Neks2u Model Focus: Deborah Vanessa Owusu-Bonsu

On a trip to Ghana last year, I fell in love with the Vodafone advert,  not because of their supposedly attractive tariff or the strength of their telecommunication signal. It was the beautiful face and personality Vodafone had chosen as an ambassador for the brand. In what was an 8 part series of smart advertising by the good folks at Vodafone Ghana, I was constantly blown away, every time Deborah Vanessa's Owusu-Bonsu's angelic face lit up the TV screen.

Deborah for Vodaphone

Graceful, creative and hardworking Ghanaian model, Deborah has been modeling ever since she was asked by her ballet costume designer, internationally acclaimed Ghana-based Nigerian Jimi Delaja, at the age of eleven to model for her at Kiddafest in 1995.

Born to an Ashanti father and a Romanian mother, Deborah was born and raised in Ghana and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Publishing Studies from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana and a Master Degree in Book and Journal Publishing from the University of the Arts London in England. With both degrees, she specialized in graphic design, illustration and printing (production). 

Deborah models for FOB-ed knits

Aside modeling, she loves swimming, designing artwork, designing clothes, photography and traveling.

Although modeling has always been part time for her, she has landed contracts for brands such as Mawuli Okudjeto, Jimi Delaja, Europcar Ghana, Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant/TV Show, Miss Malaika Ghana Beauty Pageant/TV Show, Tebazile, Vodafone Ghana, Cadbury Canada, Ghana Textiles Print, Woodin, Express (Picos Ltd.), Phamous Philms, Mina Evans, Ose Couture, Charlene Amankwah, FOB-ed Knits, and was crowned First Runner Up Miss Malaika Ghana in 2004.

Modelling for FOB-ed knits

Deborah in a dress made by herself

On the runway for Mina Evans

However, Deborah shared and still shares her passion and knowledge in modeling; in 2008, she co founded an organization in London called Mannequin Academy with her mate and model friend Vanessa Bolosier from Guadeloupe. It’s a workshop aimed at educating aspiring models; they get to experience a unique opportunity to benefit from a thorough insight of the modeling industry and are helped to start a modeling career with confidence and knowledge. Now in Ghana, she voluntarily helps with choreography and catwalk training whenever the need arises.

Deborah has modeled in Romania, Ghana, England, Scotland and Guadeloupe and has been featured in editorials such as FAB, BHF, Orijin, Agoo, Ovation, Applaud Africa. She is down to earth, funny and a pleasure to work with.

For more information, follow Deborah on twitter @deborahvanessa7.