LIVINGSTONE based model and former Miss Eloquent 2019 Loveness Hangoma has called on the corporate world to come in and boost the industry that she says is growing and has huge potential.
Speaking in an interview recently, Loveness who has previously held the titles of Miss Zambia Africa Beauty Queen and also Miss Independence Livingstone observed that the industry needs a lot of financial support for it to thrive.
“The government too needs to step in because every time we step out as models, we are representing our country hence the pride of mother Zambia gets to be shared with many other nations at the many fora's we participate. We are ambassadors,” she says.
Loveness describes herself as a “vibrant and passionate person, especially towards children, the vulnerable and also youths with disabilities”.
“I am a model, an entrepreneur and I like to regard myself as an advocate for disability rights as I call and demand for social inclusion to make sure that no one is left behind,” she says. “I always encourage people with interest to take up modeling as a career because it has many benefits. For instance, it boosts self confidence and love, charitable works, promotes friendships and also helps competitors overcome issues of shyness and offers a chance to connect to personal spiritual practices.
“Generally, for me, modeling is a way of promoting societal connections as pageants happen at local, national and international levels and brings people who are passionate about the same things together. It builds bridges between cultures and societies with their mutual love of pageantry. It's a good way to enjoy some healthy competition, promote good cause, and learn about one another,” she says.
She however warns that the profession isn’t all rosey. She says those wishing to take it up must be ready to overcome some of its shortcomings too.
“They place emphasis on beauty over talent,” she says as she laughs. “They promote unhealthy physical habits as sometimes, models starve themselves to maintain their bodies and of course there is also the issue of expenses and the inappropriate sexual exploitations one may expose themselves to,” she says.
Loveness has hosted different inclusive talent and fashion shows which have allowed persons with disabilities and the vulnerable actualise their dreams and passion.
In December 2019, she merged with Tusole Drama Group and Chifire Cultural group to represent Zambia at the Imo Carnival in Nigeria’s Imo State.
“Our team was the only team accompanied by a young lady [Precious Lusendu] who has a physical disability,” she says. During the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) summit that was co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2013, she came out 4th and was crowned culture ambassador for Southern Province.
She intends to build a home which will offer recreation activities and possibly have a feeding programme for children as well.
“Right now, I am just working on planning due to the fact that activities and contacts now are limited because of the coronavirus,” she says.
Loveness was born on September 30, 1985 to Shielly Mukulumwa and Cornelius Himoongo Hangoma. She is the fourth born in a family of eight.
She attended Mukamusasa Primary and St Mary’s Girls Secondary school. In 2006, she enrolled at Fairview College in Lusaka where she studied Front Office Operations.
“I have worked in the hospitality industry and after realising that it wasn’t my passion, I quit my job to follow my dreams and passion of working with vulnerable children in our community and here I am today,” she says.
Loveness is a coach, trainer, advocate and founder of the Hangoma Youth Foundation which works at creating a platform for children and youths with disabilities to showcase their untapped talents.
“I started modeling when I was a girl at about seven years old. It's not been an easy road but I am grateful I have my family and friends' support all the way,” she says.
Loveness draws her inspiration from nature as it teaches humanity how to coexist with everything in the universe.
“I also regard challenges as being one of my major inspirations too," she says. "In as much as they are meant to distract us, through them, they can also give us the motivation to forge on and overcome.”
This article was also published in the Zambia Daily Mail newspaper.
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