Sandra spill all about the good and bad of the modelling industry

Pulse: Things were looking up after you were voted the hottest girl in Mombasa about a year ago. What went wrong?
Sandra: Things did not work as planned. I moved to Nairobi to look for greener pastures but got disappointed after the agencies I was trying to work with played me. Everyone had big promises but none was keeping their side of the promise. I had to return to Mombasa and start all over again.
P: What exactly did you expect when you relocated to Nairobi?
S: Big modelling deals. I wanted to hit billboards and appear on TV adverts and other commercials. That is the kind of modelling I have always wanted to do. Some artistes also wanted me to appear on their videos as a video vixen. I later came to find out that some were just looking for sexual favours and were not serious with giving me any deals.
P: You sound quite frustrated...
S: I was then, but I have picked up the pieces and moved on. It is hard being a freelance model in this country. Besides, I think people are cheapening the entire modelling industry as every girl is now claiming to be a model as long as she can stand in front of a camera.
P: And every girl in Mombasa seems to like being referred to as a model, I mean, agencies are recruiting them in hundreds every day...
S: That is true. The truth is that most girls are being exploited by agencies minting cash through them. They are called to pose in music video and all they get is a plate of chips and a night of drinking, hanging out with the musicians. It is total crap.
P: But you have been there before, I mean...
S: I have always said ‘no’ to such cheap deals and that is why most celebrities down here say I brag a lot. I can’t take cheap offers simply because appearing in videos will make me popular. Now, they say ‘Sandra feels hot and too expensive’. I just can’t compromise my standards.
P: Is it true that part of the beef you have with some celebs started when they hit on you as you were dating a celebrated radio guy?
S: That is a bit personal and I have always wanted to keep off that topic...
P: But it is in public knowledge that you were dating a radio guy, what happened?
S: We had our differences and had to call it quits. There was just too much pressure and since were both in the limelight, everyone seemed to have their eye on us. Let’s say it just wasn’t working. Besides, we were together for four years and during the time, I learned many lessons.
P: It is said you were using the relationship as your ladder to the limelight?
S: That is a lie. We met when I was already in the limelight after I appeared on the Pulse cover. I would never date anyone for fame.
P: It has been quite some time; do you feel threatened that there are so many other girls aspiring to take your title?
S: I am just doing my part. It is not like I am sitting here and pretending that days are not moving. I want to take a mentorship role and help other girls make it in this cruel industry. I want to work towards making things get better.
P: We hardly get anyone doing so, I mean coastal showbiz personalities are said to be their own biggest enemies...
S: I think that must change. Mention the likes of Beyoncé and Eve who had all the chances to help local models and artistes in general over here. What did they do with the chance? Who did they help? No one.
P: So Beyoncé and Eve take the blame...?
S: I am not here to judge anyone but what I am saying is that things could have been better if unity among artistes and models in the Coast was real. Promoters would not take advantage of everyone like they have been doing.
P: You have now started acting classes. Is this the next phase of your entertainment career?
S: Acting is my next front. I have registered with Coastal Films and I am putting a lot of time in acting.