BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE

Beauty Pageants have evolved tremendously since the Miss World Organization introduced the Beauty with a Purpose Title. Pageantry in the early years was purely focused on ranking the physical attributes of the contestants. This bias created a standard of what ideal beauty should be, with extreme requirements in physical and social status. The change came with the introduction of Beauty with a Purpose, many pageants now focus on how contestants use their title and/or opportunity to better their communities.

Some beauty pageants have found meaning in Beauty with a purpose and come up with specific causes their contestants can champion, for example, Miss Grand International Champions for Peace. In 2020, Velour Model Management sponsored one similar local pageant, The Face of Faith Kenya. This pageant was grounded on keeping girls in school and ending cases of teenage girls’ prostitution.

As part of our sponsorship package, we offered a 3-year management contract to the contestant who would win the Top Model Challenge. Miss Jackline Mueni Mutua won and has been signed and managed by Velour Models since then.

JACKLINES’ BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE PROJECT

We knew Jackline was special from the onset and together we came up with a simple strategy to help her actualize her dreams. On the 24th of September 2021, this dream became a reality. We are excited to share with you what Jackline Mueni Mutua is doing in her community, to give the girls a better future.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELING?

I have been passionate about modeling since high school and I purposed to make this dream a reality. My first photoshoot under the Vablic Entertainment Modeling Agency enabled me to develop the confidence and the grit to take a step higher to grow my interest.

I then contested for my first ever pageant- Mr. & Miss KCA. I didn’t win the title but that was a win for me, taking up the stage and showing the world who I am and what I am capable of. That is what has shaped my modeling career up to date.

In 2020, I contested for the Face of Faith beauty pageant which was the breakthrough for me. I won the Miss Top Model Award and got signed by Velour Model Management.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR INITIATIVE

The theme of the Face of Faith Kenya pageant- the eradication of child prostitution and promotion of girl child education enticed me. I saw myself ideal and fit to be the person to stand as an icon of faith to many girls through modeling hence the urge to contest.

SOLEPAL, (as my group is called), was birthed during the Face of Faith Beauty Pageant. It is a non-profitable, volunteer-based organization formed with the aim of providing needy girls with shoes.

We aim to operate across the country with a particular focus on the less privileged in rural areas.

YOU HAD YOUR MAIDEN EVENT, WHERE WAS IT AND HOW DID IT FEEL?

Charity begins at home. Being born and raised in Machakos county, I saw it wise to start with girls around me. I went to Kyanzasu primary school in Machakos county.

I managed to provide a third of the school population with a pair of shoes. Being my first project, I consider it a success and the beginning of something great as I target to reach more girls in the near future.

It was like a dream come true. I have always thought of a way to give back to the community and I am glad I found it. Seeing the joy in those kids made me appreciate the small things in life I might have taken for granted.

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HOW CAN PEOPLE SUPPORT YOUR INITIATIVE?

I am working on visiting another school before the year ends. I am also looking to partner with other stakeholders and hopefully start mentorship programs in the schools I’ll be visiting.

To support, you can send your donation to our Pay Bill is 222911 Account Number is solepal# through Mpesa.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUNG GIRLS WITH DREAMS LIKE YOURS, TO BETTER THEIR COMMUNITIES?

Big dreams and aspirations take time. They are things you have to be patient for and commit to. Making plans and setting new goals is exciting but the energy and focus fade away when we lose motivation and commitment.
Don’t just wish for things to happen, focus and take action and control. Take responsibility for what you are going to get out of your life.

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To learn more about Beauty Pageants, grab your Copy of The Velour Models Beginners Guide, there is a whole chapter on pageantry.