America’s Next Top Model contestant, Sandra Nyanchoka, 21, has a vision to empower young women in Africa as she catwalks her way in fashion capitals of the world. She talks to Crystal Okusa about her experience and her vision after the loss of her mother
We first heard about you when you were picked to compete in America’s Next Top Model. Tell us how that went on.
I was in cycle 12 of the competition and it was quite an experience. What people see on TV is not exactly what happens in the house. There were a couple of things that were exaggerated for entertainment. At times they would ask us to overly dramatise an otherwise ordinary situation to entertain viewers.
There were a lot of hate comments on blogs from viewers. Was that also an act for TV?
In reality shows, from my experience, there is always one person who is targeted. I am sure while watching the past shows you have seen a particular girl being the centre of controversy. I believe in cycle 12 it was me. A lot of editing was done for ratings and they mostly picked the times I was unhappy about something or a housemate.
You mingled with the top producers of the show. Are Tyra, Jay and Miss Jay real on TV?
I did not get to know them that much because the only time I saw them was during the judging. But they came off as interesting people with completely different personalities and style.
What was your lowest moment on the show?
Being away from my family was hard. It was also hard not having access to TV and the Internet and having a short period of time to make calls. I also did not like it when my hair was cut and dyed blond, but I could not complain because they could use it against me.
The whole experience couldn’t have been bad; tell us your greatest moment.
Meeting Tyra and the rest of the judges was a great experience. It was kind of surreal
What brought about: “Sandra, you are no longer in the running to become America’s Next Top Model”?
Tyra said it was because my poses were the same in most of the pictures and I did not have strong pictures. My view on that though is that a model is given quite a short time to pose for a picture and since you are never told what they want, you just go with it. So whatever they eventually choose is what you have to work with.
What prompted you to participate in the competition?
The team was doing casting in Maryland and a friend of mine was interested in trying out so she urged me to also give it a try. There was a long queue and quite honestly, there was such potential that I was not sure I stood a chance, but I convinced myself the outcome did not matter as it was going to be a worthwhile experience anyway.
When did you start modelling?
When I was eight, I did fashion shows at Nairobi’s Sarit Centre just for fun with the help of my sister and my mother who would take me for auditions and photo sessions. My first commercial was a billboard for a Coke-Cola advert when I was nine. I did not do much after that until my senior year at high school after my family moved to the US.
Why did your family relocate to the US?
After the American embassy bombing in Nairobi in 1998, through the recommendation of American ambassadors Johnnie Carson and Prudence Bushnell, my mother was awarded a Special Immigrant Visa for our whole family to relocate to the US. She got the award on grounds of her exemplary service as a Foreign Service National and her response during the ordeal.
Did you immediately pick up modelling when you got there?
No. I joined Terrell Junior High School in Washington DC first. My family later moved to Maryland so I transferred to Thurgood Marshall Middle School before graduating to Richard Montgomery High School. Now I am in Richard Montgomery College. When we were still in DC, I joined an agency and occasionally went to New York to look for agencies to sign me up.
Were you not too young and new in the US to scout for modelling jobs on your own?
My parents taught me to be independent at a young age so it was never really a problem. I am confident and a go-getter so they did not have to worry because I have always managed to keep myself grounded.
How was it starting out?
I was 16 by then and I faced a lot of rejections from the agencies I approached. Most said I needed to lose weight although at least they thought I had good features. The food was a lot different in the US and it affected my weight. Other agencies did not like my photos, which I had taken at the mall in Washington DC. I later learnt that in modelling, presentation is very important; your photos, weight and your whole outlook could cost you your career.
So you resolved to diet?
Not exactly. My body snaps right into shape if I watch what I eat. I ate more vegetables and fruits and sourced for a professional photographer who did such a great job that the agencies were clearly impressed when I went back. Initially, I would go to the agencies decked in make-up to impress only to realise natural was the key in modelling. So this time I went without the weaves and make-up and it boosted me because now they saw me in a different light.
How has your modelling experience been?
I love modelling! I have had a chance to model in New York Fashion Week among other local shows. This was followed by a environmental awareness billboard, Go Green, on Time Square. I have also done commercials, catalogue and print
How do you balance modelling and schoolwork?
Although modelling is my passion, school is equally important and I would like to get my degree. So I do castings during breaks and when I am not in school. Right now, I am taking online classes so it makes it easier to do both.
What brings you back to Kenya this time?
Sadly, my mother passed away. We are very sorry for your loss.
My mother was very strong and did a lot to motivate me. I would like her legacy to live on by continuing what she started — June Nyanchoka Foundation. The organisation, founded in honour of my late sister, deals with issues relating to youth and women empowerment in developing African countries and around the world. I will post more information in my website www.sandanyanchoka.com
Tell us about the rest of your family?
My father is now in Kenya and we lived with my mother in the US until now. My six siblings are in school in the US and my brother Kevin is in the US army and also in university.
Given the war stories in Iraq, how was it for you as a family knowing your brother was away?
It was what he wanted to do so we supported him.
Are you seeing anyone?
No boyfriend for now. I am trying to balance modelling and school and I just do not have the time.
What are you studying in college?
International Relations and Broadcast Journalism. I like travelling so I hope to work in a sector where I can travel to cover cultural and traditional stories like Inside Africa on CNN.
