At the age 22, Seija Amaambo aims to be a true inspiration. Born and raised in Oniipa, today Seija is the sole manager of Recognised Models and Events Management CC, a company she built up from scratch two years ago.
Every journey has a start. From a young age, Seija looked up to her mother’s business savvy. “My mother is a nurse by profession but she always did business on the side. So it pushed me to do something for myself,” she said.
After completing school at Delta High in Windhoek, Seija registered at the University of Namibia to study Accounting. It was then that she started concentrating more in business, while at the same time working as a model.
“When I was in first year, I used to do modelling and on the side do promotions for companies.” From the experience, Seija saw the value in not always doing things herself but instead employing people to do her work for her. With her experience in modelling, Seija started the search for her agents.
“What pushed me to recruit people is when I saw companies use models who do not have the sufficient skills to sell their products. So this was a gap that I thought I should fill.”
She scouted for models who she taught the basic skills on being a promoter. “I taught them things like how to talk to clients, how to stand and how best to sell a product.” Today, the young business-woman on the rise has employed around 30 models who work on a freelance basis.
The company was created out of a desire to create employment for the youth is slowly but surely growing. Recognised models and events management has co-assisted at the NAMAs, the Dr Hage Geingob Soccer Cup and at the MTC NPL Awards ceremony. They organised the African Cat Walkers Fashion Show and the Superba Fashion Show. The also got a gig to promote the Castle Lite Road Show, the Summer Festival and the Spring Fiesta.
Taking on such big events and responsibilities, Seija believes that the sky is the limit and she has high hopes of her company becoming the best agency in Namibia.
Like any aspiring young business-minded young person, Seija has not always found the journey to be smooth sailing. “It was not easy at all. When I registered the company, I did not have sufficient support. For example, I needed models in the beginning and it was a hustle getting them. I would sit in town and look for ladies to join my company. Companies would look at me and not take me seriously because I am young.”
But Seija was not discouraged. “That did not discourage me because I knew what I could do regardless of my sex and age. I knew I had the skill and could be equally competitive.”
With the stigma she went through, Seija aims to use her experience to change society for the better. “I have a dream to see Namibia as a self reliant country. I have a dream to see Namibia stop discriminating against age, gender and race. We should all be seen as people with the same potential. Young people should go out there and not wait for mom and dad to provide pocket money.”
Two years later, Seija says that what kept her going was her passion for what she did. “My passion for business kept me on my feet day to day. No mater how stressful it was. People told me that I was too young but my passion was greater. Today, not only is my business work but a hobby too. It does not even feel like I am working.”
Seija is currently a final year Bachelor of Accounting student. After she graduates, she aims to pay more attention to her business and venture in lecturing.
Looking back at her journey, Seija recalls that as a child she did not always get what she wanted, which is typical of many youngster the world over.
“This has groomed me into who I am today. Young people should study hard and never give up on their dreams. I strongly believe we have the power to conquer the world.
Do what you love and become an expert at it,” she concluded.
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