Terence Mukasa
Besides providing the local fashion industry with models for various fashion campaigns, Jinels Models Namibia empowers their models to become the best versions of themselves. Owner Jenny Shipanga (22) loved modelling from a young age, and decided to establish the agency in April 2019 to groom young people into professional models, and to find modelling opportunities for them.
“The modelling agency aims to empower male and female models, educate them on how to apply empathy in life, and also help them discover their full potential,” she said. Shipanga told VIBEZ! that school is not for everyone, and she has never had the interest of studying and becoming someone’s employee. She is rather more focused on building a legacy and changing the face of the world.
“I am a very business-minded person, and I prefer working towards building something.” The agency, which won Katutura Fashion Week Modelling Agency of the Year earlier this year, organises fashion shows and pageants, and also offers make-up tutorials and theatre acting gigs for models to gain more exposure and confidence, while also doing charity work.
“This benefits the models, as they work with different personalities and gain experience in their modelling careers.”They take in models from as young as seven years upwards, and entry to be part of Jinels Models Namibia is N$300. However, Shipanga understands that some models still attend school and some of their parents cannot afford to pay and support their modelling careers, so they join the agency for free.
The only requirement to join the agency is “confidence in whatever they do”, she noted. Jinels is based in Windhoek, with a vision of expanding countrywide.
Visit @jinels_models_namibia, and youtu.be/c28RVz75yLE
for more information.