Ace Models Namibia director Daphne Voigts says models should not only be taught to walk the runaway, but also to be well articulated to be successful.
Since bringing the Ace Models franchise to Namibia in 2014, Voigts says she has mentored many children and young adults.
“While many arrive with dreams of shimmering crowns, my mission is far more grounded in the realities of adulthood,’’ she says.
Voigts admits that the modelling world is cruel world, saying a runway career has a very short lifespan.
“You can be the tallest, skinniest girl, but there is always someone younger coming up behind you,” she says.
Voigts identifies a significant gap in the local market: Young Namibians are full of potential but lack the confidence to articulate their thoughts under pressure, she says.
She says at Ace, models don’t just learn how to pivot on a stage, but also how to project their voices and handle intense interviews with panels of judges or corporate employers.
“The transformation isn’t about the make-up or the heels; it’s about the shift in posture and the newfound ability to speak without trembling,” she says.
For Voigts, ‘success’ isn’t always measured in crowns. She says she loves the feedback from former students now thriving in the professional world.
She recalls WhatsApp calls from alumni in university internships.
“They tell me, ‘Daphne, I remembered what you said. I sat up straight, I spoke loud and clear, I looked them in the eye, and I got the job.’ That is when I know I’m in the right place,” she says.
Miss Teen Namibia 2025 Chantel Boeren is a product of the Ace Model Academy and sees her title as a win for her personal development.
“I will forever be grateful for how patient Miss Daphne has always been and how much she has taught me,” she says.
“The training is far beyond the walk; it’s about who you become in the process.”
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
