Hadithi za KNOB Digital: “Everything in my life is all about fashion,” One on one with Eddy Peru. Mr. Tourism Kenya.

Hadithi za KNOB Digital: “Everything in my life is all about fashion,” One on one with Eddy Peru. Mr. Tourism Kenya.

Eddy, a 25-year-old fashion enthusiast from Kilifi, has made a name for himself in the modeling industry. With his unique sense of style and dedication to his craft, he has quickly risen to become one of the top fashion influencers in the city.

“Everything in my life is all about fashion, I wake up in fashion, I drink fashion, I eat  fashion, I sleep  fashion.”

Since he started his modeling career in 2016, Eddy has achieved remarkable success. He has won numerous modeling contests, showcasing his talent and unique style. His collaborations with renowned designers in Nairobi, Kilifi, and the Coastal Region the likes of Ednah Dhahabu, including the iconic Lugo collections, have further solidified his position as a prominent figure in the fashion industry.

Eddy attributes much of his success to his mentor, Benny Banda.

“I had this friend of mine, who raised me. Yeah, in the world of fashion, I knew nothing about dressing and fashion. Maybe take a pause. Having pictures. I knew nothing about that. But this guy built who I am today; I am who I am today because of him.”

Benny, an experienced fashion and Art Photographer has been instrumental in shaping Eddy’s career. With his guidance and expertise, Benny has helped Eddy navigate the competitive modeling industry, providing valuable insights and support along the way. That’s how his journey started and it grew to the point that his photographer, actually told him it’s high time. Now, he should hit the runway. 

“So, I had no experience on the Runway. I didn’t know what people were doing on the runway.”

In the modeling industry, the Mijikenda tribe is underrepresented. This is due to limited access to opportunities and resources compared to other tribes. It was around this time, 2018, that He participated in a runway show as a contestant for the title of Mr. Culture Kilifi County. It was his first time being in the spotlight and experiencing the excitement of the modeling industry. Luckily, He won the title of Mr. Culture Kilifi County, which was a significant achievement for him as it represented recognition of his cultural heritage and showcased his talent in the modeling industry. 

“This victory made me realize my potential in the modeling industry.”

KNOB Digital, the leading digital marketing company in Kilifi and the coastal region, is impressed with Eddy’s accomplishments and sees potential in his ability to promote tourism and culture in Kilifi and beyond. Eddy’s journey has not only brought him personal success but also opened doors for him to make a positive difference in his community through his passion for tourism and cultural preservation.

Mr World Tourism Kenya, 

Now came his second runway, where he showcased his unique style and charisma. This time, he had the opportunity to walk alongside renowned international models and designers, gaining valuable exposure in the fashion industry. The experience further solidified his passion for modeling and motivated him to continue pursuing his dreams on a global scale.

He won the hearts of many with his confident and captivating presence on the runway. His success in Kenya opened doors for him to participate in fashion weeks around the world, allowing him to collaborate with top designers and expand his network within the industry. His journey as a model continues to inspire aspiring models from all corners of the globe, proving that dreams can indeed come true with hard work and determination.

 

Among his many achievements, one was participating in a show with Larry Madoho, a prominent figure in the media industry 

 

• Traveled to South Africa flagged the Kenyan flag and managed portion four in Africa out of 24 competitors.

 

• Did a documentary about Kilifi that later crowned him Mr. Tourism. World Kenya 

 

• An opportunity to work with the Ministry of Tourism, under the guidance of Cs Najib Balala. As a result, was nominated as the first-ever Mr. Culture in Kenya.”

 

• Being featured in a magazine and working with the National Museum of Kenya and many more …

Eddy’s path to success has not been without its challenges. The modeling industry is highly competitive, requiring individuals to constantly evolve and adapt to stay relevant. Eddy has faced numerous obstacles along the way, but his dedication and perseverance have allowed him to overcome them and emerge as a thriving fashion influencer.

Growing up in an African home where pursuing a career in modeling was not widely accepted. Despite facing opposition from his family, Eddy was determined to pursue his passion. He recalls a conversation with his mother where she questioned the value of modeling and its potential to provide a stable income. However, Eddy’s unwavering dedication and desire to leave his previous life behind fueled his determination to succeed in the modeling industry.

He mentions that modeling took up a significant amount of his time, especially during his studies. However, he emphasized the importance of education and made sure to attend school while pursuing his modeling career. After completing his studies, Eddy presented his academic achievements to his family, showing them that he was able to excel in both areas.

Despite the challenges, Eddy’s modeling career has proven to be financially rewarding. Through his collaborations with designers and participation in various events, he has not only gained recognition but also financial stability. His talent and hard work have opened doors to lucrative opportunities, allowing him to establish a strong foundation for his future.

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