A Chat With Multi-Talented Model Shirley Anku
Oh Yes: Tell us a bit about your childhood and your educational background?
Shirley: My Father is a Professor of Music, so I was raised in the arts. I learned to play the piano, flute, and a little bit of the violin. I was also very involved in dance, theatre and athletics. We travelled a lot internationally during my childhood as a result of my father’s profession. I became very involved in athletics and as a result I hold the triple jump record for Ghana. Most of my formal education was done abroad; I received a bachelor of science in Clothing Textiles and Fashion Merchandising with a Minor in Management.

Oh Yes: How did your career in modelling start?
Shirley: Well my first experience in modelling was in Ghana. I was a contestant in Mnet Face Of Africa and was the runner up for west Africa.

Oh Yes: What made you choose modelling as a profession?
Shirley:  I knew I wanted to model before I was scouted for the competition but once I participated in the competition, I knew then modelling was my career calling.

Oh Yes: How did you get involved in Jo’berg Arise Fashion Week?
Shirley: I was requested to be seen by one of the main producers responsible for the entire production of ARISE. My agency, BASE Models, in Cape Town advised that it was the first of its kind and would be in my best interest to go for it. So I casted and soon found out that I was booked (hired) for the show.

Oh Yes: What was your experience like?
Shirley: I was so impressed with the production and the designers. It was so wonderful to see so many Beautiful African models. In my opinion, for the European and American fashion industry, to say that there is a lack of beautiful black models is simply uncalled for and a shame.

Oh Yes: How would you describe Dallas?
Shirley: Dallas is a wonderful city, it is a nice and safe place to settle down and have a family. The cost of living is inexpensive and there are countless opportunities for new businesses to flourish. I like Dallas; I travel for work and come back with peace of mind. Now don’t get me wrong Dallas is my home away from home. I’m in love with Ghana and I want to go back soon and make a difference in my community.

Oh Yes: What’s the fashion industry in Dallas like?
Shirley: Dallas is more of a Catalog market; we have a lot of the main catalog corporate offices here, such as, Jcpenney, Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus etc...Usually in the fashion industry Catalog is what most of the models aspire to do because the pay is good and consistent.

Oh Yes: Who is your favourite designer and why?
Shirley: Hm… well it is a toss up in choosing from Roberto Cavalli, Marc Bouwer and Carolina Herrera. To me they understand the body of a woman and her curves as well as her femininity. I like the way Cavalli and Marc Bouwer play with colours and the fabric’s movement on the woman’s body. And Carolina’s garments are just timeless. She understands a woman...perhaps because she is one.

Oh Yes: What do you see as the most difficult and challenging aspect of modelling?
Shirley: Maintaining yourself in the business. There is always going to be fresh new younger models ready to take your place but, as a model you have to know how to keep yourself working in spite of the new talent. It boils down to your business sense. The girls that stay in the industry have mastered what it takes to run a successful business. You see, at the end of the day no matter what people outside see and how they feel modelling is glamorous and easy, it is still a business. The girls that stay in it for a long time have over come that challenge.

Oh Yes: Any special career dreams?
Shirley: Absolutely! I have a few business opportunities coming ahead...Stay tuned, Ohyes!!! Stay tuned...

Oh Yes: How would you advice an aspiring model?
Shirley: It is not an easy business to be in and not for the faint heart. Nothing in life comes easy and it is especially harder to stay on top. So for any aspiring models, if it is your dream to be a model then do it and don’t let anyone tell you or advice you differently, you will meet adversities of all kinds but you have to stay true to what you believe in and that is YOU!!!