This is an exclusive interview with Jane Chongo Mukala a Zambian glamour model based in the USA.
TUMFWEKO: Who is Jane Chongo?
JANE: Well Jane Chongo is actually my first and middle name which most people know me by, but my actual last name is Mukala. I’m 19 years old even though most people think I’m older probably because of my body. I’m a registered nursing student at the University of Towson here in America. I’m also a part time worker as well as a model.
TUMFWEKO: Where you born in Zambia and if yes when did you move to the US?
JANE: Yes I was born Zambia, I moved to the US in 2012.
TUMFWEKO: What inspired you to become a model?
JANE: It’s a whole long story but I will try to cut it short. Art and fashion design have been something that I have always loved to do ever since I was a kid. Sketching clothes and making them was my biggest hobby.
When I was in Zambia, I basically didn’t do much of it because I didn’t know many sources of getting into the industry, I won’t lie. I did try to think of one agency I remember at Arcades and I didn’t get approved I think because of my weight at that time. But when I came to the US I realized you can be any type of model. Whether fat or short, slim tall as long as you have the courage of doing it. But for the most part of what really inspired me was the fact that I was into designing and I thought to myself I could design and model for my own clothing line as well not forgetting that I’m a picture addict to add up.
TUMFWEKO: What Kind of modeling are you into?
JANE: I’m into glamour, fitness, casual/lifestyle and fashion modeling.
TUMFWEKO: Are you signed to any modeling agencies affiliated to any companies?
Yes I’m assigned to Vintage Royal Photography.
TUMFWEKO: What are some of the major challenges you have faced as a model?
JANE: The major challenges I have faced as a model I think one would basically be my height because I’m 5’ 4 which cannot be accepted here in the United States as a 5-star professional model because they require at least 5’8. Well I love modeling and dressing up but the fact that my height is not what they require for big fashion trends that still didn’t stop me from doing what I have enjoyed and I still managed to work with different clothing lines that approved me because of the fitness of my body.
Another major challenge is dieting; I love food so much but I always have to look at what I eat in order to stay in shape and most of the work involves long hours of standing and having to pose for the camera whole day which is sometimes annoying but fun too.
TUMFWEKO: Are you in USA with the whole family?
JANE: Yes,
TUMFWEKO: How many are you in your family?
JANE: We are 5 and I’m the second born.
TUMFWEKO: Can you briefly tell us what your parents do for living?
JANE: My mum is a nurse and my dad is no more.
TUMFWEKO: How do you intend to manage your career as both a nurse and as a model?
JANE: When I get into the program I will lay back to focus on my career as a nurse and modeling will be a part time thing for me which still is.
TUMFWEKO: Do you intend to come back to Zambia later in life? If so when?
JANE: Yes I do as soon as I get myself together because there isn’t any place like home
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best in your career
