A big smile, small waist, tall height and gracing runways are a model’s life. Esther Wambui alias Hadassa ticks all the boxes. She sat down with this writer to demystify myths around the modelling profession.

What sparked your interest in modeling?

I had a passion for modelling from a young age. I loved how the girls would look in their high shoes and straight postures cat walking down the runway.

How did your parents react to you being a model?

Convincing my parents to allow me to take up modeling as a career was a hard task because for a long time modelling has been linked to promiscuity. Owing to the fact that my parents are very religious, modeling was not allowed while I was under my father’s roof. My mum was a Sunday school teacher whereas my father was a church elder. Both of them were of the view that modeling was immoral. I only got to do this professionally after I moved from home.

What are the highlights of your modeling journey so far?

Other than gracing runways and winning titles like Miss Universe Nakuru County, opening my own modeling academy, Ada’s Stars of Africa Talent Academy, in September 2018 has been iconic for me. The academy now holds an annual competition ‘Miss Glamour’ to put our trainees and other models out there.

Helping young girls gain confidence and having them appreciate their body type has been a plus for me.

What is your opinion on modeling being a career that propagates moral decadence?

I view modeling as any other profession. In fact, it puts food on the table just like any other job. It is not immoral in any way. Just because people show some skin in some categories such as bikini and sportswear doesn’t mean the profession encourages immorality.

What is your advice to a young person who wants to pursue modeling as a career?

You must be passionate about this profession, and be willing to work hard like any other job.

What would be your advice to parents whose children have shown interest in modelling?

My message to parents is for them not to suppress their child’s talent but instead nurture it the moment they spot it.

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Miss Universe Nakuru: What it Takes to be a Model

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