Satisfashion UG Meets Shanelle Nyasiase, The Poster Girl of Diversity in the Fashion Industry

It’s impossible to not fall in love with Shanelle Nyasiase when you meet her. Her striking beauty; unique facial bone structure, small and tiny eyes, and impossibly flawless skin. This Ethiopian-born beauty who is of South Sudanese descent, but raised in Kenya made headlines when she booked over 40 shows during fashion month becoming the poster girl of the diversity movement that is going on in the fashion industry.

Congratulations on winning this Abryanz Style and Fashion Award for ‘Model of the year Africa’

Thank you. It’s always a big deal for me getting all this praise and recognition from home (Africa).

By the way, Satisfashion UG was named ‘Fashion Blog of the year’ at the same event.

Oh really! Congratulations to you too. You know, we can’t do it all alone. Models, publishers, editors, bloggers, and designers all contribute greatly to this industry. So, thank you for the good job you’re doing.

So, how did this start for you? Did you ever want to be a model?

For me, No. Everyone was telling me that I had the look, and so I decided to give it a shot. Of course, some people weren’t pleased with the idea of me modeling, but because I loved fashion, I didn’t pay much attention them. I dived right in. Fortunately, I met the right people and now, I’m here.

You’re South Sudanese but was born in Ethiopia and raised in Kenya.

I was born in Ethiopia. Then, I grew up in South Sudan until I was 13 when I moved to Kenya. You know in South Sudan you need to move to Kenya or Uganda for school. I honestly love Kenya, and it’s my second home. But starting out there was tough for me. Judging by my looks, everyone could tell that I wasn’t from Kenya. I was also really young. Also, the fashion industry in Kenya is really small. You can’t survive as a full-time model.

Why do you feel the fashion industry in East Africa still has a lot of growing to do?

We don’t take it seriously. How do you put a model on the cover of a magazine without prior consent from them? Talent has to be given due respect. I know that the pay isn’t the best, well, because the industry is still small, but models have to be compensated. That’s the only motivation they need. Out there, this (she points at herself) is a goldmine, imagine if I had given up along the way! All we need here is professionalism and also support for local talent. When you support local designers and buy local magazines; models will get paid, makeup artists, model scouts, fashion editors and you bloggers will get jobs.

How were you discovered?

I was with City Models Africa which is now under Ajuma Nasenyana until 2016 when I decided to become freelance. I worked with designers such as Kikoromeo, Adele Dejak, Sunny Dolat and more. From there, I went to Lagos, Nigeria for the GTBank Fashion Weekend which I did well. A photographer called Daniele Tamagni chanced upon a photo of me from the event on internet (sic) and got in touch immediately. He told me that I had the potential to make it out in Europe and America. He got me in touch with his Italian friend Ingrid Tamborin. Ingrid came to Nairobi, we met twice and shortly after, I signed with MP Management in Milan, Paris and L.A.

I went for my first season last year in January which I did well. My first show was with Giorgio Armani. I then did Miu Miu and more. Then I signed with Red Model Management in New York. Now, last season I signed with Storm Management in London.

Wow! What was your experience walking for and working with top-tier designers such as Giorgio Armani?

You know for me some people think I don’t take things seriously. That’s me, it’s nothing serious, nothing new! But, it was a great experience. It’s every model’s dream, and I’m not taking it for granted at all.

This just-concluded season you booked 42 shows topping the list of the most booked models during the month. How did you feel about reaching such as a huge milestone?

It made me feel like ‘yeah I guess  I was born to do this’. People are starting to appreciate the beauty of this black skin which is something good. We have to appreciate all kinds of beauty. My sister and I don’t look the same. That doesn’t make her or I less beautiful. When I found out that I was number one on Models.com, I was like wow. I made it! It’s amazing because I always say that I’m not doing this alone. Thank you, God. It’s not easy.

Not easy at all!

I always say that I’m not lucky. I work really hard. Even taking a flight to a new city is no small feat. Dealing with the security and all. My first time in Europe was last year in January. That’s when it all started. Before that, I was struggling in Kenya and wasn’t getting what I wanted. But, that doesn’t mean I looked ugly in Kenya or in East Africa because I didn’t make it here. I always believed that the right people would come and appreciate my kind of look.

What has been your highlight so far? 

Flying to Brazil to shoot the Alexander McQueen advertising campaign is still such a huge deal to me. I’ve also walked for Alexander McQueen, opened and closed Loewe, Valentino, Givenchy, Hermes, Rick Owens, Giorgio Armani and more.

What career would you have pursued if modeling hadn’t worked out? Be a doctor maybe?

No way, I can’t be a doctor. I would have been a good mum maybe. But, I always told myself that if it this doesn’t work out I would try being a flight attendant because I love traveling. I enjoy exploring the beauty beyond my home. I’m glad that as a model, I get to travel a lot.

What advice to do you have for young models here in Africa trying to make their way to big runways?

First of all, Africa needs to believe in talent and support it. It’s not fair that it’s the western world appreciating our talent before we even realize we have it. Models need to be strong. If you’re not strong enough, no one is going to believe in you.

Imagine if you had given up…

I know! It was tough but I said that If I gave up, who would do this? Until I meet the right person, I won’t give up.

Is there anything you’re doing to probably pave way for other models from home to join the international modeling industry? 

I only started in January 2017, so even if I became supermodel (sic) today I’d still need more time like 2 or more years to grow and prove my worth. It happened so fast for me. I have a lot of plans, although for now, I’m not doing anything yet. I don’t have the power to pick someone from here and take them to Europe yet. What I have is the unique eye to spot someone with potential and connect them with a potential agency or booker. I’d be very happy to give someone a chance that way because it’s the same I was scouted.

It feels good giving back 

Yes, it does. Even if I met someone here on the streets of Kampala today. I’d do exactly that.

By the way, you have really beautiful skin. What’s your skincare regimen?

Having this beautiful skin like you’ve said is something you’re born with. In my country South Sudan everybody has this dark and smooth skin. Also, you don’t have to dwell on chemicals. I use only natural beauty products and eat well, it is important to take care of yourself. I take care of myself.

Do you workout?

I don’t work out.

So, you don’t eat…

I eat a lot. What I do is; drink tea every morning and take care of myself. That’s all.

This interview has been edited and condensed. 

Cover Photo credit: Imaxtree

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