Meeting a model is daunting. Meeting 2 models is petrifying. Running late for a meeting with 2 models is sweat inducing. Do not try new short cuts when heading to meetings, Murphy’s Law will get you. Fortunately I arrived to very calm, kind and gracious women who instantly made me feel comfortable and very short.
Amaka Chirah and Bisi Sowemimo are 2 of Nigeria’s finest exports into the fashion industry globally, who are now based in South Africa. They defy every ‘model’ stereotype as Amaka is a graduate with degree in International Relations. Bisi grew up as a tomboy with her 5 brothers with her sights initially on basketball.
Although they met 4 years ago in South Africa, the ladies were raised very similarly with mothers who instilled strong Christian values in both of them. Bisi’s mother would wake the family up for prayer at 5:30 am every day. They are not ashamed of the gospel, taking every opportunity to share their faith and are actively involved at Rivers church.
‘Heart for the Streets’ is a new project the ladies are embarking on. This is no easy feat as they are tackling homelessness and hunger on the streets of Johannesburg. The big picture is a run a soup kitchen to feed all homeless people, help them to develop skills to find or create employment. They also envision building a home where people can shower, sleep and receive medical care.
Bisi says their premise is “there is always something to do. You can’t help everyone, but you can help someone.” Every Wednesday (starting 4 November 2015) they will cook a meal for the homeless people and they will be starting in the Rosebank area. They currently collecting previously loved / 2nd hand clothes (which are clean), non-perishable food, books, toiletries and needs lots of hands to join in. See their details below for more information of drop off and collection points.
The aim is not just to fill the stomachs, but to hear their stories and ambitions. They want to restore a sense of dignity to the homeless and hopefully change their lives. Undeterred by stats citing ‘over 80% of homeless people return to the streets’ or the fact that young boys on the street often sell the clothes they receive to buy drugs.
“We cannot allow that to stop us from doing what God has called us to do and we would love for people to come along and donate what they can” is the affirmative response.
Career wise both are not stopping. Look out for Bisi on TV as she just wrapped up a pilot- acting is her current hustle. Also catch her on the runways and listen out for her in voice overs! Amaka is currently running a catering business cooking Nigerian food and wants to expand into a restaurant. She will also be launching her blog soon as she is setting out to be a fashion stylist.
“Whatever you are doing should give you joy and funds to take care of yourself” are parting words from Amaka. “Believe in yourself. Use the talents and skills God has given you. Keep pushing yourself to be a better person” Bisi says as we sign off.
If you are interested in getting involved with Heart for the Streets you can get in touch with the ladies on the following platforms:
Twitter: @pisceslove101 (Amaka); @adebisishow (Bisi); @heartforthestreet (Heart for the Streets)
Instagram: @pisceslove101 (Amaka); @bisishow (Bisi); @heartforthestreets (Heart for the Streets)
Email: heartforthestreets@gmail.com