Plus Size model making

Latifah Tshiamo Kgosidintsi is shaking up the beauty, fashion and modelling industry. She has been signed to internationally recognised Juice Promotions Modelling agency, was recently crowned Miss LKC 2020/2021 and she is excited that her dreams of being a model are coming true.

Kgosidintsi, a fashion design aspirant who is doing double major in Psychology and Administration at the University of Botswana, said she started pageantry in pre-school and resumed it in 2012. She explained that she has always been a fashion enthusiast as she was raised and groomed by fashionistas being her mother, grandmother and aunts. By the time she was in Standard two at Pioneer Academy in Ghanzi, she already knew her way around the sewing machine. However, her weight seemed to be a hinderance to her goals – at least to other people. Kgosidintsi said growing up as a fat girl, she was always criticised over her body type, and often told that she would not accomplish her dreams in the fashion and modelling industry. “Most people would laugh at me because it is often the petite and slim girls who are recognised as more suitable for the fashion and modelling industry. Some people would literally tell me that my body is not healthy. However, I can confidently state that health, like beauty, is different for everyone. I have faced a lot of body shaming, but through the grace of God, I managed to overcome it,” she said. Kgosidintsi, who hails from Molepolole but was raised mostly in Lobatse, has shaken off the criticism and is now comfortable in her skin. “I spent time observing my thoughts, and the minute I got rid of the negative thoughts in my mind, I began filling my mind with new positive thoughts of love and kindness. I also had to forgive myself for being harsh on myself, and I also forgave those who were harsh to me. I learnt to move past how I had been taught to hate my body due to societal standards. I can confidently rock a crop top and shorts, and even wear a bodycon dress and still look stunning. Being fat does not limit me,” she said. Kgosidintsi is also a body positivity activist. She encouraged everyone, particularly women, to strive to be happy and comfortable in their own skin. “Don’t let anyone intimidate you because you are a Goddess. Love yourself.”