Exclusive Interview with Herieth Paul – New York based Tanzanian super model (Photos)

Elle Canada dared to use some strong words to introduce its new July (2011) cover star: “Naomi, Move Over!”

The new girl on the block is Herieth Paul, who might look a bit like Ms. Campbell (she’s got those killer bangs) but has more often been compared to model Grace Jones or, as one photographer once said, “a black Kate Moss.”

One thing Herieth has on all those legends is her youthful energy: at only eighteen, she’s a fresh face on the scene and has already walked for 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lacoste, and DVF, starred in short fashion films like this one for CK One, and joined top models such as Freja Beha Erichsen and Arizona Muse in a Steven Meisel cover shoot for Vogue Italia.

The Tanzanian-born model who calls Canada home landed her biggest job yet: solo cover star. It’s a huge step in the right direction for the stunner who once told WWD, “My goal for modeling is that by 18 I’m going to be on every cover of every magazine. And model for everyone: Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Gucci, Prada. You name it, I’ll do it!”

And now ladies and gentlemen, Bongo5 has chatted with the stunning and sexy Herieth Paul.

Tell us a bit about yourself (where you were born, studies, when did you move to Canada and more

My name is Herieth Paul. I was born in Muhimbili hospital and was raised in Mbagala. I went to Chang’ombe for kindergarten, Olympio and Epiphany boarding school for primary. I moved to Canada when I was 11 years old and I’m 18 years old. My birthday is December 14 1995.

How was life in Canada in your early days?

Canada is a beautiful country, so much culture and structure and it was a little scary at first because I didn’t speak any English but once I started school everything was okay.

Having a mother who works as a diplomat, people would think you also could follow her career path, what made you first become a model?

Honestly I just wanted to be on television. But once I got into it. I truly fell in love with it.

What did your parents first think of you being a model and were they supportive?

My mom is very supportive of me.

You are very close with you mother and I read an article via ottawacitizen.com where you said you can’t make most of your decisions until you ask her, how important is your mother in your modelling career?

For me, I look up to my mother. She taught everything I know. We respect and support each other.

Who is Sakla-Seymour?

ANGIE SAKLA SEYMOR is my mother agent. She signed me with my modelling agencies around the world.

Angie Sakla Seymour (left) of Angie’s Models & Talent International, veteran news anchor Max Keeping (second left) and supermodel Herieth Paul (centre)

When did you go to New York? How was life there?

I first went to New York in June 2010. Back then I was very young and life was a bit hard. I missed my family and I was lonely. But now that I live here and I’ve made lots of new friends and I love it! New York is amazing! It’s the city that never sleeps.

Was it easy to land big deals with notable brands like Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Tom Ford , Armani or Cavalli?

My agency got me these amazing jobs. And I’m incredibly thankful I got to work with such amazing people. It was a half and half kind of thing. I did my part and they did theirs.

How much do models make?

Different amounts for different models.

If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead?

If I wasn’t a model, I would be a nutritionist or a pilot.

When did you last visited Tanzania?

I visited Tanzania December last year.

Do you have plans to visit Tanzania soon?

Yes hopefully again this year.

If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be?

Try it and see if you love it! It’s very important to love what you do.

What advice would you give models here in Tanzania?

Don’t give up. Have faith.