Those who know me know that I am some-what obsessed with ebony models and dejected by their lack of appearance on international runways. I merely bow to the inevitable and hardly gravitate towards the common folk who doesn't say, 'I'm different and do what I do best.' I love people who submit to their vision and have that extra ordinary spark to them (and always do it in style). At the mention of her name i automatically think of our own Alek Wek!
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# How does a young
girl like you end up in Cape Town with a modelling contract with 3D Model
Management?
- Cape Town
was on my to do list, I always wanted to move and experience life outside of
home, and I also felt I was getting old and I hadn't achieved the goals I had
set for my self growing up and felt I had neglected my Dreams so I packed and moved,
in a foreign province with no place to stay, no job, but only a measure of hope
that God wouldn't just drop me! I spent my first month job and agency hunting,
which is a rocklike experience as many agencies will let you down and after so
many rejections you start to doubt the whole idea, with ups and downs and tears
everywhere. I stumbled across 3D Model Management and I sent my pics for the
last time and they called me in, but their minds where already made up, If I
was the public emotions type I would have cried right there on the spot lol.
March I signed with them and have loved working with them since.
# Give us your “elevator speech” – a snapshot of who you
are and how we should “know” you.
-Well My
names Nandipha, A born artist, Graphic designer/ photographer & Model, I
all about having fun and laughing. A big
big dreamer who always seems to encourage people around her to not sell
themselves short ,I was blessed with a family that believes in me as much as I
believe in them.Everyone needs a Nandi in their life, if you don’t already have
one.
# Many people seem to have a very vague understanding
of a models job description, many think
it solely entails being skinny, looking good in front of the camera and going
out being a ‘damsel in distress’. Could you brief us on the actual essence of
being a model?
-A Models
job entails being a role model, as you’re in the public eye a lot, so working
on yourself, being presentable; you have to look professional ALL the time. I
get people that say: “Oh but you just have to stand in front of the camera and
smile” There’s a lot of behind the Scene technicalities, getting the
perfect shot, some times you wearing two shoe sizes down or in a runway case
two sizes up/ the weather is -27 degrees, you have to make it work, like any
normal 9-5 hustle for bread and butter. I just have to look good doing it!
# Have you done anything lately worth remembering?
-I did a
promotion with Grazia magazine SA (Yey) at the Cape Town Fashion Week it was truly
an epic moment for me. I was so bummed for not making the fashion shows but
this was great and extremely memorable. We had chaperone's and our very own
Paparazzi, the response was great and the clients were happy.
# How do you handle mistakes firstly during a shoot and
secondly in life?
-LIFE: Everyone
makes mistakes and it’s all about realizing the mistake and learning from it. Or,
what has always worked in my favor is learning from other peoples mistakes.
-ON SET: You
will always make a mistake and it gives you room to improve but if you knock it
on the first try then right on! I’ve been introduced to the commercial industry
and I never considered my self as the acting type as I’m casually shy
especially in that field but I’ve been advised and I’m doing quiet well.
# In your work field what about it do you love the most?
-Meeting
new people is so refreshing.
# How do you balance your job with other obligations –
friends, spiritual life, family and other activities?
-I have a
day job, so if I'm not casting or booked I'm at work like any other 9-5 person.
I thank God for technology as I'm able to connect with my family & friends
via social networks and phone calls so I feel closer to them.I have been
consumed with settling down though I still have so many other things I want to
do .I also sneak in some me time which is as important!
# Being a model in Cape Town is like being an actress in
LA. How do you handle competition and emerge from the rest?
- It’s
tough hey but the great thing is everyone I work with is so supportive and friendly;
we hardly ever give each other green eye looks as we professional like that. So
that allows one to play their part well and without feeling the need to
compete.
# What does a typical day in your shoes encompass?
-On a normal
day I open the shop work and knock off, on a crazy day, I’d open the shop &
in-between that I will go to castings and back to work, then wait for the next
casting and go back to work again. The funny thing is I always have these
castings when I'm not off and the times are all scattered and I don’t have a
car yet so I run around like a headless chicken, it’s fun when I look back at
the end of the day.
# If failure wasn’t an option, what would you pursue?
-Inventions
[Don’t give me that look…it’s a childhood fantasy. ]
# With modelling being such a flamboyant profession and
limited career, what do have planned for the future?
-I am working on a store concept, also looking into owning a
Design & Photography Boutique amongst other things. I plan to keep myself
very busy!
# From Durban to Cape Town, how did you handle the
difference in lifestyle?
-Cape Town is very different its more luxury driven,
Beautiful sites and everyone’s busy always walking, everyone takes the train
well for us who don’t drive. Durban is chilled, friendlier too and the train is
a No go zone still!
# List 3 of your favourite things.
-My Phone but sometimes it drives me mad
-My Portfolio
-My bed lol I worked so hard for it!!!
# Complete this sentence. Happiness is…
…feeling at peace with yourself, as you’re no good to anyone
if you not.
# If you had the
opportunity to get a message across to a large number of people what would it
be?
-Don't let
anyone discourage you; especially if you have a positive goal, nothing’s ever
really impossible every time I feel like the going gets tough I always remember
God will never give you a challenge larger than your strength.
# How important is image to you being a young black model,
and do you ever feel pressured to keep the polished glam work look even outside
the work environment or live up to a certain standard in general?
-Image is very important, as you become a brand so wherever
you go you could be bumping into future clients and it’s also good personally
because it uplifts and boosts self-confidence.
# Describe your personal style as far as fashion.
-Modern elegance, I love a polished look, sort of mature but
also chilled.
# Now Nandi I am a bit on the obsessive mark when it comes
to dark African models and for some reason I find that you bring the words Alek
Wek to mind for me. What did the industry find most appealing or captivating
about your look as every model seems to have that particular thing or feature
about them that is intriguing?
-Hahaha hmm… I guess it was my face; I have a small face
made up with huge features -massive eyes and my lips just as big ha-ha, I was
teased a lot growing up about them, who knew they would be my bread and butter.
Also my bone structure, apparently, you know when they start moving their hands,
creating shapes and saying stuff like: “yes I love this, I love what’s going on
here, and this was around my face so I was like oooooohoooo so there’s
something there, Nice!
# What would you prescribe to other aspiring models?
-Do your research ladies, with so many scouts and agencies
out there, be careful of double-dealings. It’s important to not do this alone,
also communicate with agencies if you are going to do something like a move. Move
closer to where you are looking to work as it counts and also remember that the
road to success is never easy, I had so many rejections but my goal was still
the same I was going to get signed, so your goal should be your bottom line!
[ Photography by Chris Ladewig]
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