
Interview with Fashion Model Suzy Urbano
Being beautiful is far beyond the stereotypical point of one making themselves appear good. It’s that charisma, it’s that attitude, it’s that glam, it’s that glow and it’s that fashion statement one carries to make themselves beautiful
It takes a true beauty Spartan to become a true model. We are very much excited to present Fashion Model Suzy John Urbano – the current Miss Achai Wiir, who is breaking the stereotype and proving that the face of fashion and all those amazing things related to it. She answered our questions so friendly. Enjoy the interview!
How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 23 years old and from South Sudan. As an ambassador of peace and unity in my country and I would prefer to be identified as a South Sudanese and not as an individual from one particular tribe.
How did you start modelling?
Well, I started modelling in senior two high school and later decided to quit to become a full-time volunteer and joined pageantry. This is part of the fashion industry but mainly beauty with a purpose – I wanted to share my story as a leader and a queen to encourage young girls and women out there. My first pageantry win was while I was at the university where I won the title of Miss Multitech Business School 2016-2017.

Was this your big break into the fashion and modelling industry?
No. My big break was when I won Miss Beauty South Sudan 2018-2019 in Uganda. This moment cemented for me a foundation in the fashion industry and I must say I have never regretted being a part of this amazing journey.
When you’re not busy modelling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Aside from modelling, I enjoy spending time home with family, doing handcrafts and travelling. If I am not on to these things then you will find me doing volunteer work and charity.
Talking about charity, what inspired you to start the dress the needy project?
In 2018 I got an offer to feature in a local music video in Palabek Refugee settlement. It was my first time to go to a refugee camp. During the five days I spent there, I witnessed the suffering. The hunger, poor facilities, low living standards, the loneliness and fear in their eyes. But the one thing that touched me the most was the poor children dressed in rags. One of the children, a little girl called Anjelina walked to me asking if I could take her back home. I knew it wasn’t the right time for me to take her home but I had the will to do something, to help. That’s when I went back to look for funds to start a project to dress these children.
Sadly when I went back with the clothes, little Anjelina was missing, nobody knew her whereabouts but wherever she is I hope that one day she reads this and locates me. I’m ready to take her back home.

That is very touching. How successful has the project been?
I launched the project in December 2018. So far we made a distribution in Palabek refugee settlement, had an assessment in Adjumani. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we plan to visit again for the distribution. We also plan to visit the rest of the camps in northern Uganda including Kakuma in Kenya to assess and start on my other project which is to create awareness about the peace in South Sudan.
What have been some of the challenges in running the project?
I have faced several challenges with lack of funds being the leading challenge. Though I’m positive this won’t be a hindrance anymore with the big platform I have now after winning the Miss Achai Wiir beauty Contest. The other serious challenge I have faced was getting to make the camp authorities understand that we are there for the good of the people, especially during assessments. I understand their fear and concern. I am optimistic that all will move smoothly once we get back to work.
In a time when the world has been hijacked by the COVID-19 pandemic, what message do you have for South Sudanese and the continent?
I’m saddened by all that is happening. I would love to see everyone alive and healthy once all this virus is gone. The only way is through taking the precautionary measures on coronavirus seriously. As we stay at home let’s take this time to learn one or two new things. Let’s keep each other close emotionally. Let’s sanitize and wear masks. Don’t fall prey for the products that are not genuine in the market because it’s as good as using nothing. As we stock food at home, let’s not forget our neighbours that have nothing. Lastly, let’s take heart and pray God heals the world.