Model fights size stigma
Model, Vivian Bojang says she was suppressed from making it in the industry for a long time, but that only motivated her to work harder
POLOKWANE – The 24-year-old from Polokwane says it was hard to be officially recognised as a model because she did not fit what society sees as a model.
She tells Review Bonus about her humbling beginnings in the industry. “I’m not exactly skinny nor tall as is usually the norm for models. I’m just a typical young woman in whom society did not see any outstanding features which could qualify me to be a model,” Bojang explains
She says she loved modelling from a young age and was determined to work hard to become a model. She says after realising that she could not change people’s perspective towards her, she decided to offer the industry something unique.
“Beauty is not only based on physical features. It is about being confident in your own skin, accepting the person you are and embracing every body part,” she says. She says living by that motto helped her to finally accomplish her dream after overcoming several challenges in the industry.
The Rustenburg-born model who moved to Polokwane to expand her horizons, tells Bonus that after taking part in several beauty shows with no luck, she finally got her big break as the face of a brand which was on promotion at the time. She says the opportunity opened many doors for her as a model and she has never looked back since. “I went on to join Azui Media Production which introduced me to catalogue modelling.”
The BA student says the experience has taught her to persevere and to go after what she wants.
“I am a go-getter and I don’t give up easily and now that I have finally been accepted into the industry, I hope to influence other young girls and boost their confidence so they can pursue their dreams, regardless of what society decrees.” Bojang says one of her goals is to model for internationally renown fashion designers such as David Tlale and she is now venturing into television presenting and acting.
