I’m Vanessa Chilimanzi, also known as Nessah or Mis_Nessah. I am a Fashion and Beauty Blogger (www.misnessah.com) based in Johannesburg but I am originally from Zimbabwe.
I have been blogging for almost 3 years now and it is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. What is the primary focus of your blog? Fashion. Fashion that not only focuses on the outward appearance but the kind that inspires and encourages self love and acceptance. I try to help women from all walks of life realise that there is no need to break the bank in order to look good and conservative dressing is a thing to be proud of.
How would you describe your style?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Simple. I really take the term, “less is more” literally when I put my looks together.
Name five beauty products you can’t live without?
- Foundation (NYX Total Control Drop Foundation)
- Mascara (Essence Extreme Volume & Curl)
- Nude Lipstick (NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream-London)
- Highlighter (Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit)
- Makeup Remover (Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm)
What’s your Favorite fragrance?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Black Opium by Yvest Saint Laurent
Best place to eat out in Zimbabwe?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : It’s embarrassing how I am out of touch but I think my favourite will always be the chicken place at Avondale Shopping Centre (I forgot the name).
What do you prefer Blog or YouTube?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : YouTube.
What’s your take on Kenya Fashion Industry?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : I will admit that I am not well informed on the Kenya Fashion Industry, however, I have come to realise that Kenyans are open to working with other Africans in getting Fashion to another level on the continent.
I have personally received so much love and acceptance from Kenyan bloggers and I appreciate it. It’s nice to know that fellow Africans in the fashion industry can support each other and cheer each other on. It says something about Kenyans.
How can you rate Africa fashion and what’s your reason?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Wow! Over the years we have progressed as a continent and now with a significant number of our designers showcasing at international shows, Fashion Bloggers working with international brands we are certainly on the road to greater things in the Fashion Industry.
We are not yet at the top but we are working our way there.
Your Favorite travel destination?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : It’s between Paris and Milan. I can’t choose. I have never visited either but still they are the faves lol.
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Less is always more! This is a fact of life.
What was your most exciting moment since being an influencer?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : The moment I received my first email to collaborate with a brand that I really love. I don’t think anything will ever top that.
Who takes your pics?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : If not my photographer, it’s my blogger friends.
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How much time goes into a normal picture found on your Instagram account?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Hahaha, it takes a whole lot of time. I have never really timed it but it starts with the posing, choosing the “perfect” pic, then editing, scheduling, coming up with a caption and finally the picture goes up on Instagram. It’s a whole job getting a picture up on Instagram lol. Not all my pictures are that curated though. I like keeping everything real and relatable. I am not in the business of selling dreams because I know a younger girl somewhere is looking at me as a role model and I am not about to put pressure on someone to feel inadequate or not “perfect” enough.
Your most terrifying moment since being an influencer?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : I don’t think I have had a terrifying moment as an influencer and I hope I never have to experience one.
What’s your best campaign you’ve ever worked on?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : My collaboration with Miss Black has been the most fulfilling. Any future collaboration with fashion influencers from Kenya I would really love to, however, at the moment I am only fostering relationships because I do not believe in collaborating just for the sake of it. I believe in meaningful relationships.
Fashion can be influced by environment we live in how would you describe your style do you wear as per the type of weather your experience and how does this impact your style?
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Fashion can definitely be influenced by our environment however, in my case my surroundings helped me realise my style and gave me the confidence to share my personal style with a sense of pride. I do dress according to the weather but I always make sure my personal style shines through.
Your closing remarks and advice to someone who would like to start a fashion blogger in Kenya and Africa.
Vanessa Chilimanzi : Most people who think of venturing into something always procrastinate so all I can say is go for it. Take a leap of faith and just dive into it but make sure you have done some research and you know what you are going into. Once you have started, remember no man is an island, reach out to there bloggers and you will be guaranteed to learn something from every one of them that you make an effort to connect with.
Content Courtesy Of Vanessa Chilimanzi & Nairobi Fashion Hub