ACHIENG AGUTU — A BOOK OF MAGAZINE

Achieng Agutu is a force to be reckoned with. The Kenyan-born model, television host, and content creator—known for her unapologetic self-love and magnetic energy—has taken the world by storm, from her viral motivational content to being named a 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie. As the first-ever bald, Kenyan model for the magazine, Achieng’s rise is more than just a career highlight—it’s a testament to breaking barriers in the fashion industry. “This achievement is a powerful statement that representation matters,” she shares. “Shattering beauty standards and reshaping the narrative of body diversity is something I’m so excited about.”

But Achieng isn’t stopping there. Between hosting the upcoming Gen Z talk show The Influence on Amazon Prime and planning a confidence tour that empowers Black, plus-size women in luxury fashion, she’s expanding her platform with purpose. “I never set out to build a community—it blossomed from being authentic and sharing my highs and lows,” she reflects. Through her journey, Achieng remains steadfast in her mission to inspire. “I want people to feel seen, warm, and loved when they remember me.”

Can you share what motivated you to move to the U.S. at such a young age, and how those early experiences shaped your outlook on life and career?

It was an opportunity given to me by my host parents, who are my family. At that time, my career hadn’t really begun its journey in the States—it all started with a blog I created.

Your platform promotes self-love, confidence, and inclusivity, especially for Black plus size women. How did you start building this positive and inclusive community, and what has been the most rewarding part of this journey?

It started building itself; I didn’t do it on purpose doing it for myself - thought of my story and being authentic online and sharing my high and lows. People experiencing the same thing as me- community blossomed. It just happens and I love my audience and community!

The community I’ve built happened organically; I didn’t set out with a plan to create it. I was being myself—authentic, sharing my highs and lows, and telling my story online. People who were going through similar experiences connected with me, and the community blossomed from there. It’s been incredibly rewarding to inspire others and to know that the work I do makes people feel seen, appreciated, and loved.

Participating in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Swim Search was a significant milestone. What did it mean to you to be a top seven finalist, and how has this experience impacted your career and personal growth?

Being supported by the women in the top 7, as well as the SI community family and my own family was an incredibly affirming experience. Appearing in the magazine was a dream come true.

Fashion is a huge part of your content. How do you approach fashion and beauty in a way that challenges societal norms and promotes inclusivity and self-expression?

Fashion speaks louder than words. It’s an essential way for me to express my culture, personality, and energy—my confidence shines through my style.

As a 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie and the first-ever bald Kenyan model for the magazine, how do you feel this achievement contributes to the broader narrative of beauty and diversity in the fashion industry?

This achievement is a powerful statement that representation matters. There are many people who look like me and share similar life experiences, and they deserve to be featured as I have been. Shattering beauty standards, reshaping the narrative of body diversity in industry and something I’m excited about.

Your role as one of the lead hosts on Amazon Prime's new talk show “INFLUENCED” is exciting. What can audiences expect from this Gen Z version of “The View,” and how do you plan to bring your unique perspective to the show?

This show is about reshaping and influencing culture, offering fresh unique perspectives from a younger generation. It’s exciting to bring a new outlook to the table, especially at a time when it’s needed more than ever.

Your Instagram is filled with vibrant and motivational content. Can you walk us through your process for creating content that resonates so deeply with your followers?

I create content based on what I feel I need to hear most at the time, hoping that it resonates with someone else out there. There’s no specific process!

Balancing authenticity and privacy on social media is challenging. How do you decide what parts of your life to share with your audience and what to keep private, especially regarding your mental health?

I don’t share my entire life on social media. I keep a lot of things private, I share what I feel comfortable sharing, as if I were talking to my girlfriends over dinner.

In your opinion, what role does fashion play in empowering individuals, and how do you see your work influencing the fashion industry?

Fashion is a gateway to creativity and an amazing way to express themselves and empowers them to be creative. I hope brands can see that a lot of people of different weight and heights should be more inclusive and aware and diverse in clothing and sizes and overall branding.

You've often talked about the importance of self-affirmation and positive self-talk. How do you practice this in your daily life, and what advice would you give to someone struggling with self-confidence?

Always hyping myself up, I am my biggest hype girl. I would give advice that it’s like taking baby steps doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a muscle you have to work it out. Whether it’s today stepping out of your comfort zone, for example if you wear an outfit you never worn before or asking someone out etc. Your life won’t end!

Dealing with negative voices and self-doubt is something many people struggle with. How do you navigate and overcome these challenges, both in your personal and professional life?

I’ve reached a point in my life where I focus solely on myself and the well-being of those around me. I make sure my community feels good and safe, and I don’t have the capacity to dwell on negativity. If it’s not positive, I don’t focus on it, I’m all about happiness, the people around me, and my community.

The concept of the "strong Black woman" has both positive and negative connotations. How do you balance embracing strength with allowing yourself vulnerability and softness?

I’m a soft sweet flower dancing in the meadow of dollar bills. I’m not a strong women narrative. I’m fortunate to have strong people in my life who support and hold me when needed, allowing me to embrace my softness.

You've been included in Create & Cultivate's Top 100 list in the creator's category. How do such recognitions influence your mission and drive to continue breaking barriers?

Being recognized by Create & Cultivate as one of the Top 100 creators has given me more credibility in the industry. It’s amazing to see other brands acknowledge influence and position, solidifying my impact in the field.

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to your younger self, especially during moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome?

To my younger self, I'd scream: Radiate. Be a blinding supernova of yourself. Don't dim your extraordinary light for anyone. I squandered precious years hiding in shadows, shrinking to fit molds that never truly belonged to me. For what? For whose approval? It's a painful path, but it forged the woman I am today – fierce, fearless, and fully illuminated!

What are your future aspirations, both in your career as a content creator and in your personal life?

Aside from taking over the world, I want to continue my career in television. I’m hopeful and manifesting a second season of INFLUENCED. I look forward to seeing myself on bigger screens and, of course, on iPhones!

Your journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how do you want to be remembered by your audience and the broader community?

I want to be remembered for making people feel good, I think for a long time I was looking for a purpose (I’m glad I found it through this). I hope when people remember me, they feel seen, warm and loved.

For young women who look up to you, especially those from marginalized communities, what message do you want to impart about pursuing their dreams and embracing their unique identities?

Just do it. In marginalized communities, we often feel the need to achieve certain things before being seen, but the key is to start. People often think they need the best of the best to begin, but that’s not true. The growth, journey, and sweet spot come from just beginning.

How do you continue to push boundaries and redefine standards in the fashion and beauty industry, and what do you believe is the next big step for promoting inclusivity and diversity?

By being myself and loving who I am. The next big step is for the industry and brands to create spaces that allow for this kind of authentic creativity.

Lastly, If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

It's called F** Being Humble* by Stephanie Sword Williams. We’re often told to minimize ourselves for the sake of others, but I want to be seen, recognized, and felt.