From Bakau is the beautiful Gambian professional model, Regina Manneh. Very passionate about modeling, she attended a modeling school in Stockholm, Sweden and started her career at the age of 19.  In March, 2013 she was crowned Face of Africa Fashion Week. 

Regina is also a philanthropist. Recently, she extended a helping hand to an 11-year-old boy, who almost dropped out of school because of his parents’ inability to pay for his education. 

In this interview with What’s On –Gambia, the UK-based model tells us more about her career and accomplishments. Enjoy! 

What’s On-Gambia: Tell us about your background and how you started modeling? 

Regina: My name is Regina Manneh, I'm a Gambian, 23 years old from Manneh Kunda in Bakau New Town, but originally from Jamba Kunda in Sukuta. 

With the help of my mother Mengeh, I attended modeling school in Stockholm, Sweden in 2009. Immediately after completing, I was signed by Megan Modeling Agency (Stockholm, Sweden). 

Through the agency I modeled for Zara, Ginatricot, Bjorn Borg and Hunter etc.

From there I entered in the real modeling world, signing a contract in Dubai with Diva Model Agency as a professional Model 

 

Which five words would you use to describe yourself? 

Natural, humble, hard-working, trustworthy and ambitious. 

Is there anyone in the industry who has inspired you? 

I was inspired by Iman and Naomi Campbell; they are the ones that have opened the doors for black models in the industry. It was not easy as a black model, but they fought hard to become what they are today. So they paved the way for us the young black models in the industry now. 

Let’s talk a little about being agency signed versus freelancing. When were you signed and how did that change things? 

I feel more secured by signing with an agency rather than freelancing. I have signed with other agencies before and after the Africa Fashion week London 2013. I signed up with Cliche Model Management which is one of the top model agencies in the United Kingdom. 

What do you consider your career highlights so far? 

I was among the 30 selected models out of 140 for the Dubai Fashion Week 2011.

Recently in March 2013, I became the Face of Africa Fashion Week 2013 and the show was held from 1-3 August 2013. 

Being the Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2013 has opened and is still opening many doors in the industry. 

Have you ever posed nude for the camera? 

No, I haven't posed nude for a camera. I haven't considered doing it and it’s not in my contract. 

What do you think of the Gambian fashion industry? 

The Gambian fashion industry is really aiming high now to an International level. The Gambia government is really supporting the fashion industry to grow.

Gambia has talented fashion designers such as aunty Chan Khan Jallow, aunty Ada Saine and Sawalo Couture and many more.   

What advice do you have for models in the country that are just starting? 

They should never give up when they get rejected. Each designer has his/her own look for models and there are hundreds of other designers that are looking for models like you. Especially in this industry, it’s not easy for black models, so stay strong and believe in yourself. 

Do you think that models have a responsibility to act as role models? 

Yes, because there are many role models such as Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. They help people around the world and are very generous. 

When you’re not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do? 

I like to stay at home and relax. I spend most of the time with my family because they are my best friends. 

I love reading, watching basketball games and drawing because I'm an Interior Design student. 

What is something interesting that most people wouldn't know about you as an individual? 

Most of my friends in general they get surprised when I cook for them, because they think that models are all about glamour. Well that might be true, but my Mother Mengeh Njie Manneh taught all of her daughters how to cook. She told us, one day we'll get married and build our own families. 

Is Regina in a relationship? 

(Laughs)This is one of the questions that I always get. I’m waiting for the Mr. Right from Sukuta (laughs). 

What is your favorite Gambian dish? 

I love Domoda. It’s the easiest dish to cook (laughs) 

Do you follow Gambian music? 

Yes, of course I do. Some of my favorites are my lovely cousin Nancy Nanz, Gee and many more. 

What is your beauty secret and how do you keep your skin in a great condition? 

I like going to the spa and I always make sure that I clean my face very well before I go to bed. 

What do you do as a workout? 

Jogging and gym. 

What’s in your bag, right now? 

I have a lot of things (laughs)…like lip gloss, mirror, wallet, little make up, earphones, passport and lots of papers. 

Any final words? 

Am thanking all the Gambians for the love and support. Thanks to my cousin Chilel Sarr of Elegance Magazine and uncle Waka Jagne, TV presenter. 

I’m wishing all the best to the upcoming Gambian models and those professional Gambians models in the diaspora. 

Special thanks to What's-On Gambia for having this interview with me. Looking forward to come to the smiling coast of Africa, The Gambia in December, InchaAllah.

Love you all Gambians.