Margaret Wanjiru: Finding Her Voice in Fashion, One Frame at a Time

Introduction

For Margaret Wanjiru, modelling is becoming a journey of confidence, discovery and creative expression. A professional physiotherapist by background, she has gradually found herself drawn toward fashion, photography and the possibilities of visual storytelling. Her journey has included creative photoshoots, pageantry and new opportunities that continue to shape her identity as an emerging model.

Her crowning as Miss Curvy KMTC 2023/2024 marked a defining moment, particularly as it was her first pageantry experience and an opportunity to discover a confidence she had not previously recognised in herself. Today, Margaret is exploring fashion campaigns, editorial, lifestyle and commercial modelling while continuing to develop her portfolio and professional presence.

In this exclusive conversation with Nairobi Fashion Hub, Margaret reflects on her personal style, the evolving African fashion landscape, the importance of confidence and professionalism in modelling, the role of social media, and her ambitions for the future. Her answers offer a glimpse into a young creative finding her voice while remaining open to growth and new possibilities.

About You & Your Journey

1. Tell us about yourself. Who is Margaret Wanjiru beyond being a fashion creative and aspiring model?

Beyond fashion and modelling, Margaret Wanjiru is a professional physiotherapist committed to helping people improve movement, manage pain, recover from injury and ultimately enhance their quality of life. Her professional background has given her a perspective grounded in discipline, empathy and an appreciation for personal wellbeing.

2. What inspired you to venture into modelling and the fashion industry? Was there a particular person, experience or moment that influenced your decision?

My entry into modelling was inspired primarily by my appreciation for fashion and its ability to provide a platform for self-expression. Over time, that interest developed into a desire to explore the creative possibilities of the industry and understand where I could position myself within it.

3. How would you describe your personal style? What makes your fashion identity unique?

I would describe my personal style as feminine, confident and versatile. I enjoy the ability to move between different aesthetics and adapt my presentation to suit the mood, concept or creative direction while maintaining a sense of individuality.

4. What does fashion mean to you personally? Is it about self-expression, confidence, culture, creativity, or something else?

For me, fashion is fundamentally a form of self-expression. It creates a visual language through which I can communicate my personality, emotions and perspective without necessarily having to articulate them verbally.

5. When did you first realize that modelling and fashion could become an important part of your life?

I began to recognise its significance when I noticed how naturally I was drawn to photography, fashion and creative expression. That growing interest eventually encouraged me to explore modelling more intentionally.

Modelling & Creative Experience

6. What has your modelling journey been like so far? Tell us about some of the experiences that have shaped you.

My modelling journey is still developing, but it has already been a meaningful process of discovery. Creative photoshoots, becoming more comfortable in front of the camera, stepping beyond my comfort zone and learning how to present myself professionally have all contributed to my growth. Each experience has offered an opportunity to learn something new about the industry and myself.

7. What type of modelling interests you most runway, commercial, editorial, beauty, lifestyle, fashion campaigns, or another area and why?

I am particularly drawn to fashion campaigns, editorial, lifestyle and commercial modelling because these areas allow for versatility and creative interpretation. They provide opportunities to explore different concepts, visual identities and dimensions of my personality.

8. What has been your most memorable modelling or fashion experience so far? What made it special?

One of my most memorable experiences was being crowned Miss Curvy KMTC 2023/2024. As my first experience in pageantry, the moment was significant because it allowed me to discover a level of potential and confidence I had not previously recognised in myself. Walking away with the crown made the experience particularly meaningful.

9. What challenges have you encountered as an aspiring model, and how have you handled them?

One of the challenges has been developing confidence and learning to put myself forward, particularly while entering an industry with so much to learn. I have approached this by remaining open to learning, accepting constructive feedback and deliberately working on my confidence through experience.

10. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically before a photoshoot, casting, runway show or fashion event?

Preparation begins with taking care of the basics getting adequate rest, staying hydrated and allowing sufficient time to prepare without unnecessary pressure. I also believe in understanding the creative concept, wardrobe, location and expectations beforehand so that I can approach the assignment with greater clarity and confidence.

11. What qualities do you believe make a successful model beyond physical appearance?

A successful model needs much more than physical presence. Confidence, professionalism, discipline, adaptability and a strong work ethic are essential. Resilience is equally important because modelling can involve rejection, uncertainty and challenges, all of which require the ability to remain focused and continue developing.

