Former Miss Intercontinental Kenya and international runway sensation Eleshia Ai has firmly placed Kenyan talent on the global fashion map. Her recent appearance at Turkey Fashion Week in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she stunned in Oktayseven and Emrearibespoke designs, marks yet another milestone in a career that has spanned six countries as a runway model and 12 as an international model.
Yet for Eleshia, the spotlight is never just about herself. Behind the glittering gowns and global stages lies a deeper mission: mentorship. Having navigated the complexities of an industry that can be both glamorous and predatory, she is determined to guide the next generation of Kenyan models.
“The sky is the limit,” she says. “Every dream is valid. But it’s vital that young models find the right guidance. I want to give them mentorship that protects, empowers, and inspires.”
Operating independently under the guidance of her manager, she draws from her wealth of international experience. From the professional support she received in Baku with the Big Model Agency to her early runway experiences across Europe, Asia, and Africa, she has absorbed lessons in discipline, professionalism, and strategic career management — lessons she now shares with aspiring models back home.
Her influence extends beyond one-on-one mentorship. As an award-winning author and organizer of the East Africa International Fashion Week in Nairobi, Eleshia has built platforms that celebrate local talent. Her events do not just showcase models; they recognize and inspire them, providing tangible proof that global success is within reach for Kenyan creatives.
Africa’s modeling industry is on the rise, yet it contributes less than 2 per cent to the global fashion market.
Studies by Hivos and the Kenyan Textiles & Clothing (T&C) Industry highlight the need for a shift toward Full Package Service Provision (FPSP) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM).
“Such a shift promises job creation, entrepreneurship growth, income generation, and greater integration of local designers into the global fashion value chain — a landscape I am determined to navigate and shape for those who come after us,” she told Pulse