MODEL OPENS UP ON ABUSE AS A TEENAGER
MODEL Takudzwa Busumani has opened up about the abuse she suffered as a teenager before becoming a model.
The 21-year-old revealed how she was body shamed and bullied during her teenage years.
‘‘When I was in high school, I struggled dealing with my weight issues and my physical appearance.
“I was a 15-year-old girl with insecurities about my body due to what people said about me.
‘‘I was traumatised, and would eat to comfort myself and escape from the depression I was going through and pressures of trying to be like other girls in my school.''
She said her salvation came when she was invited to a modelling shoot.
‘‘For four years, I battled the depression that came with the abuse.
‘‘My life changed for the better when I received a call to be a model for a certain make-up artist. That was my first gig. I didn't even know what to do as it was all new to me.
‘‘I managed to push through the shoot, but the anxiety was extreme. I had no confidence in myself.
“I was the type of girl who would put her hand in her pocket just to stand and walk because I felt like every time I stood up, someone would be watching me and laugh at how fat I was.
‘‘It all changed when the photo shoot was published.
‘‘The love and affection I got from social media was amazing.
‘‘It made me look in the mirror and say to myself that I am beautiful just the way I am.
‘‘From that day, I vowed to myself that I was going to be a model and challenge people's perception that models should only be slim and tall,'' said Takudzwa.
She gave a glimpse into how challenging her journey has been.
‘‘It is very difficult to be a female model, and being thick makes it even more challenging.
‘‘My biggest challenge was having to deal with trying to fit into this line of work.
‘‘Being a model doesn't necessarily mean you have to be like someone else or do something because everyone is doing it.
‘‘It's mostly about thinking outside the box, doing your own thing.''
She encouraged models to stay true to themselves and not imitate others.
‘‘I tried to copy other models that have made it and I got a lot of criticism.
‘‘There is nothing wrong with having a role model in life, but you need to bear in mind that you are also your own role model and you have to do your own thing.
‘‘I guess that just gave me the boost I needed to be the confident model I am today,'' Takudzwa said.