 In 2003, Rosemary Chileshe won the Miss Zambia UK title. She fulfilled her year of reign and represented Zambia at the Miss World Pageant 2004. Chilu caught up with Rosemary recently to find out what she's been up to since and get behind her motivation for all she's done and is still doing in in the name of love for her mother country - Zambia.
It's been a few years since you were crowned Miss Zambia UK. Would you say that was a turning point in your life?
Winning Miss Zambia UK was definitely a turning point. It was another chapter opening up. One that is still strongly active. I don’t think anyone had fully anticipated where it would lead and how far it would take me in the beauty / fashion industry.
Have you changed much since being crowned? If you have, in what ways?
I am still the same “Rose” people knew way back then. A lot of people call me a “Rose for Zambia”, it is such an honour for me. My personality traits have always been those of a hardworking, people person - I get on with anyone and everyone. The most significant change has been an increased efficiency in my time management skills since a lot is expected of me. As the saying goes “once a beauty queen, always a Beauty Queen” I carry a lot of responsibility because there are people out there watching my every move and living up to how I interact, they perceive me as their role model.
You've been involved with some social responsibility projects. Are we as young people doing enough to impact society? Are young African's in the diaspora doing positive things for the motherland?
Personally what I have achieved and contributed to society is no where near the level at which I aim to. I feel there is still a whole lot more I could do. Young people could do even more with the right leadership and guidance. There are a lot of people out there, the youth especially who would love the opportunity to get up there and do their bit for society, however they have very little access to knowledge on how to go about it. I have had one or two youths contact me via my website asking me how they would go about raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and if at all I know of ongoing projects, especially in Zambia, since they associate me to the motherland. On the other side of the coin, the number of young Africans doing positive things is rising, some are doing their work in a unnoticed, they just want to do something and not for the fame, which is very inspiring - I salute them all.
From your observations – what are your kind thoughts on one thing we are doing right as a people and one that in your view we are doing wrong?
One thing we are doing right is the recognition that there is a lot to be done in terms of alleviating poverty, raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, which is widespread and does not choose who it affects. I believe this is a crucial foundation for any development process, you need to realise the problem before you can get to the solution. The one thing we are doing wrong in my view, is the lack of support we give to each other, rather than work together, we become separated because that project was started by someone else or it becomes, “why should I assist with that project, after all, when it excels, people will not even see me as having had any input into it” etc. We become a “one person mission” and we all know that in “TEAM“, there is no “I”
 Photos courtesy of Adam Parker and Sleek Cosmetics You were studying in a totally different field to fashion and modelling. With the latter bearing fruit in such a seemingly exciting way, do you plan to stay on this path?
I am a property surveyor by profession. My commercial specialities include - business rates, studying the property investment market, valuating buildings of all shapes and sizes so as to give client detailed advice.
I work in a male dominated industry - only 10% of us are women but statistics are changing and soon we will reach the equal par! It is all fun and games and a challenge I particularly welcome since I do not believe there are “separate professions for men and women, i.e., women should be in care work and men should only be in the hustle and bustle, fast moving field” etc.
By comparison, my full time property surveying profession takes a lot of my time and energy. Not many people have found out this side to “Rose”. I do plan to also stay in the fashion industry because it compliments the work I do as a Surveyor, if you need a quick example, when it comes to what to wear or not wear, I can distinguish the right attire from “the” business ensemble from 9 - 5:30, to putting together the right evening attire etc. Like all of us, in everything we do, any field of employment or just general movement in life, we have to think about what we wear. An outfit speaks volumes on its own. It could make or break a career, an opportunity etc. My fashion interest is currently a part time activity. I believe I have the right work / life balance at the moment.
Has your family been supportive?
Yes, they have. I am a disciplined girl. There has never been any scope for not getting support. I have progressed in a way, if you like, which lives up to “how you should go about things” I went through the whole primary, high school, university route before I could start getting into the fashion industry. I believe this is a good way of going about things because once you get in the fashion industry; it becomes difficult for you to dedicate time and energy elsewhere with all the excitement etc. I remind the youth that they should not be too rushed to break into the industry. They should cover their educational background. Once they have that, they have set a foundation that will take them a long way ahead. Whereas in fashion, as you get older, your age becomes a determining factor on what you can do and be accepted to do.
What do you see your role as?
I see my role, first of all, a child of God doing His work in the New Apostolic church. Then I am Rosemary with a cheeky but loveable trait. I am also an ambassador for Zambia. More so with the Miss Zambia UK title to my belt and having gone to Miss World in 2004 to represent the motherland. Let’s not forget my role as a spokes-model for Sleek Cosmetics. I would like to believe I am a role model, someone whose advice is sought for based on how I have achieved my goals - spiritually and educationally and how I go about things.
Does the thought of entering the political arena ever cross your mind?
I admire work in a lot of industries. I believe you should give the majority of “arenas” in moderation a “thumbs” up before placing your opinions on it. We are not all cut out to do everything. We are designed to excel in specific areas. I have not tried or thought of being a politician but I do believe it is not meant for me. If it was, I am sure I would have gotten myself involved by now.
Are you in a relationship?
Yes, probably not an answer some people hope to get but…my closest relationship is one with the Lord! Everything I do, before I even get to do it or think about doing it, I bow before our heavenly Father and seek His guidance and direction (including this interview). I need to feel right about what I do.
Spiritually how important is your faith to you?
My faith is very important, above everything else. I am New Apostolic, I sing Soprano in the choir, I teach the Sunday School / Religious Instruction to children from the age of 10+. My faith excites me. I believe we should all place everything in our heavenly Father’s hands. He brought us on this earth and created us all. It is in our best interest and of a huge benefit for us to always trust in his ways and give thanks in everything - be it good or bad.
Further details, please visit http://www.rosemarychileshe.com
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