Fashion Fierce

Yana Haenisch - More than just a pretty face

Yana Haenisch crept into the hearts of many Namibians when she took part in the Miss Namibia pageant in 2019. Beyond that, the young beauty made quite an impression in the international pageant community, which has opened several doors for her.

Born in the harbour town of Walvis Bay, Yana relocated with her family to Windhoek at a young age. She attended the German private school, Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS), and describes her upbringing as quite normal.

However, ‘normal’ became a thing of the past healthy lifestyle and avoids diets. “I believe

“My life changed drastically after completing high school. I worked internationally as a model for two years, and in the course of that was able to travel to 24 countries. The experiences and life lessons I have learnt while travelling are priceless,” she says.

Growing up, Yana had no interest in pageants or the beauty industry in general. It was in fact her grandmother who encouraged her to start competing in pageants and to model.

By the time she was 16, Yana was scouted by Boss Models Cape Town and took part in her first pageant that year.

“I developed a passion for pageants and modelling rather quickly and I am immensely grateful that I can enjoy the luxuries that both have to offer,” she says.

While she now focusses more on pageants, she loves modelling just as much.

Explaining her experience of pageantry as opposed to modelling, she says: “I do not prefer one over the other because they are so different. Pageantry is more challenging due to the fact that it is not just about physical beauty. You have to excel in public speaking and interviews and you need to have a strong and confident personality, as well as stage presence.”

One of the areas that she loves most about pageants is charity work. “Charity work is a big part of pageantry, which I find very fulfilling. I enjoy working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Yana sees the future of beauty events in Namibia as having potential that can be hindered by various challenges. “We have so much potential to grow this industry in Namibia. Unfortunately, we lack exposure and investment. To grow any talent requires commitment from both public and private stakeholders,” she says. Yana remains passionate about taking her love for pageants a step further by participating in the 2020 Miss Supranational Namibia pageant and continuing to use her work in pageants to inspire and make a difference.

A day in the life of Yana:

Yana starts every morning with a big glass of lemon water and a coffee. “I’m a second-year economics student and study online most of the time. I also manage a few properties as I’m a certified realtor,” she says. On top of her work and studies, the busy beauty tries to fit in her gym sessions or do yoga at least three times a week, and occasionally she travels for her modelling jobs.

To keep up with her busy schedule, Yana has adopted a healthy lifestyle and avoids diets. “I believe that eating healthily and being active shouldbe an everyday routine. Drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep is crucial before a photoshoot,” she says.

Charity work is a big part of pageantry, which I find very fulfilling. I enjoy working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

With an impressive record of pageants in Namibia and internationally, Yana has the following titles under her belt:

2013 - Miss Teen Namibia 2013 - 4 th place, Face of Beauty International pageant (Thailand) 2019 - Top 5 finalist, Miss Namibia. 2019 - 1 st runner-up, Miss Supranational.

Yana sees the future of beauty events in Namibia as having potential that can be hindered by various challenges.

“We have so much potential to grow this industry in Namibia. Unfortunately, we lack exposure and investment. To grow any talent requires commitment from both public and private stakeholders,” she says.

Yana remains passionate about taking her love for pageants a step further by participating in the 2020 Miss Supranational Namibia pageant and continuing to use her work in pageants to inspire and make a difference.

Rukee Kaakunga is a Windhoek-based Concept Engineer, PR Consultant, and fashion writer. Contact her via email: rukeekaakunga@gmail.com and follow her on Twitter @rukeeveni.