What started out as a dream has turned into a reality for a Kenyan model who is breaking the glass ceiling and staking her claim among the top tier level of models in the global scene.
Michelle Achieng Opiyo has rubbed shoulders with some of the world-renowned designers, models, actors and graced global audiences all in the two years she has ventured into the profession.
According to the UK based model, she has only scratched the surface of what her true potential could be. However, the path to reaching the brass ring has not been without a few hurdles.
Speaking to Nation, Opiyo detailed how her rise to fame was not all rosy as many would claim it to be.
The model grew up from humble beginnings in Ziwani estate, Nairobi County. Growing up, she was bestowed the nickname, model, due to her height, a possible glimpse into the future that she would ultimately end up in.
However, Opiyo detailed that she had not considered modelling as a career.
"Even though people had nicknamed me 'model' since high school, I had assumed models are simply just about their looks but don't have substance," Opiyo revealed.
She graduated with a diploma as a front office operator and eventually interned in Watamu, Kilifi County. As soon as her internship ended, she failed to secure a job opportunity in the county prompting her to move back to Nairobi.
With numerous praises about her height and how her appearance was fit for the runway, Opiyo decided to take a stab at the profession.
She auditioned for Few Models Face of Africa Search in July 2018, in which she was shortlisted among hundreds of participants. This gave her the zeal to take modelling seriously. She noted that her dream was to grace the international stage.
"I wanted to work internationally, for my mother to be happy and to be able to take care of my family," she stated revealing her motivation to pursue the career.
Posing on the mirror, mimicking advertisements of other models and also long walks on heels were part of her strenuous training to get accustomed to her new venture. Her subsequent contests saw her emerge among the top scooping first runners up position in Miss Universe Kenya in 2018.
Opiyo was signed to Nigerian brand Fuse Model Management and days later jumped ship to Uno Models in Spain. She admitted that her first auditions in the international scene were unsuccessful due to stiff competition, however, months later she managed to swim with the sharks of the industry by clinching top slots on the runway stage.
The model now boasts of being on covers of Glamour, Coiffure, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and Elle Magazines and has also worked with celebrities such as Zara and Victoria Beckham.
