A Chat With
A Conversation with Daina Mwaura the Model.
Daina Mwaura, a Commercial Model who is destined to escalate the fashion industry ranks.
Who is Daina Mwaura? Daina is a mother, musician, model, and medical student in theatre technology.
Who is a commercial model? Any model who has a motive to sell or promote a product
How did you get to modeling? This came up after I gave birth I was afraid of how my shape would change and this made me have low self-esteem but I one day told myself that I’m beautiful and this is how I ended up modeling.
Clothes were not fitting me well and this was so embarrassing plus I never knew how to walk in heels but I never gave up until I knew how to walk in them and I learnt how to love myself the way I am and to be contented.
My surroundings and what I went through the moment I became a mom…I wanted to embrace and feel myself but I never knew how…seeing people modeling, I tried to give it a try and I realized that yes this is what I wanted, to feel free: to care less about people’s opinions and be in my little precious world
”I’m inspired by everything that surrounds me…that can bring out any crazy idea”
The inspiration behind creations and dressings? The fashion itself. I’m inspired by everything that surrounds me that can bring out any crazy ideas. So anything creative that brings out fashion I go with it
Who is your stylist if none how would you describe your style? Non-free distraction and creative in simple terms. It takes fashion itself to style any dress code so anything creative that brings out fashion I go with it
Which model(s) do you look up to? Ajuma Nasenyana, Lupita Nyong’o, and Letitia Herod
How do you balance being a mum and working? It’s all about planning and time management. At the moment, my photographer is coming to do the shoot at my place so it easier
What do you love about your job? It’s about hard work and self-gaining in terms of the confidence.
What challenges do you face? Some clients give some instructions that are too far gone.
What keeps you going? My love for fashion.
Who is your audience and how do you promote products? Anyone who loves fashion and their skin…I promote anything that looks good on anyone, may it be rings, clothes, shoes, earrings, etc.
Where do you source your outfits? I make them myself. I make anything out of nowhere and if it makes sense to me I go with it.
Talk to me about the perception of the ”ideal” body image. Anyone can be a model the only thing that matters is which kind of model are you eg: a commercial model doesn’t have a certain expectation like height and all that.
What are your thoughts on the Kenyan fashion industry? Kenyan fashion is on another level…I just love it. The vibrant colors in our dressing, the beadwork, and our locally made fabric.
What’s your favorite look? Something cool but classy.The vibrant colors in our dressing, the beadwork, and our locally made fabric.
Your insights on fashion among young people? Fashion is preached among young people and this is nice.
Do you do local fabric? Of course. I source them from Nairobi around commercial and they do have beadwork accessories for fabric. They are pocket-friendly prices ranging from 50-2000 bob.
Any memorable fashion experience? I love every one of my fashion experiences because I do my shoots like a new model or rather like someone who’s never done it before.
One thing you love about yourself.? I always have an urge to try new things despite negative comments.
Any words for an upcoming model? It doesn’t matter how old you are or your looks. We are all different and beautiful and unique in our own way; so get out and show your uniqueness. Don’t give up!
Send a message to yourself. Dear Daina, you are the greatest and you can do this.