Harrieth a super model in the making

Born and raised in Tanzania, Herieth Paul is one of the dark skinned models who are doing well in the fashion world today.

As a model she has been to almost all major fashion weeks including New York, Paris and London fashion weeks.

She has modelled for fashion powerhouse Diane von Fürstenberg, Lacoste, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Armani, Cavalli and now Herieth has her sights set on conquering the world of modelling.

Some mistake her looks with that of super model Naomi Campbell.

“It’s an honour to be compared to one of the greatest models to have graced the catwalk in the world; hopefully my career lasts as long as hers,” she says.

The 18 year-old has rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s biggest fashion stars, including model of the moment Fei Fei Sun and Melodie Monrose, during her short but soaring career so far.

Short-haired beauty Herieth moved to Canada at the age of 14. She was discovered through an open call by Angie’s a model agency based in Ottawa, Canada in 2010.

The leggy teenager, whose mother is from Kilimanjaro has to-date enjoyed shoots for Vogue Italia, Canadian Elle and Arizona Muse.

The Beat emailed her questions and after settling down from a very busy schedule, she got time to answer as follows

QUESTION: You started modelling in 2010, how did this happen?

 I went to an audition at a modelling agency in Ottawa and they signed me on the spot but  I started modelling when I was 14.

Besides being a model what else do you do?

I’m actually 18 years old. Right now I’m doing online college and I’m taking business marketing.

How do you balance your studies with your career?

Honestly, it is very hard to manage both school and modelling, but my family, my teachers and my friends are very supportive, they help with my school work very often so I have time to travel and do what I love.

What is the driving force behind your success?

God, patience and good support I get from my family and friends.

How many magazine covers have you graced?

So far I’ve been on seven magazine covers. My first cover was for Elle Canada when I was just 14 years old.

What was your first ever big show in modelling?

Ralph Lauren show and second was New York fashion week.

Who is your role model ?

My mum is my role model. I look up to her because she is the strongest woman I know. She has raised me and my sister to be sophisticated young women. I hope to be just like her when I grow up.

How can you comment on Tanzania’s fashion industry?

There are some seriously talented people in Tanzania, fashion designers, models and stylists. One of my favourite designer is Mustafah Hassan Ali.

Have you ever got a request to model in Tanzania?

 I have been offered to catwalk in Swahili Fashion Week but my schedule was hectic at the time so I couldn’t make it.

Any plan for charity or foundation back home?

 I have a charity that I’m involved in at the moment. It’s a school for orphans and I have been waiting for perfect moment to be fully committed to these children and this charity. But I’m definitely going to get more involved in the near future.

Have you met either Millen Magesse or Flaviana Matata?

I’ve never met Millen but I’ve met Flaviana. We went to dinner once in New York. We talked about simple things. We had a few laughs as well.

Where do you come from in Tanzania?

I was born in Dar es Salaam at Muhimbili National Hospital. Both of my parents are from Machame, Kilimanjaro and my native language is Chaga, I can speak very few words.

 You left here when you were 11,  which schools did you go?

I went to Chang’ombe kindergarten. I went to Olympio for the first year of primary and then Epiphany Boarding School. I grew up in Mbagala from when I was 4 till 11 years old and then we moved to Canada because of my mum’s work.

 What do you miss about growing up in Tanzania?

I miss the weather. I miss the culture. I miss the food.

Are your parents supportive of what you do?

Yes my parents gave me their blessings and their full support when I started modelling

What was their reaction when they found out that you wanted to become a model?

 My parents are very intelligent and very open-minded. They were okay with me doing modelling as long as it didn’t interfere with my school work.