Top model to coach locals
By Rosalia David
WITH the aim of emphasising the importance of charisma and body language as a model, trendsetter Leena Shipwata will be facilitating her first model training session this weekend.
In an interview with Confidente, Shipwata shared the inspiration behind the training session saying that the idea came after realising that many people lost their jobs during the pandemic, especially those in show business.
“The pandemic has taken bread out of so many people’s mouths and because we cannot host shows with a large amount of people we have to find alternative ways to work. On the bright side though, it has assisted a number of models in realising that it’s high time they followed their dreams,” she said.
She added that, what steered the idea even further was the realisation of a gap that is in the market.
“I also wanted to make sure that I keep both myself and upcoming models busy.”
Asked on the type of skills models are going to gain from the training, Shipwata said top of her list was to teach the models how take up space with their aura and showing full presence.
“The motive behind this is to really lend a helping hand and perhaps help the industry grow and have models respect themselves, know their worth and have others know it too. With this training, we will help models brush up their skills, and become more confident.
Plus, every model will leave the training session with a professional card which helps them look professional at castings,” she said.
Shipwata further described the training as a long time desire of hers as she had been brainstorming on it for almost two years.
“I started working on the training sessions last year because I saw a gap in the market. Just like any other profession, models need to constantly brush up on their skills and I received a large request from models who want to train.
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Questioned on whether the coaching sessions will be an ongoing exercise, the passionate model said the training would continue throughout the year.
Shipwata started her modelling journey in 2014 with no experience but however gained skills over the years from taking part in different shows, like participating in the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week for the past five years.