ANYA AMAH
YAWEH ANKARA FASHION BEAUTY
Mabel annobil
"Beauty with a purpose"- Ms. Annobil
A Ghanaian native born and raised in the glorious sub-saharan nation of Botswana, Mabel Annobil is an avid supporter of the creative world and happens to be the daughter of a fashion designer. She always seemed out of the box as a little girl and had a natural love for fashion, modelling, art, music and photography. Her faith in God has definitely been the driving force of her life and has brought many opportunities along her path thus far. Mabel Annobil's overall desire is to merge the business world with the creative in an entrepreneurial pursuit and to ultimately inspire and encourage people, especially women that they do not have to be limited on this journey called life. She believes we all have been given much talent, ingenuity, creativity and innovation, all of which can be used to bring forth much light in this world.
1. How did you discover that modeling was one of your talents?
MA: Haha, it was actually sparked through a photographer friend of mine, Breanna Neville. One day she asked me, "Do you want to be a model for one of my shoots?" And I said, "Okay!" It turned out to be a God ordained moment as from that time on, I started to see that modelling, even as a hobby, could be a great adventure for me. I believe sometimes other people can help bring out what was always hidden within.
2. As a young woman from Botswana, how are the modeling opportunites different from that of the U.S?
MA: In Botswana I never really had the desire to model as of yet and was more interested in singing lol. I once was randomly approached to enter a competition to model in New York though. In the U.S. I've seen that there are alot of opportunites to make connections and to network with other already established models and artists in general. In the Hampton Roads area, there are networks I follow called the DMV Network as well as Model Call.
3. Having natural hair, has it been difficult to land modeling opportunites?
MA: Actually, it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made! I've received many opportunities because I decided to let these natural curls loose! My next shoot may even involve promoting a certain natural hair t-shirt line.
4. As I'm viewing your portfolio, I see that you do not fit into the status quo of of a model in regards of revealing alot of skin. Is there a reason why you decide to be fully dressed during photoshoots?
MA: I believe that a woman does not have to reveal all the goods to be seen as beautiful. There's a subtle power and bit of mystery in modesty. I like to keep things clothed to respect my body and to also draw more attention to other attributes like my joyful nature! :D There is definitely more to a woman than her skin and in the end I hope to inspire the advent of more inspirational and powerful young women.
5. There are many people around the world that model, but why do you believe you are unique?
MA: I believe that my modelling will not solely be for myself or to gain immense popularity. It will rather be a tool to help encourage self love and appreciating the diverseness of our beauty. I believe great success follows pure motives, so even if I never amassed great wealth, I would be at peace knowing that I had helped to spark change in a small way. To everyone out there, don't discredit an idea you may have even if it sounds crazy when you say it out loud. Be yourself. Love yourself and most importantly, know that God loves you!
To contact Ms. Mabel Annobil:
Blog: www.mealiving.blogspot.com
Instagram: @meabil_imable
Twitter: @meabil
senya "Bleroze" donkor
As a college student, Senya Donkor strives to do it all. Not only does she work the runaway and do print work, but she also has established her foundation, the Bright Foundation. Birthed from the motherland, Ghana West Africa, Senya Donkor is a natural beauty who has strong ambition and is a person who has always desired to follow her dreams. She is one not bound by any limitations that society may pace on her and one who believes her success is through her strong faith in God. Though she has made mistakes on her journey, they have not detered her from progressing. Ultimately, though she may not come from much, she saw the best in life. I had the priveledge of interviewing her this past week and these were some of her responses below;
1. At what age were you inspired to become a model?
SD: "I was 17 years old when I started modeling, though I never imagined myself modeling. I use to love being in the background and with no noticing me. It was just something I did not dream about doing. Everyone told me I should model but I saw myself as an ugly ducklng. I would be teased for being African and for my skin color as well. But I have so much confidence in who I am today; Glory to God!"
2. What is one tough aspect of the modelling industry?
SD: "Some say is rejection, but personally, it was about accepting how I look. It took me two years to accept my beauty and how I am as a woman. Unfortunately, there are plenty of beautiful models, but few are aware of their beauty."
3. Why the name "Blerose"?
SD: "It's funny, I began to re-evaluate myself. I am Senya Donkor to the core. Blerose is a focus for me as a model. In the Ghanian community, I was being asked, "Why are you modeling?" "Ble" is German for blue and "Roze" is for the flower, rose. Many people love the red classic rose but there is a lot of them. Blue roses, on the other hand, are rare, unique and unapologetic for what they are."
Model: Senya Donkor
Photographer: Clarissa Gary-Tinker
4. In regards of breaking forth into the woman and model you are today, what is one thing you had to let go of?
SD: "I had to let go of being a people pleaser. Thoughts such as "What do people think about me? Or will I be accepted?" is the mindset I had to get rid of. In additon, I had to eliminate people that were not positive in my life. "
5. What piece of advice would you give to aspiring models?
SD: "You should build a foundation. You will loose yourself and get caught up if you do not have a foundation. Personally, my foundation is built on Jesus Christ. Another piece of advice is to be prayerful."
To contact Ms. Senya Donkor:
twitter: @Bleroze
instagram: @Bleroze
