Youth Village got a chance to chat with Susan Anyango, Miss World Kenya 2011 about her amazing career and some things she would like to change about Africa. Check out this super inspiring interview below
Please tell us about yourself, who is Susan Anyango?
A few have described me as a Glamorous high fashion model on the outside, and the ‘Girl Next Door’ on the inside. But I like to think that I am girl who is simple, God fearing yet sophisticated.
Growing in Nairobi, How would you describe your childhood?
I had a typical African childhood. I would play with my neighbours and get smacked on the bottom if I did not get started with my homework by curfew time. However considering that my mother was of Russian decent, I experienced quite a mix of culture in upbringing.
You lost your parents at a very tender age. How has this shaped your outlook on life?
It was quite difficult considering that I lost my dad at only the age of 5, and lived with a single parent only to lose her too at 12 years. I am sure anyone who has been in a similar situation can relate on the pain and strife that those events. And i am also certain that most, especially those close to my age, who have not lost any of their parents can imagine how painful it could be.
After the loss of my parent, I realised soon enough that life would never be the same. There would be no Loving and care from my wonderful, and no more protection and security from my father. There would be no more special Vinaigrette (A special Russian salad), that she used to make for my siblings and I. There would be no more teddy bears from daddy. Once I accepted this, I had to to be ten years older in the span few months. I had to start thinking like an adult.
This made me stronger mentally and assisted me in dealing with the many milestones that life threw into my path thereafter.
What drew you to modelling?
I believe it was the influence of most of the people that knew me as well as my love for fashion and the glamorous lifestyle. Everyone used to compliment my facial and body structure and the fact that I would fit the part. My passion for modelling grew when i used to see international models runway shows such as Victoria Secret blowing kisses to the audience.
When did you get your first break?
My first big break was when I was crowned Miss World Kenya in July 2011. That is when my life changed and I was thrown into a different world.
What were some of the challenges you faced in the modelling industry before making it?
There were quite a few actually. I shared the same challenges with a lot of models in the industry at that time. The most prevalent were fake agents, underestimation of value in models which led to poor payment and lack of professionalism.
You won the Miss Kenya crown at only 19, did you anticipate this success? Is it something you thought possible?
At first I was quite excited about my short listing. It was something very new and different. There were many opportunities in the beauty Pageant world and this is what enticed me. During then selection process month, I had both confidence and fear. It was that bittersweet feeling that everyone has when they know that they deserve to win something but are afraid to have such thoughts in case you jinx yourself and God would think of you as being too proud. We’ve all had those, haven’t w.
Being crowned Miss Kenya 2011 and Miss World Kenya 2011 what where some of the life changing things that happened to you as a result of this win?
- I was blessed to be named as Kenya’s Fashion Icon 2011 by Kenya’s Capital FM and hailed locally as the one responsible for ‘Bringing back the Glam’ and restoring Class into the Kenyan Beauty pageant Industry.
- Selected as Bata Shoe Company Brand Ambassador 2011/2012.
- I managed to work with Ahadi Kenya Foundation on the National Anti-Jigger Campaign along with other Beauty Queens such as Cecilia Mwangi.
- Selected as the Dettol Hand Washing Champion (Alongside Julie Gichuru, a top Anchor and socially responsible TV personality)
- Modeled for Sandstorm Boutique 2011 (London Film Museum – London, UK)
- Choses as headlining model for several local shows such as Trends 2012 (Tribe Hotel – Nairobi, Kenya) and Trilogy Project (Museum Hill – Nairobi, Kenya)
- I have had the opportunity to meet and / or work with the following Public Figures / High Profile Persons
1. Mwai Kibaki (Immediate former President of the Republic of Kenya)
2. Nkosi Mandela (Grandson to Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela)
3. Kalonzo Musyoka (Immediate former Vice President of the Republic of Kenya)
4. Beth Mugo (Public Health Minister)
5. Anyang’ Nyongo (Minister of Medical Services)
6. Njoki Ndungu (Hon. Lady Justice)
7. Graeme Black (Designer and owner of Erdos 1436)
8. Several TV and Radio interviews well as appearances in social events.
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say God’s grace and blessings, my parents’ upbringing and advice, and the hardships in life that gave me courage have made me maintain my focus.