12. How important is confidence in modelling, and how have you developed your own confidence in front of the camera or on the runway?

Confidence is fundamental because it influences how a model carries themselves, communicates emotion and connects with the camera or audience. I have developed mine gradually by becoming more comfortable in front of the camera, allowing myself to be seen and learning to respond positively to direction and constructive feedback.

Fashion & Creativity

13. Who or what inspires your creativity and fashion choices? This could include designers, models, celebrities, artists, cultures, music or everyday life.

My creative perspective draws from a combination of influences, including culture, music, models and everyday experiences. I find that inspiration can come from different environments and moments, often in unexpected ways.

14. Are there any Kenyan or African fashion designers, models or creatives you admire? What do you appreciate about their work?

This is an area I continue to explore as I learn more about the creative landscape. I appreciate creatives who bring originality, strong visual storytelling and a distinct point of view to their work.

Editorial note: Margaret did not provide specific names in her original response to this question, so the answer has not been attributed to a particular designer or creative.

15. How do you think African fashion and modelling are evolving, particularly among young creatives?

African fashion and modelling are evolving in an exciting direction. Young creatives are increasingly finding fresh ways to reinterpret culture through contemporary fashion, creating work that feels both connected to heritage and relevant to modern audiences.

16. If you could collaborate with any fashion designer, photographer, stylist, makeup artist or model in the world, who would you choose and why?

I would choose Alek Wek, as an international collaboration would provide an opportunity to challenge myself creatively while exploring how my own African identity could be expressed within a broader international fashion environment.

17. What role do social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook play in building your identity and career as a fashion creative/model?

Social media provides an important space to showcase my work, communicate my personal style and connect with photographers, designers, brands and other creatives. It also creates opportunities to build relationships and potentially discover new professional collaborations.

Personality, Vision & Future

18. What is one misconception people have about modelling that you would like to change?

One misconception I would like to challenge is the idea that modelling is solely about physical appearance. While presentation is part of the profession, successful modelling also requires confidence, discipline, professionalism, creativity and the ability to communicate through expression and body language.

19. What is your biggest dream in the fashion and modelling industry? Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?

My ambition is to build a successful and recognisable career in fashion and modelling while remaining authentic to who I am. Over the next five years, I hope to become a more experienced, confident and versatile model with a strong portfolio and a distinctive personal brand.

20. What advice would you give to young people who are interested in modelling or fashion but are afraid to take their first step?

I would encourage them to begin, even if they do not feel completely ready. Feeling nervous or uncertain when entering a new industry is natural, but confidence develops through experience. Taking that first step creates the opportunity to learn, grow and discover what is possible.

21. Finally, what would you like the Nairobi Fashion Hub audience to remember about Margaret Wanjiru after reading your story?

I would like readers to remember me as someone who is passionate, authentic and willing to grow. My journey into fashion and modelling is not simply about being seen; it is about self-discovery, creative expression and using every opportunity as a chance to become better.

Bonus Questions

Who would you love to work with or collaborate with in Kenya or internationally, and why?

In Kenya, I would love the opportunity to collaborate with Brian Babu, the award-winning fashion stylist. His approach to storytelling, creativity and individuality makes the prospect of working together particularly inspiring to me.

As we come to the end of the interview, what is your parting message or advice to aspiring models, fashion creatives and young people pursuing their dreams?

My message is simple: do not be afraid to begin. You may not have everything figured out at the start, and the journey may include rejection, uncertainty or moments of self-doubt. However, those experiences can become part of the learning process. What matters is remaining open to growth, continuing to believe in your potential and allowing each experience to move you forward.

Editorial Closing

Margaret Wanjiru’s story is still unfolding. Her journey reflects the reality of an emerging model learning to navigate an industry where confidence is built through experience and identity is refined through creativity.

From her first steps into pageantry to her growing portfolio and ambitions within fashion, she represents a generation of Kenyan creatives approaching modelling not simply as an image-based profession, but as a platform for expression, individuality and personal growth.

For Margaret, the most compelling part of the journey may not be the destination, but the evolution along the way.

Connect with Margaret Wanjiru on her social media platforms

Content Courtesy of Margaret Wanjiru, NFH Digital Team, Photography Credit: Bleev Creations