Model Thuthani defies odds
MODEL and choreographer Alexis Kaandry Thuthani (pictured) says youths must fully utilise their talent if they are to reach greater heights.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, Thuthani said although it was not that easy being a petite (slightly smaller than average for runway) model, she, however, aimed to represent diversity in the modelling industry.
“Hard work is the only way to make it in life. Models are distinguished by attributes such as height and shape, but I am glad to have proved that I could be a model despite my body stature,” she said.
“After I did a lot of research on models I realised that I am a petite model who is short and slim. I, therefore, started looking for projects to do and my first achievement was my participation at the Eva Runway show in 2018 advertising hair products. In 2020, I then did another commercial advertisement for Econet YoMix for billboards and fliers.”
The 22-year-old model said her passion for modelling dates back to her high school days at Queen Elizabeth High School in Harare.
“My passion for modelling grew when I was still in high school and I can say this was a blueprint for me to launch my career. My first experience was when I competed at the Miss Winter 2015 when I was doing my Ordinary-Level,” she said.
“Winning at this pageant boosted my confidence and my mother supported me as I decided to follow my dream. I then signed with Neovista in 2018, which is my current modelling agency responsible for my management.”
Thuthani said she was happy to have been endorsed as the face of some brands in commercial advertisement.
“I am a holder of five titles namely Miss Winter (2015) , Miss Talent at Miss Harare-Kwekwe (2018), Miss Tourism second runner-up (2019), Miss Petite Zimbabwe first runnerup (2019) and Miss Winter (2020). I have also won two accolades for Best Petite and Most Promising model at the Zimbabwe Modelling Awards 2020,” she said.
Off the ramp, Thuthani has undertaken outreach programmes courtesy of United States of America and German embassies in Harare.
“Since 2016, I have been involved in different outreach programmes such as Step up 2 HIV alongside the Break Nation crew. We danced in local communities raising awareness on HIV and Aids, drug and substance abuse, early pregnancies and personal grooming,” she said.
“I have also done dance programmes with the less-privileged from Deaf Pride Zimbabwe. In 2018, I was part of the programme called Positivity which I did with Jibilika Dance Trust where we travelled to different communities raising awareness and engaging with the youths.”
Thuthani said she was working on associating herself with more brands especially those in fashion, dance and telecommunications. “I am looking forward to competing in global beauty pageants and building a legacy for myself both here in Zimbabwe and internationally,” she said.