Modelling is fun but not easy

Lyndsey Mcintyre has scouted for models from the streets of Nairobi to the remotest part of the country. Some of Kenya’s international models owe their status to her scouting eye. She spoke to Cathy Ochung

I am a professional photographer, travel writer, events co-ordinator as well as a modelling and casting agent. Life is so vibrant and every day in Kenya is an adventure. Socialising is a big part of the Kenyan way of life and I enjoy that too. I don’t see myself as a different Kenyan because I am white. I think we are a very multi-cultural society.

I have fond memories growing up here. I am Kenyan by nationality. My parents moved from Scotland in 1953 and my father worked as the harbour master in charge of the port of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. Sadly, my father died when I was only five years old and we moved to Nairobi.

When I was a teenager, I visited a friend’s aunt who lived down a winding lane in Karen and I decided that’s where I wanted to live because of the beauty and vast open spaces. Nairobi was a great place to be back then. We lived in some apartments opposite Panafric Hotel and I walked to and from school. It was safe then.

Rebellious teenager

I schooled at Loreto Convent Valley Road and, at first, I enjoyed it but I later became your typical cocky and rebellious teenager. I began modelling when I was only 14 years old. An Indian neighbour who co-ordinated shows noticed me and encouraged me to model. I was by now attending Loreto Convent Msongari.

Looking back, I realise I went to school with girls who became high achievers like Margaret Shava, Liz Ramtu and Wakini Ndegwa.

My first modelling jobs were doing lunchtime fashion shows at the Intercontinental Hotel and I was paid Sh700 per show, which was a lot of money then. Thanks to a photograph taken of me modelling a man’s suit that appeared in an edition of The Standard newspaper, the school found out about my skiving escapades. Surprisingly, I didn’t get in too much trouble and they even allowed me time off to continue.

Back then, Elly Blunt was the owner of the only modelling agency in Kenya but she tragically died in a car accident and the agency closed.

After school, my mother wanted to send me to London to model, but I had by then met Robert (now my husband) and decided not to go. I first met Robert when I was 14. He is a third generation Kenyan of Italian and Irish extract and four years older than me.

Three years later, I moved in with him and we soon moved into a little cottage located on that little winding lane that I had been dreaming of.

I stayed in Nairobi, attended Valley Secretarial College and continued modelling. Some of my modelling colleagues included Jackie Thom and Khadija Adams, whose career I helped launch when I put her forward for the Miss Kenya competition and which propelled her to Europe.

I also got my first job as the Personal Assistant to the Egyptian Military Attache around the same time.

Robert and I got married when I was 29 years old and we still live in the same cottage on that little winding lane in Karen 25 years later.

I had my first child at age 33 — I like to take things slowly. I love Robert for many reasons. He is very masculine, laid back and we are also great friends. I have always appreciated the fact that he loves children and animals, which I believe should be a pre-qualification for every potential husband.

Bringing up family

It is not so easy juggling the many things I do with bringing up a family, but it is fun. My two beautiful children Saskia (11) and Shae (5) are fortunate enough to go to private schools.

I didn’t want them to go to a school as strict as the one I attended when I was their age. I want them to enjoy learning in an environment where they are respected and there is communication. I set up my modelling and casting agency, Surazuri, in 1986 as a result of calls from people looking for models who knew I had the contacts because I had been in the industry for a while.

Most people are ignorant of their rights when it comes to the use of their image. Surazuri still has a structure and guideline that has made us stay afloat regardless of the economic ups and downs. Some of the best models in Kenya are still within the agency’s stable.

Nowadays, there are over 40 modelling agencies in Nairobi, many of whom do not know the business and supply ‘models’ for a fraction of the ‘correct’ fees, which has not helped the industry. We have far fewer fashion shows. Local magazines that were another opportunity for models to get exposure are shutting down. Models now generally earn less today than ten years ago in Kenya, which is ridiculous.

I am a huge mitumba fan and I love the fact that when they know you, a mitumba dealer will trust you with his or her clothes to go and try them at home then bring back the following day. That is another thing I admire about Kenyans. They are generally very warm and hospitable.

If you have a positive attitude in Kenya, you will make it. I am a very positive person and I have had an amazing life with very few regrets. Just recently, I came from a road trip with my family from Namibia back to Kenya. I love travelling. Not least because it helps you appreciate the beauty and opportunities that Kenya has. We try to take a family trip once a year but I also like to travel on my own, usually for business.

Health is the most important thing for my family and me. Having a roof over your head with the people you love is an enormous bonus. Family means everything to me.

Currently I am juggling parenting, home-making and hobbies with Surazuri and other businesses. One of them is selling eco-friendly bio-fires made in South Africa to hotels and restaurants.

You can have stressful days but if you have a positive vibe around you, I believe you attract the same. There are lots of opportunities in Kenya.

I sometimes visit Scotland to see my brother and France to see my elder sister. Another sister, Gerry, resides here and she is my best friend and mother-figure all wrapped in one. How lucky can you get!