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But when it comes to Roselyn Marere — an India-based tourism and travel student — syncing schoolwork with modelling comes rather naturally.
The 21-year-old beauty who grew up Highfied, Harare and has her roots in Buhera, went to India as a student in 2012, and has — in just the last six months — made huge strides on the South Asian country’s modelling ramps.
Asked why she started modelling at a rather late age of 20, considering many choose this career path at high school, she said: “I have always been passionate about fashion and modelling and always followed trends in the industry.”
“However, before I came to India I had not taken modelling seriously,” she said, pointing out that she drew inspiration from top models like Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek.
The leggy diva’s moment came when she was asked to do a portfolio shoot for a Dehli modelling agency, Roxy Models.
Thereafter, things started moving as she was selected to do her first ever model hunt show in October 2013 and she ended up being crowned Miss Sizzling, or simply, the “hottest girl” of the show.
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“When I started it was just to fulfil my dream to do modelling as a part-time hobby.”
Too late for part-time, the model hunt show opened wide doors and demanding opportunities for her.
“I started getting several deals from different promoters,” she said. She was signed up for fashion shows and photo shoots with AV Modelling, Aak ji Delhi, New Indian Models, Voozit and Designer Next India, among many other Indian modelling agencies.
However, for her the greatest achievement so far came last month when she took part at the Designer Next India, a grooming show where new designers showcased their talent.
However, there is a flipside to it. “The success I have had has not been soft sailing though. Starting a modelling career in a foreign country had many challenges most of them emanating from language barriers and cultural differences.
“But I have managed to overcome this by committing myself to learn both the language and culture so that I can blend in well in the society.”
Marere says as she continues to push her career forward in a world detached from her Buhera roots, she is spurred on by her passion to fly the Zimbabwean flag high in foreign lands.
She is currently working towards being the official Zimbabwean representative at the Lakhme Fashion Week.
