‘I believe that a professional model goes beyond being paid for your photos and shows. I believe that a professional model goes beyond being paid for your photos and shows‘ these are the words which were used by the 25 year old model,Ashwin Tapiwa Njolomola who is also planning to take part in an exclusive pageant ,Mister Zimbabwe International. He takes us to his modeling journey .
Q:Can you brief us about your biography?
A:Ashwins Tapiwa Njolomola is a 25 year old commercial,fashion and runway model. He is currently studying towards a degree in psychology with Midlands State University.He has worked with Econet on their project # I am digital which spearheaded his journey into the modeling industry together with being one of the finalist in Mr Zimbabwe pageant 2022 held in December 2021.Apart from modeling Ashwins is a professional actor and a musician.
Q:What sets you apart from other models in your country?
A:Well what distinguishes me from all other models in the country is my goals and advocacy. I believe modeling goes beyond personal appearances and presentation , it goes beyond dwelling in one’s comfort zone. It also calls for someone who is selfless and think more of others which therefore distinguish me from others, I love helping the less privileged mainly the young ones they are the future and I believe if we can help them at a tender age they will learn to help themselves in the future so in light of that I have partnered with quite a number of children’s homes and safe houses in a bid to try and help these little ones.I’m also an advocate of mental health among the youth but paying particular attention to the male child for I believe that much is being done to assist the girl child but close to nothing is done for the boy child yet they are suffering from so many things and because no particular attention is rendered to them we witnessing the negative results that is high suicidal rate and high substance and drug abuse
Q:How do you manage to deal with issue of fitting in the society of Modeling?A:Being a male model is not as easy as is our fellow counterparts. It is very limited and looked down upon. Much is done for female models that includes sponsorship but little is set apart for male models which then make it a hustle for a male model to climb to the top for it is financially draining and also there are already well established models who normally get most of all the paying contracts whilst the rest just share the little rejected by the top guys , but nonetheless I feel like if one knows what they really want they will attain their goals thus fitting in the society of modeling is hard but not impossible
Q:What do you believe makes one to be a professional model?
I believe that a professional model goes beyond being paid for your photos and shows. It is someone who has more than just desire and passion rather they have drive. It is someone who set goals that they might not be able to achieve, yet they try and try until they win , someone who doesn’t easily give up and someone who is not myopic thus a professional model should see beyond the present. It is someone who is able establish strong connections and foster professional relationship. A professional model is pro-active as opposed to re-active thus they don’t wait for opportunities they make them and are innovative, persistent and take responsibility of their actions either good or bad. It is someone who is distinguished among other models because of their uniqueness. Lastly a professional model is someone who respects their competitors and colleagues.
Q:What are some of the challenges that you have faced in the modeling sector?
A:Well in the modeling sector I have faced so many challenges mostly financially which may include sponsorship , then societal stereotypes associated with the ministry ,honestly some of them I have managed to rise above but others keep weighing me down.
Q:How do you keep yourself health and fit?
A:As a model staying in shape is my number 1 priority thus I love to maintain my body healthy and strong. I try to eat food that contains less than 500 calories for my health then I do my daily exercises and more often I go to the gym.
Q:Why is social media important to you as a model?A:Social media is a very important asset for me as a model as it send message and advertise my brand were I myself can not be, it also help in attracting international contract and it a broad marketing platform.
Q:Which 4 companies or brands would you like to work with?A: I will be honored if I have the chance to work with Old Mutual, Nyaradzo , Jan-Jams men’s wear and Vernice men’s wear.
Q:What are you planning to achieve before the year ends ?A:By end of this year I’m planning to be win MrZimbabweinternational pageant taking place on the 30th of April in Bulawayo I also want to represent my country on international levels but I above all I will be humbled if I manage to engage with more sponsors in a bid to help the young people in safe houses and orphanages.
WORLD OF FASHION & MODELLING 