Today we’d like to introduce you to AmaLinda Chindori-Chininga.
Hi AmaLinda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I can still remember the day I cut up a cardboard box into a large oval and then cut a second oval into the center of that. I put my hair in through that second hole, and boom, I made a hat. Once my hat was complete, I taped cardboard around my ankles, and boom, I had leg warmers. I then walked down the hallway in my family home – Strutting my stuff! I remember my mom cheering me on and my sisters laughing so hard. That is my first childhood memory of my passion for modeling and fashion. It was many years before I started to pursue a professional modeling career, only because I was still too young at that age. When the day finally came, I was about 13 years old and chose to shoot for the moon, so I went to the casting for Zimbabwe Fashion Week. (I know, crazy, haha) I was nervous, shaking in my boots, but it was a great day. I landed among the stars, and I was cast for the job! From then on, I was signed to Top Model Zimbabwe and did many shows while I finished secondary school in Zimbabwe. Once I came to America in 2015, I moved to Ephraim, Utah, to pursue higher education and was immediately culture shocked upon arrival. I was miles away from anything close to high fashion and couture. I was applying to agencies and castings. However, because of how far away I was from any major city, it made it impossible for me to attend these castings and shows regularly.
So, unfortunately, my passion had to take a back seat while I continued my studies. While pursuing a degree, I got into an unhealthy relationship that bashed my dreams and turned my passion and love for modeling and fashion into resentment and hate. With the love of my family, I was able to get out of the situation and relocate to Texas in 2017. Here is where the rebirth of my dreams came to fruition. My sister’s love reminded me that I am the vessel that will make all that I want out of life come to pass, and for the city of Austin, that was a fresh new start. Surprisingly it took more time than I make it seem. It was not until 2022, that I finally came back to my passion, and my mom flew out to see me so we could go to my first model casting together. I will never forget it; the mother who drove me to my first casting in Zimbabwe flew to Texas to hold my hand at my first casting in America. ( a mother’s love is like no other) Since then, I have done shows in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, and your girl has even made her way to New York Fashion Week—a literal DREAM. I have so much in store this year; I can not express my gratitude for my experiences and this opportunity. It took me a lot of self-discovery, therapy sessions, and self-love to make it this far, and I can’t stop now!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One would think that the biggest obstacle I’ve faced so far was when I was in an abusive relationship. He turned the best and bubbly parts of myself into something I truly hated and resented. I allowed someone to convince me that something I loved so much was not for me and could never be for someone like me, but even through all that, the hardest obstacle was coming back to myself. I learned that I had left the situation physically, but mentally I was still there. It took a lot of self-reflection, therapy, and self-love for me to walk with my chin held high again to remind myself that I am capable of all things. As black women, we are raised to be strong and resilient, which tends to lead to us believing that we must handle our troubles on our own, and to a certain degree, we should, but even the strongest soldiers need help. Life is about building community. That same community is supposed to hold you up when you are down. So I say that to say, ask for help, sis; you do not have to heal on your own.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I am a full-time model and a content creator. I had no intention of going full-time this early but unfortunately, at the end of last year, I was laid off from my job, which was a blessing in disguise! I took that unfortunate situation and flipped it into something amazing and fruitful. I specialize in runway and editorial modeling. I have been modeling for a cumulative time of 7 years, and I am most proud of walking for New York Fashion Week and being featured in Edgar’s magazines. What makes me stand out as a model is I have received model training in both Zimbabwe and America. I can tap into my Zimbabwean routes to produce rustic chic poses and elegance to the photoshoot or runway. I have learned different tips and tricks from two parts of the world with their unique fashion tastes. I can pull from different hats to produce quality photoshoots and a magnetic runway presence.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is how far I have come and how far I have left to go. It may sound like such a cliche answer, but at one point, I never thought that the life I am currently living was even in my realm of existence. I have come a long way and I have grown so much and gained relationships that have pushed me toward a higher purpose. I am in charge of my happiness and living in my truth. I am the happiest when I have crushed my day, and most items on my list are checked off. I am actively living in my purpose and moving toward my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/amalindacc?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ea9116e9-870d-4788-9cb6-4b378c0517c5
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amalindacc/?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE%3D
Image Credits
@douleyshotu – Abdul Amos, @lorenzo.marez – Lorenzo Marez, @byfaithvisuals – Faith Harrison @damanidigital
