Queen Onyemaechi became a household name in the modeling industry at the age of 17 when she won the prestigious ‘Nigeria’s Next Super Model’ in 2014.
The model who has been on the cover of various international magazines and strutted the runway for a number of luxury brands in this interview with Glamtush talked about her modeling days and agency – Anani Model Management.
Who really is Queen Onyemaechi?
Queen Onyemaechi is a model and the founder of Anani model management. She started off with winning the prestigious model competition ‘Nigeria’s Next Super Model’ at age 17, making appearances at the New York, London, Milan, and Paris fashion week. Queen Onyemaechi is known for representing the industry’s most sought after models like Victoria Fawole, Janet jumbo, Eya Mariam, Ololade Ibrahim, and so many others.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a blessing to my family and to the people around me.
How did your journey into the world of modeling begin?
I’ve always wanted to be a model since I was 10-years-old, I basically prepared myself and fully went into it at 16, and with the help of God, my brother, and my late mum I was able to achieve that dream.
Have you ever regretted being a model?
Never! And will never, modeling was an escape for me, it changed my life.
What will you say has been your greatest achievement as a model?
Looking back with no regrets and realizing I made the right decision to do what I love and being able to be a blessing not just to my family but to the people around me.
What is/has been your greatest challenge as a model?
The modeling industry isn’t so diverse and it is highly competitive, so booking Jobs was one of my greatest challenges. Although, things are changing now. Black models especially African models are taking up space.
Tell us about your most memorable job as a model. While you were still a model how do you prep yourself for a job especially fashion shows?
Every job is memorable to me. I’ve never taken any for granted because they all shaped and built me into the woman I am today. Well, I mostly just get enough rest, prep my skin if I need to, listen to music and just do my thing.
You’re the founder of Anani Model Management. What motivated you into starting your own modeling agency?
Modeling has always been my passion, I really wanted to do something different and still be in my field. Coupled with being able to be what I desperately needed while modeling was a strong motivation to starting Anani.
What is the main focus of Anani Model Management?
Changing the narrative of what modeling is in Africa and raising Africa’s future generation of super models.
What has been the agency’s biggest achievement so far?
Everything, from the discovery process, development and placement process, and just watching our talents grow and become the best version of themselves. It’s an opportunity I don’t take for granted and a big achievement to me and us at Anani.
Any challenges achieving your goals with Anani Model management?
So many, but I have God and when you have God nothing is impossible.
How has COVID-19 affected your agency?
Like many other agencies, we are affected big time. The modeling business is a people business that is mostly about contact and connection and with the travel ban models won’t be able to book jobs. But everything is slowly getting back to normal, it just won’t be as before, everyone is adapting to the new safety guidelines that will enable us minimize the virus and keep us safe.
Who is your role model and why?
My late mum! That woman was a warrior overcoming every challenge as a widow with nine children, I still pray to have her strength.
How do you keep fit?
I skip a lot and basically just watch my diet.
Tell us about your beauty routine?
Just four steps – cleanse, treat, hydrate, and moisturize. These steps are the game changer!