You are studying Journalism and Communication at KEMU (Kenya Methodist University). Why is it important for the African youth to get an education?
The high levels of illiteracy in African nations has let to desperate, immoral and irresponsible decisions being made. These choices have let to the deterioration of economies due to lack of adequate entrepreneurship and professional workforce. An educated generation ensures that skills are carried out and implemented correctly, regardless of financial hardships that may arise.
What does it means to be a young African woman in the 21st Century?
I could say that being a young African Woman in the 21st century is both better and worse that being one in the 19th and/or 20th century.
For the better; I meant that the capacity of young African women who are educated is more in this century. Liberation has therefore increased and has assisted in the rise of quite a number of leaders from an earlier age.
For the worse; A few young African women have been subjected to wrong decisions and hardships due to the loss of morals in our fast and ever changing westernisation. A few have lost the values that they should have kept from their mothers and end up wanting to be the next Hollywood star but end up either always drunk or used by irresponsible and selfish male society.
What would be the first thing you would change if you were president for a day?
Paint all the towns pink and lace the roads with glitter!… Just kidding of course.
The first thing I would do would be to make education and healthcare free to all citizens. A well educated and healthy people constitute to a successful and hardworking nation. This will of course reduce crime and poverty in an instant.
Being Miss Kenya 2011 and Miss World Kenya 2011 you have travelled outside Kenya a lot, what has been your most memorable experience in an African country?
It is always a memorable experience when one has the opportunity to visit other countries, especially in such a magnitude as a Beauty Queen, however, I would have to admit that my most memorable experience in an African country is within my own borders, in my beautiful homeland Kenya! Itravelled to Mt Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. It is a beautiful and breathtaking place. It just so happens that it was on an anti-jigger campaign with Ahadi Kenya foundation. This mix of personal fun and charity work is what made that trip even more memorable!
What legacy would you like to leave as a former Miss Kenya?
I would like to leave a firmly well run Cancer foundation and a professionally-run modelling industry
Who is your local male celebrity crush?
Jose the ‘Witnesser’ LOL!
How do you feel about the controversy of the size 0 debate in the modelling industry?
Every human has the right to look and dress how they want! After all it is your body and you own every inch and ounce of it. One thing that we must never forget is, that we must take care of our bodies. The modelling industry in itself is initially an entity that presents beautiful beings as the best for selling clothing, amongst other products. If we pigeon-hole a certain size as beauty, in which could mislead our young girls into eating and living unhealthy lifestyles, then we have lost all sense of being human. There is a difference between being slim and being thin. One might be slim and still be healthy. The question here is if this will be of positive impact to those that are of different sizes. And whether or not it is acceptable to define beauty as one type of size and look.
What music do you listen to?
Mostly everything. Reggae, Duttty Ragga, Hip-hip, Pop, Trance, Kwaito and Kapuka.
If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be?
I suggest that they research on what genre of modelling that they really want to do. Different modelling genres have different criteria. If one is required to alter a few things for them to meet these criteria then they must work hard to step up to the standards. Nothing comes easy.
Even I had to work extremely hard on my Image, confidence among other things to achieve that crown.
Remember, no one will hand it to you; you have to look at those who are successful and do your best to match up. .. or even surpass them.
Overall; Humbleness, Confidence, Commitment and Professionalism are the keys to success in the modelling industry.
Are you involved in any community/ youth outreach initiatives?
A couple actually. I am glad to be part of the global hand washing initiative and the eradication of Jiggers in the less fortunate communities.
How can your fans connect with you?
My fans? I prefer the term extended family. They can always reach me on the following:
Facebook: facebook.com/SusanAnyangoKenya.
Twitter: @SusanAnyangoKE.
PS: I am also on Instagram, alias SusanAnyango. I hide my interesting pics there 
xoxo
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