Mmalawi Blog finally caught up with Tajah Olson; "The Face of
Mmalawi Blog:Why modeling?Why didn’t you choose a different avenue, how did you get into it?
Tajah Olson:Modeling hasn’t become a full time career yet, I keep my door open for other opportunities.I basically started out working with photographers, building my portfolio and getting myself out there by entering modeling competitions and fashion shows, choreographing and organizing my dance group. From there I got different opportunities to be a dancer and model for music videos, costume design for a film. I feel like it’s a cycle constantly meeting new people, trying new things and just going until your satisfied and at a point where you want to be.
Mmalawi Blog: Tell us about your biggest inspiration.
Tajah Olson: My biggest inspirations would be my parents and my sister because they are both people who like to give and have great hearts. A model that I look up to is Alek Wek (the dark Sudanese model), who I find beautiful, and I like her because she’s different, and with all her success she gives a lot back and helps her country. She also seems like a very nice and down to earth person. I am also inspired by Madonna because she put Malawi
Mmalawi Blog: That's very nice. Now, talking about love, what or who is the greatest love of your life?
Tajah Olson: That is a very hard question! The one thing that I can’t live without or can never imagine living without is my family.
Mmalawi Blog: Now what is your idea of perfect happiness?
Tajah Olson: To be around the people I love, like my family and friends.
Mmalawi Blog: What is the most important lesson life has taught you Tajah?
T.O: To be positive, to be healthy and to be happy and not stress about the small things because its not worth it. And always following your heart!
Mmalawi Blog: What do you feel is your greatest achievement?
Tajah Olson: Lifewise, I am about to graduate and receive my Fine Arts Bachelor. So I am really excited, finally!
I was a Miss Molson Indy in Victoria BC,(Molson Indy is a big Champ Car race) and they had a model search and different models won in each province of Canada, so I won in Victoria, I cut up my clothes to look funky braided my hair in different colors, and did a Janet Jackson dance routine, I got the crowed going and it was a one of the greatest nights of my life. This summer I was in another modeling competition called the The International Top Model Search New Silk Roads and I was picked as one of the 20 finalists out of many other pageants. It was a lot of work/training/events and lots of sleepless nights. Definitely a big learning curve. I came out with a lot more confidence and a new attitude.
Mmalawi Blog: What are your plans for the future (Any Miss
T.O: I haven’t thought about it but I would be a great Ambassador, It would be up to Malawians if they wanted me as Miss Malawi.
Mmalawi Blog: What if you had the power to change something in
T.O: If I had the power to change something in Malawi, it would be to be put women in power and in Charge and if that had to happen, there would be no abuse against women , safe sex would be taken more seriously , the environment would be taken more seriously, women would work together to grow crops and make sure everyone was fed. Money would be spent on education, better health and a great future!!
Yeah that is my perfect Malawi.
T.O: To get an education,practice safe sex, not rush to get married . Enjoy your youth, have goals in life and be someone that you want to be remembered. 
Basically don’t give up on yourself just go for it, have a positive attitude, be confident, be safe, be healthy, make sure you are respected and treated professionally. Don’t do something just because you feel you have to, do it because you want to. Don’t do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable because there is no point… and I always say aim High and act like the way you want to be treated.
Mmalawi Blog: In Malawi, it is not common to see Malawian girls wear what they want in fear of being the laughing stock or sometimes being insulted. What is your view on that?
T.O: You are right. When I was in Malawi, I felt like I wasn't able to dress freely without being pointed out in public and disrespected,it seemed that there wasn't much acceptance for women to just dress sexy or show a little skin. Being a Model has taught me to become comfortable and confident with myself ,my body, and who I am and I feel free to express myself, I'm not ashamed to dress sexy or show some skin. It would be great if people in Malawi became more open of this and not consider women who dress or express themselves"freely" to be "whores or sluts". I'm not saying women should dress like they are going to the bar in the middle of the afternoon, but feeling good about yourself and looking good doesn't hurt anybody.
Mmalawi Blog: We really appreciate your point of view on that subject. Now Tajah, what usually comes to your mind when you hear the words....Malawian politics?
T.O: No comment
Mmalawi Blog: Homosexuality/Lesbianism?
T.O: Nothing against them and I think that everyone should be free to choose who they want to love.
Tajah Olson:I’m not religious
Mmalawi Blog: Any favourite music/musician?
Tajah Olson: I don’t really have a favourite musician. I enjoy lots of world music especially from different countries in
Mmalawi Blog: Thank you very much for your time Tajah, and we wish all the best in all your endeavors.
Please support Tajah Olson by visiting her official website: Aswesi.com (here)
This interview was done for http://mmalawi.blogspot.com/ (mmalawi@ live.com)
