VENTURES AFRICA – Lisette Mibo is the multi Awards-winning Supermodel and Actor from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Based in London, United Kingdom this young woman has, since her humble beginnings, taken the fashion industry by storm. Lisette Mibo is an awards-winning fashion model, human rights campaigner and a mother; she is one of the most sought-after fashion models in London, United Kingdom. She has strutted on the catwalk for
many Established and up-coming top designers, modelled for hair, fashion and retail companies, earned appearances at international Catwalk-shows; in Africa, Europe and the UK where she’s currently based. In this interview, Ms. Lisette Mibo shares her passion for African tourism with our readers.
Welcome and thank you for granting us this interview. Please introduce yourself to our readers…
– I am Lisette Mibo, a Congolese model based in the United Kingdom and founder of “Passion For Motherland Showcase”, a fundraising event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for charitable organizations running empowering projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fundraising event also aims to provide platform for emerging talents within the fashion, music and spoken word industry.
Which country do you come from/call home? All in one, what is your heritage?
– I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a beautiful country situated in the heart of Africa and boarded by nine (9) other countries. This country is a rich land filled with natural and human resources.
Are you a backpacker/long term traveller/business traveller/live and work abroad?
– I would say I am between business and pleasure traveller; I take short trips for work or go for weekend away to relax. However, I am looking forward to working and living abroad in years to come.
How do you fund your travel (savings/work whilst travelling/other)? Please take us through this experience…
– It all depends on the nature of my travel, for business purpose the client of course funds the trip however for weekends away that’s taken care of otherwise.
What is the first trip you remember taking in Africa and what are your favourite memories?
– Returning back to my homeland in 2012 for work after 10 years was a magical experience for me. I enjoyed every minutes however it also opened my eyes and made me realize the harsh reality many people are facing with the current lack of employment, sustainable and reliable education system and what not. As a result upon my return in the United Kingdom, I decided to work with organizations that are already working in the Democratic Republic of Congo and especially those that are making a change in people’s lives.
Have you had any bad experiences whilst travelling the African continent?
– Oh Gosh! Most common problems when travelling to Africa is the high risk of losing one’s luggage or waiting for it to be delivered rather late than needed which can be quite an annoying experience for tourists. However apart from that the African continent is the most beautiful, authentic and organic place to be.
The media portrays the African continent as a no-go-zone. How do you feel about this label and how will you rate the African tourism system based on your personal experiences?
– Africa is a beautiful continent with so much potential from beautiful sunny weather to organic food and fruits, beautiful sea sides, beautiful hotels and more. Personally, when I travel to Africa, all I feel around me is love despite all the poverty.
I believe in meeting and interacting with people, wherever I go, because they are the ones who make society come alive. Thanks to the people, countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo are wonderful destinations to explore. We are so much more than civil wars, rape, etc. The Congolese people are one nation made of beautiful and unique people with drive and big dreams. Every African citizen should be proud of their heritage and that’s what I celebrate through my work.
Where is your favourite place in the world and what makes it so interesting for other visitors to discover?
– Every country I have had the opportunity to visit has been very special. I consider myself very fortunate to have been blessed with the opportunity to set foot in wonderful African cities up to the Americas and I cherish all these opportunities that modelling and humanitarian work bring to me. Thus, it will be quite difficult picking a favourite place because each place I visit is unique to my eye.
If you were not travelling, what would you be doing instead?
– When I am off travelling, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, family and other projects because family is all we’ve got and it is important, for me, to cherish every moment we get to spend together.
Take us through your daily activities and let us know how you still find time to juggle your professional career and travelling?
– I believe in self-discipline and my multi-tasking abilities because without those two qualities it is quite impossible to manage a professional career, last minute travelling and motherhood, at the same time. One needs to be focused and prioritize.
If you could be transported to one day/place in Africa, what would it be and what mode of transport would you prefer to use to get there?
– I would like to experience travelling to Africa on a cruise, the same way people easily tour the beautiful cities in Europe and in America. Why not? I know that is not an impossible dream and our nations can make that happen because we have the potential. We cannot just rely on the aviation system all the time; new means of transport should be introduced to the pan-African population, and this will definitely make their travel experiences even more interesting and attract even more tourists to our shores.
What has travel taught you?
- Travelling has taught me to be more open-minded, embrace different cultures and backgrounds. I love learning and visiting different countries and this liberty has helped me explore new avenues and opportunities.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Favourite African city/country? I am going to have to be bias and go with the beautiful city of Lubumbashi, located in the province of Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Favourite beach? Since I am from the Congo, I will prefer stating the Congo River which I am proud about. The Congo River is the world’s deepest river with measured depths in excess of 220 m. and it is the second largest river in the world by discharge.
Favourite food? A beautiful homemade “catfish soup”.
Favourite language/dialect? Swahili
No comments:
Post a Comment