Billy’s portfolio has grown to a point where he got a Sh120,000 for an advert. He has also had the opportunity to share the catwalk with Kenyan international model Ajuma whom they were meet at the FAFA event
Billy, who is also the UoN SONU (student organization of University of Nairobi) clerk, describes the Kenyan fashion industry as growing but also largely handled by incompetent ignorant individuals who use it for their selfish ends.
“Kenya fashion and modeling industry needs to up it’s game and meet the international standards, ensure they pay models what they really deserve and above all appreciate modeling as a career. I get irritated every time I introduce myself as a model and people go like ‘so apart from modeling what else do you do?’ It’s like it’s not a career at all but thank God it’s picking up.”
Where does he see himself in the next five years?
“I want to start my own ad and modeling agency as a way to giving back to the society since I was also assisted to enter the industry. Getting contacts of who is who in the modeling industry is really crucial. I also want to sell my name in the international arena and rule the Kenyan industry so watch this space,” he says confidently.
He draws inspiration from the international American model Hoyt Richards who is considered the first male supermodel and currently attached to Ford modeling agency.
Is he single and ready to mingle?
“I am not single and my facebook status state so.”
Billy is quick to offer advice to aspiring models saying passion and never giving up is the first qualification apart from the height
“Consistency is key in this industry so have a tough skin and don’t let auditions kill your dream. Keep going for auditions and be humble and have passion in what you do because without it you can as well kiss modeling away. Contrary to popular belief modeling is not just about posing and looking good…be smart and know what it really entails,” he cautions.
