Meet Lyndah, a fashionista per excellence, freelance plus-size model
LYNDAH ASHLIE KEBATI is the founder of Mrembo Ni Mimi online body positivity initiative, owner of the Mrembo Satisfashion clothline and a freelance plus-size model. She talks with FAITH KYOUMUKAMA
Tells us about Mrembo Ni Mimi.
Self-love and that of others inspired Mrembo Ni Mimi, a movement I founded three years ago, but I had wished to to do since 2015.
I’m so grateful to my ex-boyfriend Sydney Webuye for believing in me and always pushing me to be great.
If you ask me the definition of beautiful I’ll straight up tell you beautiful is me; in Kiswahili, mrembo ni mimi.
We’re all about self-love, girl power, body positivity, eradicating cyber bullying and body shaming. We are all beautiful despite what the society views as the standards.
Fill us in on your fashion brand Mrembo Satisfashion.
The apparel business has just started. I deal with graphic T-shirts, T-shirt dresses and hoodies, among others.
I come up with my own quotes such as ‘Mrembo AF’, ‘Jaber Inside and Out’, ‘Mrembo Period’ and ‘Mrembo Black.
Basically, I just want everyone to know they’re beautiful despite all the imperfections.
Do you think the ‘Buy Kenya Grow Kenya’ initiative is benefiting the country’s fashion industry?
I believe in the initiative; it’s something that I’ve seen people embrace and it gives me so much joy considering women are now applying make-up made in Kenya and making their wedding dresses locally instead of importing.
Yes, the progress is slow, but the growth is steady. Let’s give it a couple of years and the ‘Made in Kenya’ will be worldwide.
What is your advice for girls who want to be models?
Ladies, if you genuinely want to be a model, you need to put in the work; know how to walk on heels, learn to do your own make-up, work on your social media platforms as they are your portfolios and self-respect and discipline are mandatory.
Also, approach brands you want to work with, write and send proposals and be aggressive and persistent.
How you communicate and relate to people also matters a lot; practise your communication and relations skills.
Describe your style.
I don’t think I’m tied down to a particular sense of style. All I know is that I love standing out. I also love vibrant colours, and the shorter the better.
If it flatters my body believe you me I’ll put it on. I’m the type of person to tell my friends we’ll be dressing casually and show up looking extra.
I love being bold, trying out new things that make other people uncomfortable that they ask “You wore that yet you’re a big girl…” and usually my response is, “Yes honey, style knows no boundaries”.
What would you do if money wasn’t an object?
I would give back to the community by building facilities such as hospitals and schools to help the less fortunate.
I’d send money to the people who really need it the most and create more job opportunities for the youth to reduce the crime rate.
I would definitely travel the world with my loved ones and make a difference while at it.
How has your hair journey evolved over the years?
Well, that has been one wild journey. I honestly can’t be tied down to one style. I’m experimental with my hair; from braids to faux locs, weaves, wigs, Afro, relaxed hair and dying.
I genuinely want to try every colour. Sometime last year, I even went bald, dyed the head blue and called myself ‘the bald Smurfette’.
Do you have a a favourite designer?
Yes. At the moment it’s Kate Mayeye, the owner of African Fabrics and Designs Ke. I think she is so creative. I have worked with her on several occasions and I believe she gives her all to the craft.
What fashion pieces do you think every curvy woman should have?
Shapewears, Spanx shaping briefs and muffin tops are a must-have. Also, wide belts are amazing if want that clinch on your waist.
Chunky or block heels are also good, although they can be really uncomfortable, especially for curvy girls, but you need to look edgy sometimes.
Your best fashion buys this year…
Mules, wide belts and fedoras. I’m currently obsessed with these three.
Whose style do you admire?
I adore Charisma Monroe’s style. She is proudly plus-size and unapologetic. Her fashion sense and the effortless way she pairs her outfits are admirable.
What do you splurge on the most?
I spend money mostly on shoes. I love sneakers until I own sneakers in every colour. I’m still on the journey to buy more and more.
Which fashion era do you love?
I love the 1950-60s era. I believe an old soul was reincarnated in me. The men then were so dapper.
The ladies rocked what we call now ‘retro’ and vintage fashion balancing between elegance and energy. The types of denim, Capri pants, the pastels and the gloves; the list is endless.
