She has, just recently, been crowned first Africa’s Next Top Model after beating eleven contestants from eight African countries. But that’s just about all you might know. At 20, she is already going places. With a $50,000 dollar prize, a contract with DNA Model Management in New York, a one-year contract as ambassador for South African Tourism and a P&G endorsement deal, the sky is the limit.
Connect with Stacie Aamito: Facebook
Congratulations on being crowned as Africa’s first ever Next Top Model. What does this mean to you?
Being Africa’s next Top Model isn’t about me anymore. It’s about bringing hope to the fashion industry in Uganda, and I’m glad that I am the person who has brought that hope.
How did you get into the contest?
I heard aboutt the competition on facebook and I took a bus to Nairobi to audition.
You were the only Ugandan that represented at the pageant, whereas countries like South Africa and Kenya had as many as three contestants. Does that say anything about the modeling industry in Uganda?
First and foremost, it is not a pageant. It’s a modeling contest and those are two worlds apart. Auditions weren’t held in Uganda unlike the other countries that you have mentioned. Uganda has a lot of talent, we just need the right exposure.
A brief history about yourself. Were you born and raised in Uganda? Did you always dream of becoming a model?
I was born and raised in Uganda. I didn’t always dream about being a model. I wanted to be a lawyer.
Winning ANTM makes people think they know you because of what they google, or read in the papers. What is the one thing people don’t know about you that they might get wrong?
I’m a very prayerful person.
It is said that pursuing a career in modeling is hard work. How hard is it? What does it take?
It takes a lot of focus, strong will and a tough skin.
You’ll get to work with New York’s modeling agency, DNA. What’s the best thing about working with internationally recognised agencies?
You get the international exposure every model needs in the world.
Do you think local agencies are doing enough to mentor young, upcoming models?
I believe there is space to improve on what they are doing. They can do better.
Do you think Uganda’s current education system is doing what it should to foster the different talents among the youth?
No, the use of talent needs to be encouraged, not only in school but also the parents have a big role to play in this.
If you weren’t a model, what would you be?
I would be lawyer.
Besides modeling, what else do you do?
I am a professional model. That’s all I do.
There’s a number of kids to whom you’ve become a source of inspiration. What would you say to them?
Dream it, believe it, achieve it.
$50,000 dollars is a large amount of money? What are you going to do with it?
Improve my life!
We would love to here from you,drop us all your comments and inquiries via [email protected] , request for an interview ([email protected]) or advertise with us, send your inquiry to [email protected] and we will get back to instantly.
Connect with us : Facebook | Twitter