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MISS ZIMBABWE SAMANTHA TSHUMA

Bekezela Tshuma Showbiz Correspondent
IF you are one who thinks former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Samantha Tshuma’s modelling career has screeched to a halt because she is now a mother, you may be forced to think otherwise.
The old Samantha Tshuma – the beauty pageant queen might be history but a new Samantha Tshuma – a fashion model is determined not to leave the modelling industry. She is determined to plant her flag pole in the cutthroat world of glamour modelling.

But before she does that, she is focusing on her new role as a mother of her 10-week-old daughter Stephanie April Mhlanga.

Saturday Leisure contacted Tshuma in South Africa where she gave birth and below is the conversation she had with Showbiz Correspondent Bekezela Tshuma (BT).

BT: You fell pregnant in the middle of your career. Has that changed your life and how?
ST: I wouldn’t say it has changed much, only that I am now a mother to a very beautiful girl, Stephanie April Mhlanga.

BT: Now that you have a baby, are you planning on pursuing your modelling career?
ST: Having a baby does not really stop me from modelling. I have other projects I am involved in at the moment. I cannot do beauty pageants anymore, but can still do every other type of modelling such as glamour and fashion modelling. That is what I will be doing when I get back to business.

BT: How is your experience as a mother so far?
ST: It is the utmost amazing experience. I am enjoying it very much.

BT: Holding babies is a challenge for many new mothers. Is it a challenge to you?
ST: In the beginning you just do not know how to hold the little baby but with time you get to learn. I am now a pro!

BT: Beauty queens are known to care a lot about their faces and hair. Do you still worry much about that?
ST: LOL! True. Well I still do keep myself on check but my angel comes first. I have reduced the amount of time I spend on the mirror because I now focus more on the baby. I still take great care of myself and I’m still looking as good as ever.

BT: Do you still keep your long nails?
ST: Oh NO! My nails are now kept as short as possible. I do not want to scratch or pinch my darling baby with them. Also when it comes to hygiene, I prefer to keep them short. A baby is very sensitive.

BT: You maintained a slim and trim body size when you were a model. Has giving birth affected your body size?
ST: I gained a little weight but I am still slim. I have to eat a lot you know, so that there is enough milk for Stephy to suckle. The nutrients in the milk should also come from the food I eat but I do watch my diet very much and will not allow myself to be very big.

BT: Many say that giving birth is a very painful experience. How was your experience and would you want to have another baby anytime soon?
ST: The labour pains did hurt but I endured the pain. As a woman, you always have to be strong. About having another baby soon . . . let’s not go there.

BT: The sleepless nights caused by the baby’s crying. How do you cope with that?
ST: I am enjoying every moment. I have learnt that it’s part of being a mother. In no time, she will be a big girl and no more crying.

BT: Do you wish that Stephy becomes a model someday just like you?
ST: Oh yes I would love that but that is if she wants to do it.

BT: When are you planning on getting back to modelling industry?
ST: For now my attention is on Stephy. I am already back, but am working from home. When the time is ripe, I will be back full force.