My life is a never-ending story - Menaye Donkor

Menaye Donkor, ambassador for the just ended Africa Fashion Week London, Miss Universe Ghana 2004 and now “Face of Printex”, talks about the fashion industry, her star husband Sulley Ali Muntari, modeling and her charity works.

You won Miss Universe Ghana, did that experience change your view of life in anyway?

Winning Miss Universe Ghana has enabled me to do things I might not have been able to do otherwise. It opened up many doors for me as an entrepreneur as well as the fashion industry -something I always dreamt of doing. The best thing that came of it though, was that it provided me with a platform to launch my charity, which is an important part of my life, and which has improved many other people’s lives too through providing education and medication to hundreds of children in Ghana.

What’s the challenging aspect of modeling in your opinion?

For me, it’s definitely trying to fit everything in my busy schedule. Not only am I a model, I run my own business and charity. And I’m still looking to take my career to the next level with the numerous acting classes I have been through around the world. Also, fashion is a tough world to break into because there are so many talented people out there who want a piece of the industry. You just have to know where you want to fit into it and be really focused. It’s important to be yourself, let your personality shine through and know your strengths. Everything else just falls in place with that kind of attitude.

You are someone who loves charity work, do you get support from cooperate bodies or you fund all your work alone?

My charity, The Menaye Charity Organization raises all the funds for the Menaye International School and I am currently providing all these funds myself at the moment. In the past we have organized fundraisers and I do want to do some more in the near future when I can manage to stay in one country for more than a few weeks at a time.

How do you handle the pressure of being the winner of Miss Ghana Universe 2004, a philanthropist, a model, a businesswoman and above all the wife of Sulley Muntari?

I really don’t know how I fit it all in to be honest- I also run a property development company! I get asked that question a lot of the time and I can never come up with an answer. I guess I try to prioritize all my objectives, working from top to bottom and just allow the rest to fall in place. I think it derives from my ambition and dedication to my charity work and carries through to my lifestyle too. Of course, some things never go according to plan, and it’s a question of sink or swim. Sometimes, I have to just stop and think, but there is always a solution. My life might seem quite glamorous looking in from the outside but it really isn’t. I am a hands-on type of person and like to be involved from the planning to the end of a project and that also means I can ensure that everything is done to the highest possible standard. My life is a never-ending story and I hope the excitement and adventures continue for the foreseeable future.

Why do you think Printex chose you as the “Face of Printex”?

Printex is a fabric with class and I am extremely honored to be the new face. I grew up knowing Printex; my grandma wore Printex and my mum still wears Printex. I am excited to have this opportunity to showcase and help promote the amazing two new ranges; (Xclusive and Arete) internationally. I love both for many reasons. I like the colors and the blend; I also love that every woman can relate to Printex.

What is the difference between the modeling scene in Ghana and other countries?

Cultural differences! Ghana has come very far but we still have a long way to go in terms of understanding the modeling/fashion industry. It's a large market and we need to explore the possibilities. It’s strange because, growing up in Ghana; I wanted to be many things but not a model until I moved to America. Strangers would tell me all the time I should become a model so I gave it a go and now the rest is history. I however have had issues with the color of my skin and some people have actually said I’m too light skinned to be a ‘true African woman’ which I found very ignorant because I am a true African woman, raised in Ghana by Ghanaian parents and with an amazing Ghanaian heritage.

What are the misconceptions people have of modeling that you know of?

Some people just think it is about sitting still and looking pretty but that’s not the case at all. It’s a form of acting and a model needs to know what look really works for them and use it to their advantage. You invest a lot in your look such as keeping your body fit and healthy by working out and getting enough sleep, because shows and shoots can be very long hours and quite physically demanding. Not forgetting the setbacks and criticism-so not only are you under pressure to look a certain way but also under constant scrutiny. It’s a tough job and just being pretty won’t get you to the top.

You are married to another famous person, that’s two strong brands coming together, have you considered building something on this union?

Well I do manage my husband’s brand but I think it’s important to keep a good strong split between your work and home life. You have to protect your relationship, so although we do work together a lot for charity projects and a few appearances, we try to have quality time when we get to spend it together.

What is the African fashion week about?

Africa Fashion Week London (3rd/4th August) is a great project and I’m so excited to be the show’s ambassador. African clothes and accessories designers and brands will show their ranges and collections over the two day show with some big names due to appear. I hope that it helps to showcase the bright and beautiful fashion from our continent to the UK. Fashion has given us Africans the opportunity to share our culture with the rest of the world. The vibrant colors we use in our designs and prints reflect our rich culture and deep heritage and I’m attending as the face of Printex to promote the brand as well as supporting young and up and coming designers and help them break into the industry and create a stir.