Every successful pageant queen has a story that begins long before the spotlight. For many, the journey starts with a simple dream, a first competition, or an inspiring role model. In this exclusive interview, we speak with a passionate Kenyan pageant model, Veronicah Mutheu whose determination has taken her from winning school competitions to competing on prestigious stages and using her platform to advocate for meaningful social change. She shares the lessons she has learned, the challenges she has overcome, and the advice she has for aspiring young models looking to make their mark in Kenya’s fashion and pageantry industry.
Q1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your pageant journey?
My name is Veronicah Mutheu. My pageant journey began while I was still in primary school. I always dreamed of participating in modelling competitions, although I had no idea how I would make that dream a reality. When I joined high school, we held a Cultural Day event where I entered a competition and won a category in Form One. That victory inspired me to keep pursuing pageantry. Throughout high school, I participated in three different competitions and was fortunate to win all of them. After graduating, I decided to take my passion further by enrolling at EM Africa Academy, where I received professional modelling training. The academy also gave me valuable networking opportunities within the fashion industry, and that is where my professional journey truly began.
Q2. What inspired you to become a pageant model?
As a child, I loved watching Toddlers & Tiaras, and I was equally fascinated by Kenyan fashion magazines featuring successful local models, especially Ajuma. Seeing confident women representing beauty, talent, and culture inspired me to believe that I could also pursue a career in pageantry and modelling.
Q3. What has been your proudest achievement in the pageant industry so far?
One of my proudest moments was competing in Miss Nairobi, where I finished as the Second Runner-Up. The competition was incredibly challenging and pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. Although I did not win the crown, the experience strengthened my confidence and proved that I could compete at a high level.
Q4. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Like many models, I have experienced rejection. At first, it was difficult, but I eventually realized that rejection often creates space for something better. Instead of giving up, I chose to view every setback as preparation for greater opportunities ahead.
Q5. How do you prepare for pageants, both mentally and physically?
Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. I constantly remind myself that my abilities and worth are not determined by the final results of any competition. Physically, I dedicate time to regular practice, polishing my runway walks, poses, turns, and overall stage presence so I can perform with confidence.
Q6. What message do you hope to share through your work as a pageant queen and model?
I believe God has given me a platform and a voice for a reason. My goal is to use that platform to raise awareness about social issues affecting people in our communities and to become part of the positive change that improves lives.
Q7. Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your journey?
My biggest inspiration has always been the younger version of myself—the little girl who dreamed of becoming a model but had no idea where to begin. She reminds me why I started and motivates me to keep moving forward.
Q8. What advice would you give to young Kenyan girls who dream of joining pageantry and modelling?
Find a supportive community of models who will encourage and guide you. Attend fashion shows and pageants as a guest to understand how the industry works and learn from experienced professionals. Most importantly, stay hungry for growth, believe in yourself, and trust that your hard work will eventually pay off. Every successful journey begins with a single step, so never stop believing that your dreams are possible.
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