Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

Know this today that modesty isn’t just defined by your outward appearance,

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but what comes from within you; in the way you think, speak, and treat other people.

Your modesty should flow from inside-out.

Via David Oletu (DCM)

If your mind is not tamed, incorporating it into your lifestyle will be difficult,

because we currently live in a world that is influenced by modernisation, and everyone wants to copy the ‘other culture’.

I believe it is a personal preference, and as I have made modesty my personal choice with the help of the Holy Spirit,

I am constantly reminded that there is a higher power I serve, in the person of God, and my body is His temple.

And, however I dress, is to first of all glorify Him before thinking of what other people think about me, either at work or in my daily life.

We can change and influence society into doing what is right by raising our children properly and starting to tell them now what is best for them

so that when they go out and see the wrong things,

they can easily identify it and they will have the self-confidence to keep sticking to what is right.

Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, it’s refreshing to encounter individuals who unapologetically stay true to their values and principles.

Sussan Igboanugo, a Nigerian model, digital creator, and event planner, is one such individual.

Sussan is redefining the fashion industry’s standards!

As a faith-based fashion influencer, her story is woven with threads of passion, purpose, and perseverance,

inspiring countless young women to embrace their unique beauty, self-worth, and spiritual identity.

In an industry often associated with superficiality and compromise, Sussan boldly champions modesty, self-respect, and inner beauty.

Her platform serves as a haven, where faith and fashion intersect, and where women can find encouragement to stay true to themselves.

Through her work, Sussan seeks to challenge societal norms and promote a culture of modesty,

empowering women to recognize their inherent value and worth.

Her dedication to her craft and her faith have earned her recognition and admiration from peers and fans alike.

In this exclusive conversation, Sussan Igboanugo opens up about her life, values, and passions,

sharing insights on her faith journey and how it influences her career, the importance of modesty in fashion and everyday life,

overcoming criticism and staying true to oneself, empowering young women through faith-based fashion,

and her vision for a more inclusive and value-driven fashion industry.

Join us as we delve into the insightful and inspiring story of Sussan Igboanugo!

Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

DCM: Can we meet you?

Sussan: Hello, my name is Sussan Igboanugo.

I’m 30 years old. I am a fashion enthusiast, a model, a digital creator, and an event planner.

I was born in Lagos -Nigeria and brought up in Abuja,Fct,Nigeria where I had my nursery, primary, and secondary school.

Then, I moved to Anambra State, which is my state of origin, to further my education at the tertiary institution,

where I spent four years studying mass communication at Tansian University, Anambra State.

I am a Christian, a lover of God who believes God is the centre of it all.

My debut modelling was at age 10 when I was contracted to be the face of a medical company.

Then, in 2019, I contested for Miss Nigeria.

Though I didn’t make it to the finals due to health reasons, I won the title of Miss Congeniality, meaning “the most friendly”.

And it came with a lot of packages.

Well, this further encouraged me and launched me into my modelling career fully.

I have featured in some commercials and editorial shoots and a few runway shows.

Currently, I am more into digital creation and event planning, that notwithstanding, I haven’t left fashion aside because it is now a lifestyle.

I have now translated it into faith-based, where I preach modest fashion with my dressing and talk about Jesus.

It’s something I love to do, and I currently have some young ladies I’m guiding into the aspect of portraying modesty in fashion.

I think that’d be all about myself for now.

DCM: What does modest fashion mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your daily life and career?

Sussan: For me, modest fashion is a personal preference that defines my spirituality, and it has become a lifestyle that,

whether I’m going for anything professional or leisure, I must appear modest.

Though, as a fashion enthusiast, I would want to match up to fit the occasion, I always have it in mind that I must come out modest.

So, it has to do with the mindset.

And if your mind is not tamed, incorporating it into your lifestyle will be difficult,

because we currently live in a world that is influenced by modernisation,

and everyone wants to copy the ‘other culture’.

If your mindset is not tamed and cultured, you will end up feeling intimidated and getting carried away by what other people are wearing when you go to work or other occasions.

So, I believe it is a personal preference, and as I have made modesty my personal choice with the help of the Holy Spirit,

I am constantly reminded that there is a higher power I serve, in the person of God, and my body is His temple.

And, however I dress, is to first of all glorify Him before thinking of what other people think about me, either at work or in my daily life.

Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

DCM: How do you believe modesty can impact a young woman’s self-esteem and body image?

Sussan: The reason a young woman chooses modesty will determine if the impact will be positive or negative on the young woman’s self-esteem and body image.

If she is not ‘personally’ choosing to be modest, then she will be negatively impacted,

because whatever people say or wherever she goes, she might want to change her mind or feel less of herself if she dresses modestly.

But if this decision she is making is from within as a form of respect to her faith or any ‘personal’ related reasons,

then she will confidently raise her head high wherever she goes in a modest dress/outfit,

being proud of her body and holding up the truth that she is a woman created by God.

DCM: What are some common misconceptions about modesty that you’d like to address?

Sussan: I believe there are a thousand and one misconceptions,

but I’d like to address this very common one that I know I have also suffered,

which is people feeling like you dress modestly because you are holier than thou—they call you ‘Holy Mary, Overrighteous,’ etc.

I want people to understand today that modesty doesn’t necessarily mean that it is about faith or spirituality.

Some people, first of all, were raised morally, so they grew up with it; they can’t help but dress decently.

