‘I have posed nude as a model’

 • Marvis Chinelo Offor

 With KATE HALIM katehalim@ymail.com 07042146485

Marvis Chinelo Offor, a super model from Delta State was engraved into the minds of Nigerian fashionistas when she emerged as one of the top 5 models of MNET’s Face of Africa in 2009. She was also a runner-up for the Elite Model Look Nigeria 2010.

 In 2011, Marvis participated in Arise Fashion Week and Music Meets Runway. A typically upbeat, easy to work with, this young woman has carved a niche for herself through her professionalism and commitment which sets her apart from her peers.

 In a recent chat with Daily Sun, Marvis shed more light on her steady rise in the modeling world. Excerpts:

How lucrative has modeling been for you?
 The modelling industry in Nigeria is growing, hopefully it is going to be better in the nearest future. It has not been easy but we are getting by. I just pray for better deals as a model. It has been quite lucrative in the sense that I pay my bills from modeling.

 What challenges faced you when you started out?
 There was no proper structure for models welfare and growth as there was also none in the industry. That affected us in several ways but today, things are getting better than there were when I started.

 What stands you out as a model?
 Lots of determination, hard work, focus and my faith in God. Without all these things being in place, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today. It takes God’s favour to bless the works of one’s hands and I won’t forget the place of God in my life. As a model, I have a great body which is my unique selling point and has made me a designer’s delight.

 Who are your mentors in the industry?
 There are several people in the fashion industry that I look up to, the likes of Frank Osodi, Jewel by Lisa, Lanre Da Silva, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi and many others inspire me to move on even when I am greatly discouraged. Their resolve and determination to succeed rubs off on me. I have learnt from them and I will say it has made my journey in life easier.

 When you became an International model, how did you feel?
 I felt great. It was like a dream come true. The feeling cannot be described because it is one of the best things that has happened to me as a model.

 What came to your mind when you knew you would be on a world stage?
 I felt like screaming and dancing at the same time but then it dawned on me that with this blessing also comes greater responsibility. Being on a world stage for me means that I am now known across countries, across continents and I am being marketed to the world. It gave me an edge over my contemporaries.

 Can you compare the American modeling industry to ours?
 The modelling industry in the U.S is way ahead compared to ours, but I believe that the modelling industry here will get to that stage soon. It requires accurate planning and concrete plans at developing talents and building models. If models are well taken care of, they will give their best in everything concerning their career. Nigerian fashion practitioners and all the stakeholders in the industry have to work at improving welfare packages of models. I have worked closely with Naomi Campbell for fashion for Relief and Swahili Fashion Week in 2099. That experience is unforgettable.

 What do you think needs to change in our fashion and modeling industry?
 I will like to see more agencies that will cater and consciously take care of the needs of models in Nigeria. Models are humans and need to be encouraged, we are not super humans.

 You have a nice body, how do you keep in shape?
 Thanks. Sometimes, I work out to keep in shape and also eat right.

 What do you think makes you an designer’s delight?
 I believe I’m easy to work with. I am someone who acts calmly and has an eye for details. I make sure I do everything I am told correctly without allowing the pressure get to me. I try as much as possible to market my positive side while I am working. This has endeared me to many designers.

 Have you ever been discouraged in the cause of your modeling career?
 Yes, I have but I just shake it off. Every career has its own challenges but I’m trying to make the best of it. When what you do is no longer challenging then It is best you get something that will task your mind because you grow when you scale challenges. Challenges leave you a better person but you have to learn to overcome them to get to your next higher level. Without challenges, you don’t progress, you merely exist.

 What keeps you going as an individual?
 My faith in God and simplicity. My simplicity is infectious. Life is so simple, so I try not to complicate issues for myself. Simplicity makes you move forward easily. I am simple but determined to succeed no matter what. I am determined not only to make success out of this career but also in anything I try doing. That is how I was brought up.
 My parents always tell us to be determined and work hard. I have made up my mind to allow myself to be led by these words and I’m sure it will work for me. Hard work brings only one thing-success and that I am ready for in life.

