Former Miss Zimbabwe, Lorraine Tsoanelo Maphala-Phiri is a perfect example of a multi-tasking artist. A mother of two, wife and an entrepreneur, all rolled into one.
BY SHARON SIBINDI
She proved beyond any reasonable doubt to be one of the leading female models in Bulawayo and in the country during her heydays.
Maphala-Phiri has exhibited exceptional modelling prowess locally and internationally, distinguishing herself with unique versatility that saw her excelling during the early stages of her career.
At 32, she is a role model in her own right, having shown other women that nothing is impossible as long as one is committed to what they do and believe in God.
“I am grateful to the Almighty because He has given me the strength and vision to fulfill my dreams and realise that nothing is impossible with Him,” she told The Standard Style in an exclusive interview last week.
The composed and ever-smiling Maphala-Phiri has made strides in the cut-throat local showbiz industry where many have fallen by the wayside despite possessing talent.
Asked what she has been up to since her modelling career ended, she said; “Since the end of my reign, I have been busy growing Lorraine as a brand. I launched my hair range specialising in real 100% human hair, raw Indian hair, Brazilian and Mongolian hair as well as lace closures and wigs.
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“This year we have expanded to opening an upmarket hair studio specialising in weaves and ethnic hair as well as a nail bar. Besides growing my business, I have been focused on my family as well.”
She said since 2005, she has experienced a lot of ups and downs in her business and life, describing her life as a roller coaster.
“Since 2005 life has been such a roller coaster. I have seen the ups and downs in business and my personal life. But my greatest achievement since then is being a mother of two most beautiful gifts,”she said.
Maphala-Phiri said the Zimbabwean modelling industry was not as big as in other countries like South Africa. She added that arts was big business in other countries.
She said she would not go back into modelling as she believes there is a time for everything.
“Now that I’m a parent, I’m more focused on my business, growing my empire and my family. However, I would love to try some acting,” she said.
She said her business — Real Hair By Lorraine — has managed to survive in the difficult economic climate in Zimbabwe owing to the support they get from the local market.
“Business is definitely not easy at the present moment. However, from the time we launched the hair brand when we were still selling the hair from the car boot, we have definitely grown. Zimbabweans have shown us great support. We only have one branch in Bulawayo and an online shop which helps us supply hair products to customers in Europe, Harare and South Africa,” she said.
Maphala-Phiri said she was a multi-tasking businesswoman.
“I definitely wouldn’t manage to do all this without the strong support I’m getting from my husband, my sister, my mother-in-law, my helper at home and my team at Real Hair By Lorraine. They make everything a little easier though I’m still trying to master the art of being a superwoman,” she added.
Maphala-Phiri grew up in Nketa 6 in Bulawayo and it was always her dream to inspire young girls. She said she was inspired by South African disc jockey and businesswoman DJ Zinhle.
She boasts of a number of titles that included the Miss Zimbabwe, Miss Tourism World, Face of the Net (Tanzania) and third runner up at the Miss World Talent in 2006 in Poland.
She attributed all all of her success to hard work and dedication.
“I am grateful to God who gave me the strength,” she said.
Maphala-Phiri is married to Bulawayo businessman Sonny Phiri.
