Influencer Interview: Bianca Koyabe
Influencer Interview: Bianca Koyabe
Words by Naledi Sibisi
Bianca Koyabe was born in Windoek, Namibia to Kenyan parents. The model and entrepreneur moved to Durban for a few years before settling in Johannesburg. “A year after matriculating I was scouted on Facebook and joined a boutique modelling agency and this is where I learnt the basics of modelling. The more I practiced (even though I only booked my first job after about a year and a half) the more I realised that I loved it and I was good at it because it was becoming second nature”. She prides herself on creating authentic content and would like to remembered for her work ethic and passion for helping others.
She recalls working with Roxy Burger in 2013 as a model for her then clothing brand Oh One One. “I was very nervous, shy and overwhelmed and hardly said a word during our first shoot but she was so accepting and really believed in me. She valued my work. She has been in the industry for a long time and she has given me a lot of advice when it comes to work, finances and how to sustain yourself in the entertainment industry. This really helped me especially in my early years to remember to always be hopeful and work hard no matter what”.
On a typical day, she makes sure she sticks to her yoga or boxing routine followed by brainstorming meetings and content creation. “Sometimes a client wants to meet with me to either book me for a shoot or to speak about an upcoming project. In between all this I drink a lot of water and make sure that I am eating healthy and balanced meals”. Bianca explains that the road to becoming a model and content creator required the practice of patience and discipline. “You need to find your niche; I wouldn't change a thing about my journey. Everything I have been through has gotten me to where I am today”. The 2014 World Swimsuit Model Search Winner shot her World Swimsuit issue in The Seychelles, The Maldives and Borneo and cites this as a career highlight for her. World Swimsuit SA in association with SA Rugby & SA Cricket Magazine features swimsuit models in breath-taking locations; showcased in a glossy magazine.
On being a very strong and independent female presence as well as a role model to many young women, she says that she would love all girls and women to remember to honour themselves and speak more words of love and kindness to their minds, bodies and souls. “When I was growing up I always wished I had a "me" to give me advice and to let me know that my skin colour, how I speak, my features and my background are all things to be proud of and not to shy away from”. The rest of 2019 involves travel, the launch of an incredible global campaign and spreading love to other women through her social media platforms.
