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THE modelling industry in Zimbabwe has for many years been subjected to ongoing criticism over a lack of accolades compared to other countries. Even Miss Zimbabwe, the most prestigious pageant in the country, has been struggling to survive over the years. The year 2013 in particular saw the Miss Zimbabwe Trust failing to hold the annual event  despite the outstanding natural beauties from the homeland.

Many will agree that once the beauty queen finishes her reign, we rarely get to hear or see them ever again.

However, as we went through the long list of the former beauty queens, there was one woman who stood out, having been a household name in recent years after her win nearly 10 years ago. This former beauty queen is now mostly known for being one of the hardest working young businesswomen in Zimbabwe today.

With a successful hair product line under her belt, Lorraine Maphala-Phiri (LMP) is now looking into launching a handbag collection and hopes that her work ethic inspires other young women out there to always aim to reach their full potential.

Mini & Char (MC) — an entertainment and lifestyle magazine spoke to the former Miss Zimbabwe to find out more about her business ventures, what she is currently working on and what keeps her motivated. She gave an insight of what life had been like for her since being crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2006.

MC: It’s been nearly 10 years since you were crowned Miss Zimbabwe.  How has it been, changing from model to being a wife, mother, mentor and businesswoman?
A: I found it quite easy for me because when I stopped competitive modelling, I had achieved what I wanted to achieve therefore I felt ready for change. I knew that professional modelling would eventually come to an end so I always had a clear picture of what I wanted for my life. I feel blessed that my life turned out exactly as I wished for. I am now a wife, a mom and a businesswoman and I manage to maintain a good balance.

The only difficulty that I faced during my transition is learning to be responsible for more than just myself. Luckily, I was blessed with a husband who loved me as I was. He was very patient and I found that very helpful.

MC: How do you balance it all?
LMP: Balancing motherhood, being a wife and being a working mom is a skill. I’m still                                 trying to be perfect but when you have the kind of help like I do at home, everything else comes into place.

MC: There has been a lot of media interest in your life since you have been in the public eye. How do you manage to keep your life private?
LMP: I didn’t realise my life would be so publicised when I first started modelling. However, I have since made sure that I focus on what makes me happy and not dwell on negativity.

MC: Now that you are not doing competitive modelling, what are you working on at the moment?
LMP: I launched a hair line, the “Real Hair by Lorraine (RHL)’’ which specialises on 100 percent human hair. This includes real virgin hair, Cambodian, Indian, Brazilian, Malaysian wigs, weaves and lace wigs. This week I opened a shop at the Zonkizizwe Complex in Bulawayo where people can purchase the hair and fashion accessories. I’m hoping to expand the brand to offer more products as well. I also recently launched the Lorraine Maphala Mentoring Programme which aims at inspiring young women and motivating them not to give up on their dreams.

I’m also working on the launch of my handbag line “LMP’’ handbags.

The line is inspired by powerful and hardworking career women which is why our logo on the bags is a power button, a symbol of power. I also work with my husband in our finance company which provides small business loans.

MC: How can those living outside Zimbabwe purchase your LMP products?
LMP: I’m currently in the process of designing the website which will have all my merchandise. We however have a lot of clients overseas particularly in Europe who contact us via our Facebook page “Real Hair by Lorraine’’. We are doing our best to get the website up and running so as to cater for our clients internationally.

MC: As a former beauty queen, does the way you look and present yourself in public put you under pressure?
LMP: When I started modelling, I didn’t realise how much I would be in the spotlight and the fame that came with it. Thankfully, I never allow myself to be pressured to be what I’m not or what people expect me to be. I have always done what felt right for me and that has helped me live a normal life.

MC: Your presentation is always flawless. Can you share some of your beauty must haves?
LMP: I drink a lot of water. It’s amazing what water can do for your skin. Every woman should have a good perfume, my favourite at the moment is Givenchy’s Very Ïrresistible. Lipcolour is a definite must have, I use the Hot Raspberry by Bobbi Brown as I prefer bold colours.

A nude lip gloss from MAC is also one of my favourites, it works particularly for professional women that prefer a more natural look.

MC: How do you keep yourself motivated?

Having a clear vision of where I want to be and what I want for myself and my family. I believe in prayer and God’s faithfulness and I know that everything I have achieved has been a result of my prayers therefore I know more will be done as long as I keep working and praying. — Minichar/Showbiz Reporter