as a respected orthopedic surgeon making groundbreaking discoveries, and simultaneously, a recognized and influential presence in the fashion industry. My diverse roles, including that of a model industry judge, provide me with a unique and comprehensive understanding of this world. I want to demonstrate that it's possible to excel in seemingly disparate fields, and to inspire others to pursue their dreams without limitation. My journey is a testament to the power of passion, discipline, and the unwavering belief in one's potential, a story I believe will resonate with audiences and brands alike.
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