I conquered cancer

You have been off the spotlight for a while, what have you been up to? I moved back in Kenya from Mauritius and I’m now running a family business, focusing on my career and also taking part in charity events that focus on cancer awareness. Should we expect you back on the runway any time from now? I only recently modelled at the Faraja Fashion Fusion event and raised Sh3 million for cancer patients who cannot afford treatment. Other than for charity, I find modelling time consuming and cannot call the shots. It was a fulfilling hobby but never my dream and passion. And you went on to pursue Masters in Marketing and Brand Management instead. Was that your ultimate passion? I always wanted to be a successful marketer way before modelling. From when I was in primary school selling home-made brownies for extra pocket money to the time I started university, I have had a fascination on brands. I used to study while on photo shoots or rehearsing for a fashion show. It was a tough balance but I had no choice and my mum was equally tough. Models usually complain that they had been approached for sexual favours when starting out. Did that ever happen to you? Never. My modelling agency was super professional and would not have allowed that. I was also never desperate to land a job or a modelling contract. Modelling was not my bread and butter. When I began modelling and when in the US and Europe, my focus was still on completing my Masters. Other than models being wrongly perceived as dumb and immoral, what are the other misconceptions that people usually have? Mostly what you have just stated. But it is a perception. It is not part of the profession to lack morals, it is a personal choice. However, most of the time you are expected to look pretty and not have an opinion. I had a problem with that. Speaking of opinions, what is your take on the current trends in the modelling industry? Modelling industry gets affected most during hard economic times. Two, actors and actresses in developed markets have taken the place of models. Three, the growth of second-hand clothes affect the industry in Kenya. Four, I remember during my modelling days we had plenty of fashion shows and fashion events but these have drastically reduced. You were diagnosed with cancer four years ago, what went through your mind that time? Shock and then acceptance happened immediately. Somehow, I knew it was cancer because my life was too perfect. Life is never perfect. We all must face a storm in our lives and cancer was my storm. I had faith I was going to weather the storm. I knew there was a divine reason I had cancer. I needed a change of cards to direct me to my life’s purpose and to stop living a mediocre life. When you were diagnosed with cancer, did people in the industry treat you differently? They were very supportive and not many people knew I had cancer until I told them or they read about it in the press. I did both my surgery and chemotherapy in Kenya because I refused to allow cancer to change my life. I also had a pact with God that cancer would not strip me of my life, my happiness, my optimism and my hair. I still went to the office after my chemo days were over, I still travelled and went out dancing. Nothing much changed. You gave yourself the title ‘cancer victoress’, proving how fighting cancer was very important to you. At what point did you take it upon yourself to defeat the disease? At the point where I had refused chemotherapy and my mum asked me if I wanted to die. That hit me hard. I still had plenty of things to do in this world. I told “little c” that my God and I are bigger and there will be only one winner and that is me. I will be a cancer victoress until I’m old with no teeth. You have such a unique name, what is the story behind it? It is my great-grandmother’s name. I never met her, but I am told I have her features and physique. Bidanya doesn’t have a meaning but I make up meanings quite often. So depending on my moods or who is asking, it can range from black diamonds, pearls, a butterfly or an African eagle. You look sparkly, what is your beauty secret? Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water. Start juicing if you have not already. It is excellent for your hair, skin and your body will love you. Drink warm water with lemon every morning. Exercise and eat healthy. Do you have plans to wed and have children? Yes. Soon and have twins! All in God’s timing. Advice to fellow women in the modelling industry. Get a professional modelling agency. Have great pictures taken by a good photographer. Focus on what makes you unique and flaunt it in a professional way. Always be professional and respect yourself. Please finish your education and do not let modelling get into your head. And always have a plan B.