By style Reporter
After shrugging off the challenge from 14 other contestants to win the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Midlands crown a fortnight ago, vivacious model Michelle Mupasi says she is now vying for the pageant’s most coveted prize.
The 20-year-old beauty was the toast of the day when she was crowned queen at the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe provincial final for Midlands held at King Solomon’s Hotel in Kwekwe.
Maria Makelve (20) and Zvoluga Moyo (20) were crowned first and second princesses respectively.
Mupasi, a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Environmental Science and Health student at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), last week told Standard Style she now believes she has what it takes to win the big one.
“After automatically winning the ticket to represent my province at the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe national final, I will work hard and hopefully represent Midlands province in the best way,” Mupasi said.
“I really hope for the best. My wish is to represent my province, country and continent at large.”
A former Miss Gweru princess, Mupasi attributed her success on the ramp to her parents and modelling guru Mavis Koslek.
“My parents are my greatest inspiration; they believed in me and support me every step that I take in my modelling career. Ms Koslek has also played a major role as she has given me a platform to showcase my talent. She has exposed me to numerous pageants where I have participated,” she said.
Mupasi is signed under Image Modelling Agency, which is run by Koslek.
“I was born a model and I won my first crown as Miss Mkoba 3 in 2015 before I was signed by Ms Koslek. I am a Miss Gweru 2016 second princess, Miss Nust (2018) second princess and Miss Day of the African Child (2015),” she said.
She said she would work on a number of charitable projects during her reign as Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Midlands queen.
“I am looking forward to projects that I would like to work on alongside my princesses and other models to improve the lives of others, especially working on charitable programmes as well as girl child empowerment projects,” she said.
She described Koslek as a rare breed of chaperone and mentor to emerge on the local modelling scene.
“She is a very humble person, yet very determined and goal-oriented. It’s really hard to run a show in such economic circumstances, but she never gives up
She is also very kind and concerned for the safety and well-being of every girl she works with,” she said.
Apart from her studies, Mupasi is also an entrepreneur.
“I run a make-up and cosmetics business and I am also a peer educator for sexual and reproductive health. I love poetry and music. I’m a pet lover too with two dogs, Zarina and Dino.”
