'I'm a model who makes footwear'

While preparing for this interview, I went through some of your past interviews. You sound pompous, and full of yourself. Saying things like; ‘I think I am someone worth knowing.’ or ‘Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world,’ Is this really who you are?

Haha. I’m sure it might come across like that but that’s definitely not the case. I do believe that I am interesting and opinionated and like the next person I meet, it would be good to take time and get to know me, as I would do the same to that person. The statement about the shoes is actually a quote from Marilyn Monroe. And I truly believe it.

You have spent a considerable amount of time as a male model. Have you ever been objectified (sexually or otherwise); by women or men?

The issue of being objectified has never come up but, yes, there have been incidences of someone getting attracted to me because of my looks. However, once we get to talk at a personal level, a more mature connection takes shape and things clear up.

Modeling is a career and models do it to earn a living. I doubt there is a model who does it only for the fame or glamour. I do believe as a profession it should be respected.

This is possibly an out of date question, but indulge us. When you introduce yourself as a male model. Do people treat you differently from other men? You know, thinking you are vain or something...

In Kenya the title male model is not yet considered a serious profession. Some people think of it as a joke and they look at you as someone passing time. Imagine your girlfriend introducing you to her parents, then when her father asks what you do for a living, she says that you are a male model. This line of work, for a man, is still not fully accepted in the society.

Apart from the obvious networks, exposure and financial gain, how has your experience as a model boosted your other business and creative ventures?

Everything that happens in my life happens for a reason. I assume this is not unique to me. Our experiences define and create who we are.

Through modeling, I got my first acting job. While working as a model, I noticed the gap in the shoe industry. That is when I started my shoe company Afroshoes. Modeling has been a stepping stone to my current projects. Without modeling I do not think I would be at the point that I am now.

Afroshoes. It has been a couple years since you set up the company. Designing and producing authentic Kenyan footwear for both gents and ladies. Businesswise, how are things?

Things are going well and it is an exciting time for the brand. We just launched our first handmade sneakers, the reception has been good and the only way from here for us is up.

What has Afroshoes taught you about urban Kenya?

About three things: One, I have learnt that as a business person, you have to listen to your consumers, and when your consumers are urban Kenyans, you have to listen keenly. Two, I have learnt that Mondays can be tough days to follow up on payments.

Three, I have learnt that end month is a big deal. As a model, we work mostly on weekends and the pay is not regular, my end month is not as defined as that of most people. Afroshoes is actually balancing this out for me.

What is the toughest business decision that you have made at Afroshoes?

Opening my own workshop. It was a fearful time because I parted ways with the fundis that I started Afroshoes with. They did not want to be tied down and the demand for the shoes required full time fundis. I had to make structural changes that were necessary but difficult emotionally.

Tell us about Nyala Collection.

Without saying ‘buy Africa, build Africa’. That phrase is total hot air.

Actually, I was not planning on saying that. My latest collection, the Nyala, is the embodiment if an intercity sneaker that has gone through three cities to get to the consumer.

I drew my inspiration from both Nairobi and Berlin when designing them. But they are made in Ethiopia. It is a collection that I have worked on for the last year and I had to crowd fund to give the project life.

How large has Afroshoes grown - in terms of expansion and shop establishments?

I would say the brand has made massive steps from that first day when I ventured into town to look for a fundi to make my first pair. We are now selling in different outlets both physical and online stores. Over the years we have been able to stock up in Tanzania, Uganda, England, and USA.

You were a footballer once. Are there any positive similarities between sportsmanship and the creative world?

Yes I do believe there is a similarity. Success in sports requires a lot of silent/ behind the scenes hard work just as it is in the creative sector. You have to silently work hard, because people want what you have, they want to be you or even better than you. You have to push the limits.

You were once an actor. Are you still an actor?

Yes, I have acted. And I am still acting. I did a movie called VEVE which won a continental award. At the moment I have something that I am working on and it would be too soon to say it lest I jinx it. That makes me an actor still, right?

Which one is your greatest love: Modeling, acting, design work or the footwear business? There definitely has to be one...

Nope. I think all of them blend together. They are all my greatest loves. When I engage with any, I do it to the best of my ability and with equal passion.

And talking about love, where do the ladies stand with you?

I grew up in a single parent family. The only male, sort of. I have grown to understand women, which is why most of my closest friends are women.

If you were to run out of a burning house, what three things will you pick on your way out?

My daughter, wife and phone or laptop.