In Malawi, modelling is often seen as a side hustle or to others, a one-time appearance at a beauty pageant. It is rare for people, especially those with little or no interest, to view it as a serious craft that demands time, training and commitment.
Yet, beneath the glitz of flashing cameras and runway music lies an art form that requires just as much discipline and skill as any other profession and that is where Malawi is still playing catch-up.
Sinikiwe Mvula, a model and model trainer, remembers her first time walking in heels nervously balancing on a stack of books on her head back in college.
It was 2015 and fashion designer Lily Alfonso had launched a competition for local designers and she was one of the models on the runway.
“That opportunity became the beginning of my modelling journey. It didn’t stop there. I realised it was worth it then later I studied modelling. So, luckily for me, I was trained by the best,” she said.
While modelling is often misunderstood and many people often only see the final product, a confident young woman or man striding across a stage or appearing in a photoshoot, what they don’t see is the rigorous preparation behind the scenes.
“Modelling goes beyond the runway. There are different types of modelling which require to keep body shape and weight in shape, exercises, diet, skincare and intense hours of training,” said Mvula.
She added that travelling from one place to another, finding the right training shoes 5+inches, right attire, meeting the designers, keeping up with their portfolios and pictures is part of the effort.
Looking at all that is required to do modelling, Mvula is at the forefront and passionate to train and mentor aspiring models across the country not just to walk the runway, but to understand the discipline, confidence and strategy behind being a professional model.
“The inspiration came in when I noticed that there’s lack of training initiative in modelling. I thought it will be wise to provide this training resources for the demand skill,” she said.
Many aspiring models start with raw potential, but are left navigating an industry they barely understand.
Natasha Kwaela, a model in training, believes there is a growing interest in the field whose lack of understanding of opportunities available hinders its growth.
“People think modelling is just posing and looking pretty, but it’s so much more. Without proper guidance it’s easy to get lost or discouraged,” she said.
Kwaela thinks having a mentor or some training in modelling is crucial because it allows models to build themselves to their potential.
“This kind of modelling training is crucial for models because it equips us with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in competitive industry,” she said.
Charity Banda, another model, says she sought to be part of Mvula’s training initiative and this has taught her that confidence is the most powerful trait a model can have.
“It’s not just about how you look. It’s about how you carry yourself, your energy, your presence, how you walk into a room and own your space. So, even if you’re new or make mistakes, confidence tells the audience that you belong there,” she said.
Banda said she sees modelling beyond as fashion and posing, but as form of storytelling and self-expression which should be moulded. She also dreams of participating in bigger international.
” I aim to grow and establish myself as an international brand, to represent even more powerful brands and be part of the global fashion world. I believe in myself and that belief is what pushed me to start this journey,” she said.
Above all, Banda believes that every model should access training as it helps one embrace their uniqueness instead of just following trends.
“You get to know your strengths, your weaknesses, and build on what makes you special. So, these kinds of training are important,” she said.
While some countries have established modelling schools, development programmes and career pipelines, Malawi is slowly warming up to the idea that modelling is a real, valuable profession.
The lack of structure means that most models either teach themselves, rely on peer learning, or remain stuck in local cycles without ever breaking into bigger spaces.
And for those who do make it out, their success often comes in spite of the system, not because of it.
Mvula believes that with the right investment in modelling education and mentorship Malawi could easily position herself as a hub for talent in the region and through her initiative Empowering Potential which aims to train and mentor models she wants to start laying the foundation.
“If we booked our own models for billboards, commercials, fashion campaigns and pay them properly, this wouldn’t just uplift individuals, it would support livelihoods, build confidence among youth and give us a new way to tell our stories,” she said.
It is this dream to see the Malawi modelling industry strive that has Mvula working with both female and male models and trains them in all types of modelling be it runway pageant, vixen or commercial.
While she started with free services, she has gradually introduced a fee for the services as her dream is to turn it into an academy where models would acquire certificates at the end of the training course.
While she faces challenges such as finding good locations, good training materials, dedication from models and sponsors she is positive that the initiative will grow.
