Plus-size model championing body positivity

‘MAKERESEMESE LETUKA

MASERU – Limpho Sehalahala has proven that even the plus size ladies still qualify in the modelling and pageantry industry. The 19-year-old Limpho is currently waiting to go into nursing or culinary arts to further her studies, but has started doing pageantry and modelling last year and has already bagged two crowns in one year after she had joined Sotho Kids Culture modeling agency. “My manager at Sotho Kids Agency, who is my mentor, advised me to join my very first pageant in Miss Ecotourism Lesotho…and I did and became Miss Ecotourism 2021 and then Miss Spring Lesotho where I was crowned Miss Spring Lesotho Plus Size and Best Bikini Plus Size model.

Since this was my first I did very well for myself, I was able to gain a lot of confidence and able to express myself. I grew up loving modelling but not the pageantry side but I recently developed my love for it, and I must say I am happy with the results,” Limpho told Life&Style. Two weeks ago during the Sotho Kids Awards Limpho won the Best New Comer Award, of which she says was a surprise. “Honestly, I can’t really say how I feel. I guess I am overwhelmed. I did not know I had that in me, being new in the game but already winning – though it is not easy.”

“My experience has been quite okay; I have not really received any bad comments as expected when one is a plus size model; there is just so much love instead. But to those with low self-esteem, wondering what people will say when a plus size like me joins the industry because they feel modelling is only for slim, I want to tell them that it starts within them.

It is all in their power, believing that you are no different just because of your size or shape can help you conquer, be strong, never give up on your dreams, you are here for a reason,” Limpho continued. Locally she looks up to Sebabatso Litlali, the former Miss Spring Plus Size and her manager; and internationally admires South African thickleeyonce (Lesego Legobane).

She says their confidence and work ethic, especially Sebabatso Litlali, is an inspiration to her as they work together, she says “that lady works so hard, she understands that things do not just fall from the sky, the person has to work for them.” “My aspirations in life are to be happy at all costs, to leave a mark in this world and because of the greatest support I get from the agency I am in, my family, my mother to be precise, I am able to do better every day.

I am not certain that if I can say I have come across challenges so far because I am still new in the industry, I am yet to grow and explore in all aspects, but I have won two pageants in one year. Those are my biggest success in this industry and being under the best agency too. In the next coming years I see myself treating patients with all that’s in me and pursuing modeling still,” she noted.