Stage Name: Samantha Miller

Agency: N/A (freelance)

Home Town: Fairfax, Virginia

Stage Name: Lual Mayen

Agency: Westhaven Management

Home Town: Washington, DC

For the first time ever, we are releasing a DUO exclusive Interview on Neecee Lexy featuring Washington, D.C rising supermodels Samantha and Lual. Meet Samantha Miller, the 18-year-old fashion model and makeup artist from Northern Virginia. We are pleased to have her gracing a new milestone feature appearance this week. Plus, we are honoured to have Lual Mayen back once again for a second feature in Neecee Lexy Thursday's special publication release. You know this is going to be a good one because it means the man has been working hard. To read his previous feature story on Game Develop & Junub Games for Peace Building, click here. A few months ago, Lual was spotted by a talent agent at Washington, D.C., Fashion Week and has since signed with the Westhaven Management agency. 6 months ago, Samantha set out to pursue a fashion career as a professional model.

I am excited to share with you all their background stories on how they got into the fashion industry. Plus, all their success as they spark new life within the modelling industry and what the future awaits them. Grab your tea, have a seat, and continue to read our interview with Samantha and Lual.

It's great to have you both for this week's feature. Since ladies first, let's start with Samantha. When did you start modelling?

My first shoot was just under a year ago, but I’ve been modelling as a job for only about 6 months. It's crazy to think this has all happened so quickly! Realizing how much my life has changed since then and how much I’ve grown because of it makes me really appreciate the whole experience.

MODEL: SAMANTHA MILLER

Lual, it feels like yesterday we were talking about game development with Junub Games, and you're interested in fashion. How did you get involved in the modelling industry?

Currently, I am waiting to start my modelling career with Westhaven Management. I am excited to start very soon, as I haven’t done any runway yet. Since I came to the USA, many people thought I was a model or encouraged me to try modelling as a career. For me, I didn't really intend to pursue modelling as a career growing up in the refugee camp in Northern Uganda.

After I got to Washington, D.C., my friend invited me to attend a Washington Fashion Week show. People started approaching me and advised me that I should really give modelling a chance. At that point, I was determined to give the fashion industry a try and explore my potential.

The Washington D.C. Fashion Week was a great turn for me. I've networked with a lot of people I met within the fashion industry who today are helping me to foster my journey in the industry.

MODEL: LUAL MAYEN

Wow! You both are new in the Fashion industry yet both of you carry exceptional quality to go far in the industry. Who inspired your modelling career?

SAMANTHA MILLER: When I first started modelling, I honestly didn’t have an inspiration. I was just having fun in front of the camera. But as I’ve grown and learned more about the industry, I’ve realized the influence of women like Kate Moss, who’s not only an incredible fashion model but a brilliant businesswoman. I hope to follow the same path.

What are your go-to fashion tips?

Take the time to learn what works with your body. What clothes look good on you all depends on your shape and skin tone. The worst mistake you can make is trying to imitate what someone else is wearing because it looks good on them. Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate that through your style.

LUAL MAYEN: I would say people whom I've interacted with have sparked my interest. Plus, my friend Mari Malek has really played a big role in my life and helped me to get into the industry. She is a hard-working individual who uses her talent to impact the lives of people back home in South Sudan. I love the idea behind peacebuilding and seeing her translate her modelling career to allocate that I'm extremely proud. That's why she is my inspiration.

What are you hoping to achieve as a goal from your career as a fashion model?

SAMANTHA MILLER: As a model, I want to be much more than just a face. I want to use my platform to empower, to show that women can express their femininity in a confident and radiant way. I came from a home where being a woman wasn’t something to be celebrated, where my body was meant to be covered up, and my individuality stifled. I want girls to know that your body is for you- no one else, and you make the rules. Someday I hope to help women who were once in a powerless situation feel like themselves again, show them that they have power and they don’t have to be a victim of circumstance. There are so many ways I’ve imagined doing this; from creating my own cosmetics line that donates one product to a woman in need for each product purchased, to coaching women in shelters on employment readiness and how to present themselves in the best way possible. There’s something so empowering about having your own style, and owning it, knowing you look good. All you have to do is be the best version of you, and you will always be the best.

MODEL: SAMANTHA MILLER

LUAL MAYEN: To me, modelling is more than just art or any public appearance; it's about inspiring and using it to impact our society, especially using our voices for peace and justice in our community. South Sudan is one of the youngest countries in the world, and every industry is just developing from scratch. This makes us work hard and represent ourselves, which is known for long-lasting civil war, as something positive and tell the world that war is not our choice, that we can do better than that and use our influence through art and fashion to help people understand who we are and what we can do if we have true peace and stability in our country, and help South Sudanese refugees. Fashion is very important for our society, and our lives' role allows us to express our personality and tell the world about us.

MODEL: LUAL MAYEN

Samantha, in under a year you've done many fashion-related projects. Congratulations on your continuous growth. Thus far, what is your favourite (s) runway experience(s) and why?

This year I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of DC Fashion Week. Working with so many talented individuals was a true blessing. I walked for many designers from all over the world and had the opportunity to represent French Designer Stephane Koewryn during press night and on a fashion segment for ABC 7 News. He makes beautiful dresses unlike anything you’ve ever seen, starting with sheets of aluminium that he then paints and shapes into dresses!

What can we expect from you in the next 2 years or so?

Exciting things! I’m actually having my first trip to New York this week- hard to believe I’ve never been, having lived so close my entire life! I’m hoping to get involved with agents in the city and learn as much as I can from the fast-paced industry there.

What other talents apart from fashion are you passionately working on?

SAMANTHA MILLER: Makeup artistry has also been a great passion of mine. I have been the resident makeup artist at Reston Studio ( @restonstudio on Instagram) for several months and have been thoroughly enjoying doing makeup for many beautiful models that the studio books. I hope to continue to pursue this and expand into working with bridal and commercial clients to help make people look and feel the best they can!

LUAL MAYEN: I am a public speaker and a game developer, as mentioned previously here in Neecee Lexy Interview. I am passionate about changing the future of the gaming industry through PEACE BUILDING with my Junub Games platform. I am still working on building more games.

MODEL: SAMANTHA MILLER & LUAL MAYEN AT WASHINGTON CD FASHION WEEK

Thank you so much, Samantha and Lual, for the lovely interview. We wish you all the best in your fashion career and all your future projects. We do hope to interview you all soon in the near future. Feel free to reach us at any time! God bless.