 Who and what inspire you in life generally?
 My parents have been greatly inspiring. God, basically is my greatest inspiration. Two other people that I draw inspirations from are actress Stephanie Okereke, and super model Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi, Face of Africa winner. I love Oluchi for her never-say-die trait. I am inspired by Stephanie for her ingenuity at interpreting her roles. I believe there is nothing impossible with strong determination and God’s backing. No one would have thought Oluchi, a one-time nobody could come as far as she has done, but she did and we are all thrilled and happy for her. She is a source of inspiration to many of us models. Her positive attitude and achievements are very challenging.

 Did you ever think you will get to this level in life?
 Yes. My vision for myself is to grow to the highest possible level and I’m grateful to God for every opportunity given to me to rise above every stage I find myself in my life. My career has continued to witness steady growth and that has helped become a more confident woman.

 When has changed about you since you became a famous model?
 I believe that I’m still the same person character wise, but I have got lots of experience in modelling than when I started. In terms of relationships, I still keep my friends and relate with people I have known before normally.

 What has your growing modeling experience added to your life?
 I have learnt how to put outfits together stylishly that makes it stand out. I have been exposed to determination of others especially designers who pay so much attention to details so as to succeed in their field. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to meet top shots and great people in the fashion and entertainment world. This has added greatly to my young life.

 Has modeling cost you anything precious?
 No, not really, but I have had to put in a lot of time and effort to get to where I am. Most times, I don’t have too much time to do all things I am expected to do but I make sure I prioritize everyday.

 How do you deal with the pressures of what you do?
 I try to do my best in modeling. This is where managing your time carefully comes in. I also try amidst my tight schedules to be around my family and share precious moments with them. My family has contributed greatly to the person I am today.

 Aside modeling, what other things engage your interest?
 I’m passionate about fashion and in the nearest future I would love to put together my fashion label. This is going to be huge because I have learnt a lot from my modeling experience.

 A lot of people are owning fashion labels, what will stand you out from the rest?
 I wish to introduce a freshness to my designs, something that the industry has not witnessed before. It is going to be different from what we are used to here. But I wouldn’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet, time will definitely unveil the beauty of this plan.

 What aspect of modeling do you enjoy the most?
 I love every aspect of modelling, but runway is my thing. When I am on the run way, the feeling cannot be described. I just feel I am walking on the clouds. I love the glamour that comes with walking on the runway.

 What major deal do you wish to land now?
 I wish I could land a deal with Victoria Secret. I have this secret admiration for Victoria Secret.

 Why Victoria secret?
 I just love everything about Victoria secret.

 Has life been fair to you as a model and in your personal life?
 Yes. Sometimes, things might not go the way planned it but if we are patient enough, we will later realize it is for the best. I pray for much more but it has been fair all the way. Personally, I have been blessed, my life is full of great blessings.

 What do you love most about being a model?
 I love the fact that I travel, meet and work with people in the modeling and fashion world both locally and Internationally.

 Has modeling been your childhood dream?
 I have always been fascinated by fashion so it came to me naturally and I embraced it. In a way, yes. I always had this thing for being the centre of attraction and that is what modeling does for me.

 Can you pose nude as a model?
 Posing nude differs and also depends on the model involved. I have done it before, but it has to be tastefully done. By tastefully done, I mean I will be allowed to do it my way. I have to be able to do what I can and leave the area I cannot deal with.

 How do you relate with other models?
 We get along very well. It is very important for me to relate with them well because it shows the kind of person I am.

 Can you tell us about yourself?
 What you see is what you get. I am a nice person.I am from Delta State and come from a very loving and supporting family. My family has continously been there for me.

 What plans do you have for 2012?
 May God keep us alive. This year, I would love to seal as many deals as possible, strut as many runways as I can and do more jobs than I did last year.