Born in 1983 Menaye Donkor was brought up by her parents in Accra, Ghana, and is the youngest of seven siblings with four brothers and two sisters. She graduated with honors in marketing from York University in Toronto, Canada.
In her early twenties she started modeling after winning the “Miss Universe Ghana 2004” pageant and graced the covers of many magazines in Ghana. She also did editorial work for magazines in South Africa, Milan and Canada.
Menaye is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is married to footballer Sulley Muntari.
Menaye took some time-out while relaxing at home in Milan to answer some questions about her favorite things, modeling, friends and more.
MENAYE’S FAVORITES...
Favorite designers:
I’m not the kind of person who wears designer clothes all the time. It’s impractical and you can get some great stuff on the high street. I have a pair of jeans that I really love and I’ve had for ages – even though they’re ripped, I’ll never throw them out because they’re so comfy! Having said that, I’m lucky enough to have modeled for some incredible designers, and my favourites would have to be Alexander McQueen and D&G. Their clothes make you feel amazing.
Favorite models:
For me, Heidi Klum is not only the ultimate super model, but the ultimate super woman! I really aspire to be like her – she has had a fantastic modeling career, juggles her family life, runs her own business and still manages to look gorgeous. I don’t know how she does it!
Favorite celebrities:
I really admire Beyonce: she’s an incredibly talented and beautiful woman. She is an amazing performer and always puts everything into her work, and her passion shows in her performances. She’s probably one of the most hard-working celebrities out there, and given that she had such humble beginnings, the success she has achieved is even more admirable. She knew what she wanted and was determined enough to get it and become a global superstar.
George Clooney is also a favourite of mine; he is the ultimate Hollywood classic man, and is really charming. I’d love to meet him some day!
Favorite photo shoot locations:
I’ve travelled the world with my work, but my all time favourite photo shoot location has to be Milam. I love the vibe of the city, and the Italians are so passionate about everything, which really shows through in the end result. In America, everything feels a little more rushed, whereas in Italy, they will keep working at something until they get it right.
Favorite travel destinations:
A couple of years ago, I went to Egypt when my husband was playing football there. I visited Cairo and just felt really connected to the place. It’s so interesting and I was fascinated by the history there. I plan to go back with my parents some day. My other favourite holiday destination is Barbados. I love everything about it; the food, the people, the fresh air! It’s the perfect escape.
Favorite food/restaurants:
My favourite dish is banku and okro soup, which is an Afican dish. I also love anything with truffles. My favourite restaurants in Milan is Yacount, where they do a mixture of Moroccan and Italian cuisine. I have tried everything on their menu and their wine list is amazing too! When I’m in London, I got to Le Petit Maison, which is obviously French, and Hakassan, which is fusion cuisine. I’m a real food lover and love to try out new restaurants!
MENAYE ON MODELING, FRIENDS & NEW BEGINNINGS…
EG: Prior to modeling and pageants, what was your teen interest; were you aware of fashion designers and modeling? If so who were your favorites at the time?
MD: As a child and teenager, I was a real tomboy because there were lots of boys in my house. I really looked up to my mum and older sister, though, because they always looked so gorgeous and used to dress up in lovely clothes, so I’d say they were the biggest influence on me becoming interested in fashion.
EG: How has wining Miss Universe Ghana changed your life for the better?
MD: It changed my life in lots of ways. Firstly, it marked the beginning of my modeling career, and secondly, it gave me a platform to launch my charity, the Menaye Foundation.
EG: What was the most difficult thing about the modeling/pageant industry?
MD: Modeling can be a very cruel world, and you have to deal with constant rejection and setbacks. You have to learn not to take it personally and realise that if you don’t get booked, you weren’t right for that particular job but there will be something else for you! I remember one designer called me ‘too cute’, but eventually I found my niche and carved a successful career for myself.
EG: Are you interested enough in fashion to want to eventually become a designer, for instance?
MD: At the moment I have a lot on my plate with the charity and modeling, and also I’ve been taking acting classes as I hope to break into that industry. I might consider designing some day, because I’m a creative person and like sketching. Because I attend lots of events, I can’t be pictured in the same outfit more than once and so I sometimes ask tailors in Ghana to adapt or make me an outfit, which I design myself. I like sketching, so who knows what might happen in the future?
EG: Nowadays, how do you like to dress?
MD: I like to mix high street fashion with couture, but I always make sure I wear good shoes because you have to look after your feet! My passion is shoes, and I have over 400 pairs. In terms of what I wear, I love high street stores like H&M, and often I will wear a cheap top from there with designer jeans. Reiss is my other high street favourite. My favourite designers are Alexander McQueen and Dolce and Gabana. I find that D&G make clothes for ‘real’ women, and the tailoring accentuates a woman’s curves.
EG: What is your favorite clothing items that you would defiantly save if there were a fire?
MD: My favourite item of clothing is actually a pair of old, ripped jeans but they’re so comfy! I have been photographed in them two or three times but I love them. I can dress them up or down, so they’re really versatile.
EG: What are your vices?
MD: There’s nothing like a glass of red wine on the sofa after a hard day’s work! Also, my husband, Sulley, and I spend time cooking together or playing video games, which is nice because we’re both so busy so it’s important to find time to relax together.
EG: What do you like to do in your down time with your girl friends to unwind?
MD: I love spending time with friends and family, and generally when we get together we will go out for dinner and try out new restaurants. I’m a real foodie and spend more money on food than clothes! When I see my family, we normally have a big party. I’m one of seven and so there’s never a quiet moment when all the family is back together again.
EG: What is a perfect day?
MD: No two days are ever the same for me, as I am constantly rushing around or dashing off to a new city or country for work. For that reason, I really cherish my quiet time or the time I get to spend with family and friends. I love just relaxing at home with my husband Sulley – it sounds like a simple thing, but it’s so rare that we both get to put our feet up that it seems like a real treat!
EG: As a role model for younger women (and a pageant winner), do you feel that you have a responsibility to speak-out against issues that affect young women? Is this important or not?
MD: Absolutely. When you’re in the public eye, you need to be careful with how you act, as everything you do is scrutinised. You have a responsibility to younger girls who look up to you, and that starts with your image. When people see celebrities who have lost a lot of weight or have had a drastic image overhaul, they feel like they need to keep up with them to attain the same level of ‘beauty’. The celebrity may have had surgery, but will deny it, but people need to know the truth so that they aren’t constantly striving after some unattainable ideal.
IS THERE LIFE AFTER MODELING/PAGENTS?
EG: A model's career lifespan is not unlike that of a professional athlete. Many girls have their "15 minutes" and fade into the sunset, never to regain that peak experience again.
EG: Is there life after modeling?
MD: Definitely. I still model now and then but now my main focuses lie with my charity work, my property development business and acting.
EG: Tell us about your charity and how if has helped the underprivileged?
MD: The Menaye Foundation was set up in a deprived area of Ghana to help children affected by HIV and AIDS. The school provides education and medication that the children wouldn’t have had access to. This year, we installed an IT suite, and next we will be looking at improving the structure of the whole building because it’s quite old.
