Catching up with Former Beauty Queen Lorraine Maphala-Phiri

The modelling industry in Zimbabwe has for many years been subjected to ongoing criticism over the lack of accolade compared to other countries. Even Miss Zimbabwe, the most prestigious pageant in the country, has been struggling to survive over the years. 2013 in particular saw the trust fail to hold the annual event despite the outstanding natural beauties from the home land. Many will agree that once the beauty queen finishes her reign, we rarely get to hear or see them ever again. However as we went through the long list of the former beauty queens there was one woman that stood out, having been a household name in recent years after her win nearly 10 years ago.

This former beauty queen is now mostly known for being one of the hardest working young business women in Zimbabwe today. With a successful hair product line under her belt, Lorraine Maphala-Phiri is now looking into launching a handbag collection and hopes that her work ethic inspires other young women out there to always aim to reach their fullest potentials. We spoke to the former Miss Zimbabwe to find out more about her business ventures, what she is currently working on and what keeps her motivated, and she did give us an insight of what life has been like for her since being crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2006.

It’s been nearly 10 years since you were crowned Miss Zimbabwe. Your title has since expanded to being a wife, mother, mentor and businesswoman. How easy was it for you to get started in new these ventures and what are some of the challenges that you faced? 

I found it quite easy for me because when I stopped competitive modelling, I had achieved what I wanted to achieve therefore I felt ready for change.

I knew that professional modelling would eventually come an end so I always had a clear picture of what I wanted for my life and I feel blessed that my life turned out exactly as I wished for. I am now a wife, a mom and a business woman and I manage to maintain a good balance.

The only difficulty that I faced during my transition is learning to be responsible for more than just myself. Luckily, I was blessed with a husband who loved me as I was. He was very patient and I found that very helpful.

How do you balance it all?

Balancing motherhood, being a wife and being a working mom is a skill. I’m still trying to be perfect but when you have the kind of help like I do at home, everything else comes into place. I priorities my work so that I can accommodate all the important things in my life like my family. I have the greatest support system at home, my husband is great help as well and that helps make things manageable.

There has been a lot of media interest in your life since you have been in the public eye. How do you manage to keep your life private and how do you handle negative media?

I didn't realize my life will be so publicised when I first started modelling. However, I have since made sure that l focus on what makes me happy and not dwell on negativity.

Now that you are not doing competitive modelling,what are you working on at the moment?  

I launched a hair line, the ‘’Real Hair by Lorraine (RHL)’’ which specializes on 100% human hair.  This includes Cambodian, Indian, Brazilian, Malaysian wigs, weaves and lace wigs.  I’m hoping to expand the brand to offer more products as well.

I have recently launched the Lorraine Maphala Mentoring Program which aims at inspiring young women and motivating them not to give on their dreams.

I’m also working on the launch of my handbag line ‘’LMP’’handbags, it is inspired by powerful and hardworking career women which is why our logo on the bags is a power button, a symbol of POWER. A sample of these bags can be seen on my face book page. 

I also work with my husband in our finance company which provides small business loans. The company also offers assistance to women trying to start their own businesses.

There is definitely a lot going on for you at the moment.  How can your fans living outside Zimbabwe purchase your hair products, LMP Hair.?

I’m currently in the process of designing the website which will have all my merchandise. We do currently we have a lot of clients overseas particularly in Europe who contact us via our Facebook page 'Real Hair by Lorraine'. We are doing our best to get the website up and running as soon as possible to be able to cater for our clients internationally. 

Do you feel pressure in the way you look and present in public as a former Beauty Queen?

When I started out, I did it for the love of modelling.  I didn’t realize how much I would be in the spotlight and the fame that came with it. Thankfully, I never allow myself to be pressured to be what I’m not or what people expect me to be. I have always done what felt right for me and that has helped me live a normal life.

Your presentation is always flawless. Can you share some of your beauty must haves?

Thank you, I drink a lot of water, it’s amazing what water can do for your skin. Every woman should have a good perfume, my favorite at the moment is Givenchy’s Very Ïrresistible.  Lipcolour is a definite must have, I use the Hot Raspberry by Bobbi Brown as I prefer bold colors. A nude lip gloss from MAC is also one of my favorites, it works particularly for professional women that prefer a more natural look.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

Having a clear vision of where I want to be and what I want for myself and my family. I believe in prayer and God’s faithfulness and I know that everything I have achieved has been a result of my prayers therefore I know more will be done as long as I keep working and praying.

Check out more about the LMP hair range and Mentoring Program on Lorraine Maphala-Phiri's Facebook page.

Author: Mini

Images: LMP