Long before the stage lights illuminated her path, before the applause echoed through the auditorium at the Enkata Fashion Show, the story of Joyce Wambui had already begun.
Not on the runway, nor in the designer studios of the world, but in a quiet school courtyard during a modest talent show.
A young Joyce, armed with raw ambition and a natural flair for style, took her first steps into the world of fashion and modelling.
“I remember that day like it was yesterday,” Joyce says with a warm smile. “It wasn’t anything grand, but it lit a fire in me that never went out.”
Now a 22-year-old student at KCA University, Joyce’s journey has evolved from simple childhood dreams into a burgeoning career in fashion and design culminating in her becoming an Enkata Award-winning contestant.
What began as a hobby something to pass time between classes has blossomed into a journey filled with passion, grit, and relentless creativity.
Her story is not just about the glitz and glamour of the runway, but about the sleepless nights, the creative blocks, and the resilience it took to overcome them.
In 2024, during KCAU’s annual Cultural Week, Joyce entered the fashion show not only as a designer but also as a model.
It was an ambitious move, but one that would eventually pay off. Preparing for the competition, however, proved to be no easy feat.
With end-of-semester exams approaching, Joyce found herself caught between school assignments, project deadlines, and the demanding work of designing and modelling. “It was overwhelming,” she admits.
“Some nights I was torn between studying for a test and finishing a sketch. Other times I had to source fabrics from different counties sometimes waiting days for deliveries while juggling schoolwork.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Joyce found a way to turn obstacles into opportunities.
She reached out to fellow designers on social media, forming collaborations that not only improved her work but also broadened her creative horizon.
She gained access to higher quality fabrics, new techniques, and seasoned advice. But the challenges didn’t stop there.
Joyce was not only designing for herself she was also tasked with creating outfits for fellow contestants, each with unique body types and preferences.
Joyce’s love for modelling didn’t begin at KCAU.
In fact, her fascination with the runway started in primary school, where she first showcased her talent during a school talent show.
This early experience sparked a passion that continued into high school, where she earned the title of “Miss Alliance,” a recognition not just for her modelling prowess but for her keen eye in fashion design.
Since then, her work has gained national and even international recognition.
She has taken part in events across Kenya and was recently invited to Ethiopia for a fashion summit hosted by the Regalia Apparent Organization.
The initiative aims to nurture young talent across Africa, giving youth a platform to showcase their creativity and tap into global fashion markets.
At the Ethiopian event, Joyce impressed judges and audiences alike, finishing second overall.
Her reward? A two-week sponsored trip to South Africa, where she attended the Miss World Africa award ceremony an experience she calls “life-changing.” “It gave me perspective,” she says.
“Meeting designers and models from other countries reminded me that fashion isn’t just about clothes it’s a form of expression, a voice.”
When the day of the Enkata Fashion Show finally arrived, Joyce stepped onto the runway both as a designer and a model.
In a room filled with anticipation, she wore confidence like a crown. Her efforts bore fruit.
In the modelling category, she emerged second out of nine talented contestants.
But it was in the fashion design category where her creativity truly shone earning her the top spot. Her designs were worn by three of the top contestants, including the winner.
That alone felt like a win. “To see someone else wear your idea and own it on stage that’s a victory on its own,” she reflects. Her exceptional performance didn’t go unnoticed.
The Enkata Organization awarded her a two-year scholarship to Yves Fashion School in Germany, one of Europe’s leading institutions in fashion and design.
For Joyce, it was more than a win; it was the start of a global journey. “I’m grateful, but I’m not stopping here,” she says firmly.
“Germany will be a stepping stone. I want to bring African fashion to the world. There’s so much untapped beauty in our traditions, our stories. I want to be the one who tells them through fabric and design.”
As she packs her dreams into suitcases bound for Europe, Joyce Wambui carries more than just fabric and ambition.
She carries a legacy in the making stitched together by passion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every thread can tell a story. And hers is just beginning.
By [Newton Ngure]
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