Next month, she will be jetting off to Los Angeles in the USA to receive the first ever BET International Global Good award in honour of her philanthropy work. We find out more about International model and African beauty Millen Magese.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a positive, resilient, humble and determined individual. I am real because what you see is what you get, and I love people.
Of all the brands that you have worked on, which brand has been your favourite?
Although this will be tricky, my favourite was the proudly South African campaign that I did, which appeared on CNN. I was the face of South Africa even though I am a proud Tanzanian, and that was one of the highlights of my career. However, it made people believe that I’m South African and led my fellow Tanzanians to believe I had changed nationalities. I enjoyed doing it, though; it was great.
What is the one beauty secret that you can’t live without?
Sleep. This is because I am always in pain due to my medical condition, so whenever I get the opportunity, I go into my little corner and sleep because sleep always makes me look better.
Tell us about the BET special Global Goods award that you will be receiving next month.
The award came as a shock. BET is honouring me with the first ever Global Good award in recognition of my previous philanthropic work, but mostly for my work with the Many Faces of Endo campaign. I had to strip myself naked for the campaign, so it is a huge accomplishment for me to be recognized like this.
How has the news of your award been received?
My fans and followers are happy. I never knew that what I was doing had such a big impact on people because when I started doing it, a lot of people thought I was crazy as it’s a taboo subject. African women just don’t talk about reproductive health or endometriosis (a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus). Receiving this award is a very emotional thing for me and I can’t wait for it. My fans are happy for me and even people who didn’t believe in me from the onset are now coming out of the woodwork to congratulate me.
What are you passionate about?
Giving back and making people smile. If I see that a child has to go to school and sit on the floor because they don’t have a desk or a chair, I will buy that desk or chair so that I can make a difference in that child’s life and get them to smile.
How did you break into the international modelling industry?
I did so purely by motivating myself. I believe that if you want to do something, you must be passionate about it because passion removes fear. So, don’t be afraid of failure and realize that a no from one publication is a yes from another. Listen, learn and respect everyone around you because our industry is very small.
Do you consider yourself an international or African brand?
I consider myself an international brand. I am a proudly African woman who has a successful brand internationally. I think my work speaks for itself.
What is your secret to longevity in the industry?
Self-discipline and focus. Despite the glamorous titles people have given me, I remain humble because I believe that the minute you think that you have arrived, then your career is over.
What advice do you have for aspiring models?
Life is a long journey. If you want to be a model, you have to work on it. Get educated and know that education is more important than anything because once your modelling career ends, you still need to have something to back you up. I am a big advocate for education.
What style advice can you give us?
Everyone has their own style, but I would advise everyone to choose a style that makes them feel good and unique.
