Ten-year-old Gloria Karen Wairimu Kimani is not your average pre-teen. With a vibrant spirit and a heart full of dreams, she’s carving a remarkable path in the worlds of modelling, singing, and acting.
This young talent has already amassed an impressive list of achievements, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing your passions.
Her journey into the spotlight has seen her crowned 2nd Princess Miss Kenya, Preteen Miss Fashionista, and Pre-teen Miss Kenya Muranga County. She also walked away with the title of Best Casual Wear Little Miss Kenya and secured an impressive 1st runner-up position at Miss Africa. In 2024, adding to her accolades, Gloria Karen was recognised as the Kids Influencer of the Year at the 2024 Miss Independent Kenya Awards.
Now, this bright star is set to shine even brighter. Due to her consistent achievements, Gloria Karen has been selected to represent Kenya as a finalist in the prestigious Little Miss Universe competition set to take place in May in India.
It’s a testament to her unwavering belief in turning dreams into tangible goals.
“It has been a long journey with ups and downs,” Gloria Karen shares, her youthful voice filled with a wisdom beyond her years, “but the focus is always on positive things.”
This journey has brought incredible advantages to Gloria Karen’s life. It’s opening doors to the international modelling scene and providing platforms to connect with influential figures in Kenya, from beloved celebrities to respected politicians. More importantly, her platform has allowed her to give back in a meaningful way.
“Through this journey, I was able to open my foundation,” she explains with pride.
This foundation is dedicated to a range of compassionate initiatives, including feeding street children, supporting needy families, visiting the elderly, and bringing cheer to sick children in hospitals, especially those with cleft lip and palate.
The exposure has also fostered a strong sense of community around her.
“Through this platform, people get to know me, and I get a lot of support when I have an event and help in terms of money and physical items like clothing and foodstuffs,” she says.
Beyond the tangible benefits, Gloria Karen emphasises the personal growth she’s experienced.
“This journey has helped me gain courage and confidence,” she says despite all the ups and downs.
Like any journey, there have been challenges; Gloria Karen acknowledges the occasional negative comments and the frequent question of balancing her passions with her studies; late-night events and the financial demands of competitions also present challenges.
Despite this, she remains optimistic and grateful and offers a heartfelt recommendation to parents.
“I would encourage other parents to support their kids who have talents,” expressing her gratitude. “Thanks to my parents, my dad for his monetary, psychological, and mental support all the time I have events, and my mum for always sacrificing her time to make sure I am in the event and also making sure all the attires are ready in time and also being my good manager.”
She also sends a message of appreciation to her broader network of supporters.
“To all those people who have tirelessly prayed and supported me, don’t get tired, and may God Almighty bless you.”
Looking towards the future, Gloria Karen has a special message for the leader of her nation.
“To the President of Kenya, thank you so much for recognising and appreciating talents. Supporting us young kids who have talents.”
Finally, her heartfelt prayers are with her biggest champion, her father.
“Finally, my prayers are to my dad, who is a PhD holder, to get a better job to always be in a position to support me fully, because some of the opportunities I miss are due to a lack of finances.”
Gloria Karen’s story is a powerful reminder that passion, dedication, and a supportive community can propel even the youngest among us to achieve extraordinary things.