Bunmi Ademokoya
Background
My name is Bunmi Ademokoya. I am a 25 year-old international model. I shuffle between New York, South Africa and Nigeria. I am the first of three children. My mother is a teacher and my father, an insurance broker. I attended Federal Government College, Osun State and I am currently studying law at the University of South Africa.
Modelling
I gained admission to a university in Nigeria when I was 16. Due to the nature of the job, it was difficult to continue schooling in Nigeria. When I was supposed to be abroad, I was writing exams or the school was on strike. It was very hard for me. I had to start all over in South Africa.
Job experience
There are different styles of modelling for different markets. I was on the runway of this year’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. I also featured in a recent advert campaign for a cosmetics range. When I am in New York, I have to be extremely fit. I have to lose weight because it is a very competitive market and one needs to be on top of her game. What I do is that a couple of months before going to New York, I start working out, I watch the food I eat and drink a lot of water to hydrate my skin. In South Africa and Nigeria, we celebrate more curvy people so I just need to maintain my regular figure which is still skinny by Nigerian standard.
Competition and profits
The competition is very high in New York. It is the fashion capital of the world and one needs to have something to offer. Thanks to Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek, black skin is now being accepted everywhere. The market for blacks is still a little bit small but it is a good one. One needs a very good agent and manager to put one in the right place. How lucrative is modelling? Like any other business, one has to invest in modelling. If you do everything right, you need to give it a couple of years before the money starts coming. You need to invest time and money and also do a lot of free shows. I started modelling in 2007 and this is 2014. I have paid my dues of doing free shows and free magazine shoots. Now they cannot afford me if I want to bill them.
Marketing strategy
There are two ways of selling one’s brand; one can rely on a manager and also try to sell her brand by herself. Since I don’t work in Nigeria, whenever I am here, I go out so that people can get acquainted with my face.
Harassment
Harassment is everywhere; it depends on how you handle it. I have not experienced any sexual harassment in the modelling industry but just because one is black and a female, she is open to harassment.
Pressure
I keep myself grounded and I have God on my side. I believe I am a humble person. I just tell myself to keep calm. As a lawyer, one has to think rationally and be objective.
Future prospects
I will be a bigger and a better brand.
Style
Style, to me, means comfortable chic. Once I am out of the modelling scene, I try to adopt a calmer look. At such times, I would just want to be cute, funny and free. I have jeans in abundance. I don’t do much of accessories but I love wrist watches and sunglasses.
Relationship
I was in a relationship but it did not work out. I am single now and living life. I have not decided yet if I will get involved with another man. I think for now I am just going to take a break because I was in a relationship for five years. I am a young girl, just trying to discover myself.
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