UP CLOSE WITH ZAMBIAN MISS LIYAH PHIRI

Last week I had a talk with one of the most awesome lady’s that I have come across and did myself an interview with her coz there is more to her than meets the face. I just found out some amazing stuff about her life……………………………………………………………………..

Hey how are you? So tell me whose Liyah??

LIYAH: Am good thank you, Liyah is a positive person. One person, who is a goal getter, is very determined in life. She does not give up easily and she loves God and owes everything to Him.

Which schools have you attended??

LIYAH: Did my secondary school at Matero Girls high school
Went to college and did a certificate in travel tourism and hospitality management under ABE (UK) .Did my diploma in public relations at NIPA and I am currently pursuing a diplomatic course at Zambia institute of diplomatic studies.

When did yoh develop the interest in modeling?

LIYAH: Well I developed interested in modeling at a very tender age. It was in my 5th grade when I decided to take part in my first pageant. It was quiet challenging because I was more of a shy little girl. I used to watch a lot of pageants on TV especially Miss Zambia, Miss Malaika, Mnet face of Africa and Miss World. From that time onwards my interest and passion for modeling grew stronger than ever before.

Hey so apart from modeling what else do you do??

LIYAH: I work for an advertising agency called IDEASGO Activations
* Am a brand ambassador for Zambia breweries
*A member of Voice of the voice less whose main goal is to speak on behalf of people not only in our community but the world at large.  To touch lives of the vulnerable and to be the next generation of ideas. The foundation is aimed at dissecting the roles of the youths in the development of our Country through
Mentor ship and social involvement
to amplify the voice of the voiceless and to be heard.
We also hope to embark on developmental projects, social change, women/youth empowerment, child care as well mentor-ship and promoting girl child education. .
* Am also a member of Youth alliance movement of Zambia which is a non-governmental organization, whose objective is to advocate and promote youth participation in governance.
To advocate for human rights, sensitize youths on sexual reproductive health and to promote education for sustainable development.

Gosh miss that entire list well that’s great that you doing some great stuff with your life, so have you ever won any modeling title since yoh started modeling??

LIYAH:  Yes I have, first was Miss Youth Zambia finalists 2007, Miss Unity Zambia 2015 1st runners up, Miss Heritage Zambia 2015 first runner up, Miss Peace Zambia 2015, Miss Tourism Universe Zambia 2015

who inspires you in this industry?

LIYAH: The model who inspires me a lot is Naomi Campbell

Why her?

LIYAH: ahh she’s so amazing and strong and I love her personality

If you weren’t a model what would you have being?

LIYAH: I have always wanted to be a flight attendant... I loved anything to do with aviation

What do you love doing in your free time??

LIYAH:  I love spending time with my daughter and my family

OMG so you gat a daughter…Really okay

LIYAH: Yah I do her name is Clarice and she’s five, well most people don’t know that I have a child guess it’s time they knew and am actually not allowed to take part in other pageants cause of the fact that I have a child but look at me now an trying so hard to prove to those people out there who are saying I can’t that I actually can!!!

That’s so brave of you dear am actually proud of you coz you a strong lady, most models think the moment they have a child their career is over but hearing it from you will really help a lot of them and you looking in shape by the way

LIYAH: yes you right thanks I guess the gym is doing its work

Any words to would be Models??

LIYAH: Well. Modeling is  very good career but in Zambia it’s an industry which is growing and if one wants to be a model in Zambia, they first need to concentrate on school and take up modeling as a part time career because some of us do it for the passion and not for the money. It’s only in other countries where it is well recognized and a well-paid job. So I would tell upcoming models to put their studies first and then take up modeling as a part time career.

And in conclusion, life is all about ups and downs as well as challenges. It doesn't matter where you come from or what you have been through, what matters is where you are going.  Stay focused, be determined and disciplined in order for you to reach your goals. Don’t allow your past define you!!

Thank you for have this time with me Miss Liyah Phiri hope and pray to see you achieve more titles and inspiring more young ladies to take up the challenge.

Photos Courtesy of FINCH , FARASHE, TRAVIS AND FORTRESS