interview

Name:
Kathia Nseke

Agency:
VNY Models (New York)
New Madison (Paris)
Models 1 (London)
Special Management (Milan)Uno Models (Barcelona)
Maxence Orard (Paris) Mother Agency

Age:
23

Height:
182cm (5’11.5″)

Instagram:
@kathia_mailys

Place of Origin:
Paris, France

Ethnic Origin:
100% from Cameroon

Birthsign:
Gemini, the caring twins

How discovered:
When I grew up, I was never really into modeling. But I heard sometimes while growing up that I should try it because I was really tall. When I finished high school in Paris, I was looking for summer jobs and saw that one photographer was looking for amateur models for a job. I thought “why not? I can at least try”, and I applied. I didn’t get the job, but the photographer still proposed to have a photoshoot with me. So I went to the shooting and it turned out to be a really good experience so after that I searched for modeling jobs on Google and Facebook. I ended up doing amateur jobs for 3 years until Quentin Saunier booked me for a lookbook. At the end of the job, he offered to propose me to his friend that was a model scout. After that everything went really fast, and just a few days later the model scout Maxence Orard reached me through Facebook, we had a meeting. A couple of days later he got me a meeting with New Madison agency and not more than a week later I signed with them and was getting prepared for fashion week.

What was your first modeling job?
My first job which happened not more than 2 weeks after I signed with my agency in Paris. It was for Jacquemus SS16 ‘Le Nez Rouge’ collection in September 2015. On my way to the show I was already a little bit nervous just knowing I was about to have my first fashion week show ever and then while we were backstage doing hair, make-up, and rehearsal, Simon comes to me and say something like “you know you’re opening the show, right?” I wish I did cause I went straight from 30% nervous to 500% nervous. When they lined us all up to start the show and that I really realized that I’ll have to go first, I remember my heart started to beat like crazy, then the show started and the lights went down, I really thought my heart was about to explode. This adrenaline rush was the best feeling.

Favorite things:
I definitely can not live without music!

What are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I really like Redbone from Childish Gambino, everything about this song is amazing. I listen a lot to the Perfect Duet song by Ed Sheeran featuring Beyonce. Beyonce is, in my opinion, the best artist ever, she can literally do everything!!

Favorite movie, tv show:
I watch a lot of movies and tv shows. I can’t tell which movie is my favorite, there’s so many! But my favorite tv show is by far Game of Thrones, and I’m addicted to the Japanese anime Fairy Tail.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
I haven’t found my signature fragrance yet but the designers I like every season are Balmain, Coach, Givenchy, Miu Miu, and Versace.

What were you doing before modeling?
I was starting university in Economy and Management which I’m currently still studying. And I had plenty of small jobs, for example, I used to work as a seller in a Marks & Spencer shop in Paris or I’ve been a telemarketer selling solar panels.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
I would just be a full-time student with a part-time job I guess.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Thought all my friends always make fun of me. I used to be, I still am and I’ll always be a huge fan of High School Musical.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
My favorite modeling experience so far is the day I worked for N5 l’EAU by Chanel. It was only one day of shooting but it was my first ever video job for a fragrance. I was amazed by everything that happened backstage. Seeing how commercials were shot, having the chance to be just a tiny small part of it and realizing I could actually do things like that made me go back home with a huge smile and a new modeling ambition.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
The food is what I miss the most: the good French bread, les croissants, the goat cheese, and also the language. I love speaking English but at the end of the day it’s so tiring that sometimes I just miss speaking French haha

Which brand would you really love to model for?
My dream client is definitely Balmain! I love the way Balmain’s clothes empower women.

Place you would love to visit:
I really take time to appreciate the sky whenever it’s not just blue or grey. I’m a big fan of what I call pretty sky and I would very much love going in the north of Norway or Finland to get to see aurora borealis.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Since winter started I’ve been obsessed with snowboarding. I usually go to the mountain every year but this year’s been too busy so all I can do is dream about snowboarding :p

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Winners never quit and quitters never win! ” My mother has been telling that to me, my brother and my sister all the time for a few years now. And every time I wanted to give up on something, I remember this and it has been really helpful. Thank you, mom ♡