We sat down with Miss Zimbabwe USA 2010, Thandikile Muringa who is way out there in Chicago holding it down for Zimbabwe. She talks about Modeling, being a Zim beauty ambassador and the future and discusses the state of modeling business in Zimbabwe, “I think if Zimbabwean fashion industry were to grow and other businesses as well such as the marketing and advertising sectors we would see an increase in the demand for models and a more competitive environment that would bring out the best.” She says.
With Africa being the host of the World Cup, Thandi also shares her feelings about the game, her favorite teams and how she finally got her DISKI DANCE on and the vuvuzela of course! “I never miss any of the games" Thandi said, "I have been rooting for south africa all the way but their recent performance has been slightly disappointing and I have switched sides and am now a massive Ghana supporter! Ultimately I want to see an African team reach the final and I will be watching
with RED EYES!”
What influenced you to become a model
On my birthday last November a friend teased that I had the qualities
to be Miss World, the height, the body and looks. We joked about it
but from there I decided I would take a chance and enter a pageant!
How long have you been walking on the runway and what other modeling
tittles do u hold.
This was actually the first real time modeling I did (well I did enter
a pageant in primary school and Lost! LOL) Besides this title I dont
hold any other titles.
Is modeling ur full time job or it's just a hobby.
Up until I entered the Miss Zim USA Contest modeling was just a hobby
but after winning the title I have been approached by several
individuals asking to view my portfolio and showing interest in
working with me. At this point I can safely say it will remain a hobby
but depending on the opportunities that come up I may take it up on a
part time to full time basis.
How long have u been out there
I came to the US after completing my A-Levels in 2005. I have been
here since January of 2006.
Being Miss USA is such a huge title that comes with responsibilities
how do u feel/ think
I was very excited about getting the title and having everyone wish me
well then after all the fun and games the reality set in. I have been
given a platform to influence young women, to be a role model and to
be an ambassador for my country. It certainly is a huge task. Among
other things it is now my role to be the voice for those who can’t
speak for themselves. The bar has been set very high and each day I am
striving and doing my very best to meet and exceed all expectations.
Any message to upcoming/ aspiring future Zim models out here?
There is a negative perspective when it comes to the image of models.
People immediately think models are shallow and dull individuals.
However I think its important for any aspiring model out there to make
it known that beyond desiring a career in modeling they have more to
bring to the table and that model is more than just a pretty face but
a true symbol of confidence, poise and feminine strength!
What's the future looking like for you
I have a huge interest in the financial world, in fact business is one
of my hugest passions. For now I will be finding ways of incorporating
my burning desire for financial growth in South Africa and my new
found passion for modeling and the fashion industry together. I have
no solid plan yet but check back with me soon and I am sure I will
have some sort of idea.
What do u think about the state of Zim modeling right now
With the number of talented women living in Zimbabwe the world of
modeling by now could have grown by leaps and bounds. Its important to
note however that for the world of modeling to grow there has to be a
healthy fashion industry. The need of models arises as more designers
need people to showcase their products. I think if our fashion
industry were to grow and other businesses as well such as the
marketing and advertising sectors we would see an increase in the
demand for models and a more competitive environment that would bring
out the best.
Do you plan to ever move back to the motherland
My ultimate goal is to return to Africa. There is so much potential
for business growth and I would like to be a part of that development.
My family is in Zimbabwe and I would like to be closer to them as
well.
And the World cup..
Well I attended the World Cup Launch Party hosted by the South African
Consulate in Chicago as one of their guests of honor. I enjoyed the
time I spent there, I got to get on stage and do the ''Diski Dance",
with some South African soccer lovers. I never miss any of the games.
I have been rooting for south africa all the way but their recent
performance has been slightly disappointing and I have switched sides
and am now a massive Ghana supporter! Ultimately I want to see an
African team reach the final and I will be watching with RED EYES!!!!