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INTERVIEW: Liberian Born Model & Entrepreneur, Philip Kekula Talks Fashion Line “Genesis & Co”, Moving to the U.S., Family, World of Fashion, and More…

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INTERVIEW: Liberian Born Model & Entrepreneur, Philip Kekula Talks Fashion Line “Genesis & Co”, Moving to the U.S., Family, World of Fashion, and More…

Meet Liberian native who based in the United States Philip Kekula. He has modelled for many Fashion brands/designers, walked on fashion runways, featured in numerous ad campaigns, magazine and many more…

Philip is also set to launch is new fashion line this June.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the sexy Liberian, international male model and entrepreneur.

See interview below:

Hey Philip! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Philip Kekula, a Male model and Entrepreneur.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
Right now now am busy working on my project which is to launch my fashion line by the end of next month, so am busy with that almost everyday.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I attended the A.M.E Zion university in Liberia, Graduated with a Bachelor in Criminal justice and later went to the health and fitness Academy in Cape town where I studied Sports science.

How were you discovered and what inspired you to go into modelling?
I was discovered at a gym in Cape Town and then started working as a model there in Cape Town and later in Europe and the rest of the world.

What was your first modelling job like?
It was awesome, the casting was very nice and they had some good food there as well. It was an editorial shoot.

Tell us about your new fashion line “Genesis & Co”?
My fashion line is called Genesis & co. And is mostly men clothing with few female designs as well. Just a few things I have learnt and seen all these years working as a model and travelling the world of fashion.

So I hear you will be having a big launch event for your fashion line this June, what should we be expecting from your brand?
Yes on the 22nd of June in Philadelphia expect to see creativity and something different with a little touch of West Africa.

Tell me more about your love for fashion/modelling and how you use it to communicate through your everyday life?
I am naturally a very stylish person and an artistic so it goes well with my line of work.

You have shared the runway scene with many of fashion’s top models. What will you say motivated/inspires you to stay dedicated to what you do?
Just my love for fashion and also my family.

What’s your Dos and Don’t when it comes to being a model?
1. Always on time
2. Respect everyone
3. Stay humble
4. God first
5. Don’t mix work with pleasure.

What do you do to stay in shape, do you go to the gym?
Eat healthy, gym is a must.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Easy, my work is work and my personal life is personal.

How would you describe the modelling scene in the United States compared to South Africa were you use to be based, when it comes to encouraging new talents?
In the United States, is just all about who you know and the people you associate yourself with in the industry. Too much favoritism.

What do you consider the most common stereotype about being a model?
People always think when you are a model you’re promiscuous and you sleep around where for me is just not true, am just a normal guy.

What aspect surprised you the most since you started your new fashion line?
They haven’t actually been any surprises since I started, because I already knew what to expect and what not to.

Looking back to when you started as a model, is there anything you would like to change about the industry?
Just one thing that the industry should be more inclusive.

Which brands, clients, designers, models, photographers, etc, have you worked with?
Diesel, Country Road, Tommy Hilfiger Hugo Boss SA, the list is so long I can go on and on.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
Starting my own fashion line is something that I’ve been wanting to do for such a long time now and i’m happy that that dream is finally coming to past.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
Balmain men.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Leaving my family and traveling for weeks.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I’m a very creative person and I love the arts.

You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?
It’s good and bad at the same time, but because am about to start my own business social media plays a huge role.

You a native of Liberia but now currently based in Minneapolis. How is that working out for you?
Is good so far but still adjusting to the weather tho.

What are your must visit travel destinations?
AUSTRALIA and Thailand.

Name things we should take seriously about our style choices?
1. The fit of the clothes
2. Avoid bright colors as a guy
3. Your shoes should be real leather if it’s not a big brand.

How would you describe your style?
Simple and clean.

What style genre appeals to you the most?
I try to mix everything, a bit of all.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?
1. A well fitted black jacket
2. Black shoes
3. Blue jeans
4. Plain baseball hat
5. A duffle bag.

What are your favourite fashion trends?
Mismatching and color blocking.

What is your favourite dish?
Deep-fry sushi.

What songs are currently on your playlist?
Right now I’m currently into West African music mostly Liberian and Nigerian songs.

Apart from fashion, modelling, and fitness, what other projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a few but concentrating on my fashion line right now.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Just do what you like to do the best, what you always wanted to do but make sure you do it because life is too short. When you get old you shouldn’t have regrets.

Any specific plans for the future?
Just concentrating on my business with family and later in the future to start doing some charities work in my home Country.

Any final words?
God first, be kind and follow your dreams.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
Instagram: @Philip_kekula
Twitter: @Pkekula

Asuquo Eton founded talkmediaafrica.com, now one of the most visited TV, music, tech and features website, in 2011. He is also a social media analyst, media and entertainment consultant.

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