Model Featured

What a great way to start the year off with a beloved client, Sipho. AS our January featured model. .

Tell us how you found me?

I first met Kevin in the beginning of 2021. Cameron, from Model Club, referred me to him to book for my then, 3 year old son,  Biko’s first professional model portfolio. We set up an appointment for March and since the day of the photoshoot until today, he became Biko’s photographer and a friend to me.

You come to see me once a year, Can you tell us why you keep coming back each year?

May 30th, 2022, we lost Biko to a tragic drowning accident it completely turned our world upside down. We had just done his yearly update at Kevin’s studio about 3 weeks prior to that.  So when April 2023 came around, my phone reminded me it was time to book an update. I wanted to turn my sadness into something to honor Biko’s memory. I called Kevin and asked him to have a photoshoot with me, desperately needing something to hold onto.

Something we did together and we both loved. It was my “what would Biko do?” moment. Biko was synonymous with joy and light. He always wanted to see a smile on everyone’s faces. He loved to play and dance and that’s what I did that day. I just wanted to feel beautiful and alive for the first time since he died. Kevin and I reminisced about him, it was special. Then the photos came out, so stunning BUT the emptiness and pain was written all over my face. My smile didn’t reach my eyes, my heart broke for the woman looking back at me in the photos.

In 2024, I had a clear idea of wanting to continue with Biko’s yearly updates for myself as a way to track my healing progress. Looking and feeling stronger and “better” than the previous year. I was so proud of how far I’ve come since 2022. This year my appointment coincided with my birthday, 2 1/2 year later. I wanted to play dress up and model like my son did, the difference in the photos was so evident. My face looked brighter, my eyes clearer, my smile wider. Through this and sharing Biko’s story, my purpose is to inspire others no matter what, even through the worst of circumstances life can throw at you. I hope my story inspires someone to never give up. My fuel everyday is to be and do all the good things Biko was, spreading love, joy and light to the world. And in 10 years I can sit back and see how through Kevin’s lens I transformed and healed my heart

You have a fun fashion sense. Can you tell me a little bit about your style?

Fashion has always been a passion of mine, I grew up watching my mom, grandmother and aunts dress up  in the most stylish outfits. As I became older I developed my own sense of style, it is one of my happy tools. For me, fashion is saying who I am without saying a word. It’s how I show my personality, my creative side and confidence. I love mixing and matching different prints and patterns, fabrics, colors, formal and casual together that wouldn’t normally be put together. I’m also obsessed with hats, statement earrings and my signature red lipstick.💄

After Biko’s tragedy, I refused to look like the mess I felt inside. I got up everyday and would change into my nice comfortable clothes at home, do my hair and face even though I’d be lying in bed crying the rest of the day. I also wanted my daughter to see that despite grieving her brother, her mom didn’t lose herself and that I still cared enough to take care of my appearance.  I wanted to remain connected to Biko who always had strong opinions about my daily outfits, especially my earrings and lipstick. So getting dressed everyday, became my escape to feeling normal. It was my glimmer of joy. It was my connection to my old self. It was the only thing I had control over.

Looking good does something for my mental health. It literally signals my brain that I care about myself. That is what getting ready does for me. It is my reminder every, single,  day, that I matter. If nothing else, in life is going to go right today, one thing for sure is I am going to look freakin’ good. I live the saying: “when I look good, I feel good”.

Thank you Sipho for sharing your experience with us.  Your story of strength is inspiring.  My time with Biko was also so special he always had a huge smile on his face and was such a well behaved kid, that was goofy and loved to have fun. I look at his photos still on my computer  from our last session and he always brings a smile to my face.

It is an honor to feature you as Januarys model of the month.

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