Lucia Tanaka Mazhou aka Lucy Bardie
Age : 24
Location : Msasa Park Harare
Social media handles: Lucy Bardie across all social media platforms
A bit about yourself:
I’m a commercial model as well as a video vixen. I’m also a correspondent for H-Metro. I’m the founder of the magazine previously called Models Square now just known as MSquare. I have worked with Odnet Africa as a marketing manager before. I’m currently working as a make up artist at Vault Glam studios also known as Jacque Mgido cosmetics. I’m very passionate about art that I took up beaded jewellery making as a hobby which I also make extra money from. I’m an entrepreneur focusing on buying and selling cereals and perfumes as well. I recently joined Mambokadzi vendors program and I’m also selling their products.
What forced you into modeling:
I was not forced into modeling. For me getting into the modeling industry was a dream come true. I grew up wanting to be Miss Malaika as I called her but due to my big body it wasn’t so easy so I decided to switch to commercial and becoming a video vixen. When I was younger I was very insecure about my body, I was often laughed at for looking older than my age. All throughout middle school I was nicknamed ‘Zimbuya reshwa’ and it badly affected my self esteem. It was through modeling that I got myself back and began to love myself and embrace my own beauty. It helped me regain my confidence.
At what age did you start modeling:
I started professional modeling at the age of 20.
Which modeling type do you mainly focus on:
I mainly focus on commercial modeling and video vixen projects
Whats your take on models being abused during photoshoots and how can that be overcomed:
In all my time in the modeling industry I have realized that models being abused in the industry is like a cancer that resides within the industry. It is very difficult to stop the abuse from happening but we can teach the upcoming models how to protect themselves.
When I first got into the industry I almost found myself in the middle of an abusive situation. I was called for a photoshoot by a ao called agency and they said it was for a beauty spa in Masasa. When the address for the spa that I saw on the internet and the address that was provided didn’t tally I got worried. I then called my mentor in journalism field, Latwell Nyangu and I told him what was going on. He asked me to share my live location with him firstly and then go in and observe the situation on the ground, if it’s bad I should leave immediately. Then I also spoke with a friend Kuda who asked me to send a signal if the situation was bad so that he would get me out of there.
When I got there the situation was more than just bad, it turned out to be a deserted house and the two guys who had called me there started talking about how they needed to examine my body first to make sure I was suitable for the job. I told them I wasn’t comfortable with that and they started shouting at me and pushing me trying to manipulate me into doing it. It was at that decisive moment that Kuda called and I told him what was going on and he said if they keep you there for one more minute I’m coming there with the police. It was only after they heard about the police that they opened the gate for me.
This was one of the many experiences I have encountered in my journey and through these experiences I have learnt that most young girls in the industry are vulnerable. They give in die to a promise to be taken to greater heights but let me tell you something young ladies, if you are put in a strategic position but you lack the knowledge to handle yourself you will find yourself entangled in a deep hole which you can’t get out of. Over time I have realized that most of the time the abuse happens the ladies do not speak out or when they do their fellow female colleagues call them liars and shamelessly accuse them of calling it upon themselves so they just end up holding back.
I personally believe that how you handle yourself sometimes is what will lead people to decide how they want to treat you.
To the young ladies who are just getting into the modeling industry I would like to say, identify the reason you are becoming a model, put value on yourself, don’t cheapen yourself, don’t allow anyone to victimize you, speak out when you feel you have been wronged and seek help. You are your own shield, if you don’t protect yourself no one will come and save you. Value yourself for you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Always remember that you’re special and nobody has the right to take advantage of you or to abuse you
