For Cynthia Juma, modelling is just one chapter of a much bigger story. Signed to Thera Modelling Agency (TMA), Cynthia has built a reputation as a talented commercial and fashion model while simultaneously pursuing entrepreneurship and business leadership. As the founder of CYRI, she is passionate about creating elegant handcrafted products, empowering creatives, and proving that dreams don’t have to fit into a single category. In this exclusive interview, Cynthia shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and why she believes consistency, authenticity, and courage are the true foundations of lasting success.
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell our readers who you are beyond the title of a model?
Cynthia Juma: I’m Cynthia Juma, a commercial and fashion model signed with TMA. Beyond modelling, I’m an entrepreneur, a creative, and someone who enjoys turning ideas into something meaningful. I’m the founder of CYRI and also serve in a business leadership role. I believe you don’t have to fit into one box. My passion for fashion, business, and creativity drives me to build something greater than myself.
Q: You’re signed with Thera Modelling Agency. How has being part of the agency influenced your growth?
Cynthia Juma: TMA has been instrumental in both my personal and professional development. It has given me valuable opportunities to learn, gain experience, and work in a professional environment. I’ve become more confident and disciplined, and I’ve learned that modelling is about much more than posing for the camera—it’s about representing brands, communicating effectively, and maintaining professionalism.
Q: What inspired you to build a career beyond the fashion industry?
Cynthia Juma: Modelling has been my dream since childhood, particularly high fashion. I began with pageantry because I saw it as a stepping stone. At the same time, I’ve always dreamed of building companies of my own. Modelling allows me to express creativity, while entrepreneurship allows me to create opportunities and make a lasting impact.
Q: Tell us about CYRI. What inspired the brand?
Cynthia Juma: CYRI was born from my love for creativity and my desire to build something meaningful. I wanted to create unique, elegant handcrafted products while celebrating African craftsmanship. My long-term vision is to create opportunities for talented creatives and showcase African excellence on the global stage.
Q: How do you balance modelling, entrepreneurship, and leadership?
Cynthia Juma: It isn’t always easy, but having a clear vision keeps me focused. I remind myself why I started and where I’m headed. I believe in consistency and taking intentional steps every day instead of trying to do everything at once.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave?
Cynthia Juma: I hope to be remembered as someone who inspired positive change. If one young girl believes she can pursue her dreams because she saw my journey, then I’ve succeeded. I want people to dream bigger and never feel limited to one path.
Q: How has modelling shaped your leadership and branding approach?
Cynthia Juma: Modelling has taught me that while first impressions matter, authenticity matters even more. Every campaign teaches professionalism, adaptability, and communication—qualities that have become essential in how I lead teams and build brands.
Q: What has entrepreneurship taught you?
Cynthia Juma: One of the biggest lessons is that you don’t need everything figured out before you start. Growth happens through action. Success comes from the small, consistent decisions you make every day, especially when nobody is watching.
Q: How do you stay creative and innovative?
Cynthia Juma: Curiosity keeps me inspired. I learn from fashion, business, art, and everyday life. I admire successful women across different industries, but my goal has always been to build my own authentic path rather than copy someone else’s.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring models who also want to become entrepreneurs?
Cynthia Juma: Never let anyone convince you that you must choose one dream over another. Pursue modelling wholeheartedly while building your business if that’s your passion. Stay consistent, keep learning, avoid comparisons, and remain authentic.
Q: What’s next for you and CYRI?
Cynthia Juma: I’m excited to continue growing as a model while developing CYRI into a brand known for quality, creativity, and timeless craftsmanship. I also look forward to new collaborations, leadership opportunities, and ventures that create opportunities for others.
Q: Where can readers connect with you, and what message would you like to leave them?
Cynthia Juma: You can follow my journey on social media at @cynthiajuma_, where I share both milestones and lessons along the way. My biggest message is simple: Just start. You don’t need everything figured out before you begin. One quote I live by is, “Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” Every step forward reveals the next, so trust the process and keep moving toward your dreams.
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