While Some other people made a decision to dress modestly, probably because of their body size or weight,

and covering up their body is more respectable and fits them better.

Some people dress modestly because that is just their fashion preference, not because it is attached to anything.

And Some other people dress modestly because they respect the opposite sex—

they just try to cover their body properly and look good so that they do not trigger anything negative from the opposite sex.

So, people have different reasons they dress modestly.

It is not necessarily about being holier than thou or “over-righteous”.

It is just personal and probably moral upbringing.

DCM: What are some ways to promote a culture of modesty and respect in our society?

Sussan: There are numerous ways we can promote a culture of modesty in our society.

One very important one I would like to address is the way we raise our children,

because, at that very young age, they don’t have a mind of their own.

This is where parents come into the picture to curb their little ones.

When you dress them to church, parties or various other occasions; what do you dress them in?

Because as you keep revealing their bodies, they get comfortable with it and it becomes a norm for them.

And When you keep dressing them modestly, they will grow up to understanding that it is the proper way.

I remember in my church in the children’s Sunday school, the priest would always give gifts to children who dressed modestly to church,

and this prompted children to tell their parents, “Mummy, I don’t want to wear this; this is what I want to wear. I want to look like this; I want to look better this way.”

And, I can tell you for sure, after up to six to seven Sundays,

most of the children in Sunday school started dressing really well because they wanted to get gifts for dressing well.

Now, back to parents.

We don’t have to go all this way to get you to do what is right.

Let us start to catch them very young.

We can change and influence society into doing what is right by raising our children properly and starting to tell them now what is best for them;

So that when they go out and see the wrong things, they can easily identify it and they will have the self-confidence to keep sticking to what is right.

And So, it is possible to promote the culture of modesty, starting with the way we raise our children.

Also, through faith-based modest fashion blogging, like what I do,

we can preach and wear nice clothes to promote the culture of modesty.

However, more importantly, let us catch them young.

Starting with our children will help in influencing other children.

If they are raised with that pattern, it will be difficult for society or the world to influence them to do the opposite of what is right.

Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

DCM: How can we support and uplift one another as women in our pursuit of modesty and faith?

Sussan: Speaking of support and upliftment, I was raised in a very moral manner, be it in dressing, character, etc.

But it got to a point in my career that I compromised, and I was not proud of it.

When I did those things that did not portray me as a woman

or someone whom my mom has raised to a moral standard or someone who represents Christ, I felt my conscience pricking me so much.

So, I believe many women are struggling with this challenge right now.

Also, there are some who do not even have the money to buy clothes, so using that as an excuse, they put on whatever they see or have.

Now, starting with the first factor I raised, we cannot solve everybody’s problem,

but we can pick one or two young ladies and mentor them, just like the few girls I am presently trying to guide through fashion and modelling.

This is where to start from.

I am trying to make them understand that when they are launched fully into the modelling industry,

they should remember that there is something they stand for, which is modesty, faith, and respect for people.

Addressing the second factor,

since we know that some of these young women do not have much, and this is why, through faith-based modest fashion vlogging,

we try to show them how they can dress modestly without breaking a bank and equally go as far as suggesting cheap markets they can shop in.

Furthermore, we can also carry out an outreach where we give out modest clothes to young ladies for free.

They will be happy to wear it because they don’t have to use their money to buy it.

So, some of these things are ways we can support and uplift each other.

Many people are struggling right now to maintain their morals, the way they were raised and their faith, because the world is very challenging and influential.

But, whenever we come together as women, be it in church or at work, the way we carry ourselves should be able to paint a bright picture of Christ to others—

our dressing, our composure, and the way we speak to other people who are still struggling to get to that point should shine the light.

Do not condemn but make them understand.

You might not necessarily even speak so much, your appearance would do the speaking.

Some young ladies are watching you, and they are gradually taking after you, so lead by a good example.

DCM: How do you handle criticism from others in the fashion industry who may not understand or agree with your values?

Sussan: As regards fashion and the industry, if it were to be 7-10 years before now, handling criticism would have been a disaster for me.

But I am grateful to God for how far He has brought me by the power and grace of His Spirit in me.

I now have the confidence because I know who I revere.

As much as modesty in fashion are personal decisions, as I said earlier, it translates to my spirituality and the higher power I revere, which is God Almighty.

I remember that at some auditions I went to some years ago,

they told me what I was going to do and wear, and I declined, because it opposed my believe.

I was very young then to have had such confidence and they thought I was weird.

I’ve been criticised in my face and even ‘behind my back’,

but trust me, I really do not care about these things, not because of me, but because of God in me.

Early this year, I went for my fitting session for a fashion show, and when I saw that the clothes they presented to me didn’t align with my faith and beliefs, I politely declined.

But, God being faithful, I just believe to the glory of His name that there is a reward He gives to those who diligently follow Him.

They changed my clothes and respected my decision. They didn’t send me away.

So, I believe, the more you allow the power of God to work in you, not because of what people say or what you feel,

but because He is God, the more people will begin to bow down before His presence in you.

Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

DCM: What advice would you give to young Christian women who want to pursue a career in fashion while maintaining their modesty and values?

Sussan: My advice to young women is that, as much as we live in an influential world, you must know where you are coming from and know who you serve.

First of all, remember that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

So, it doesn’t matter what you get to lose, what people get to say, or what they think about you.

Before you go into the modeling/fashion industry, be sure you are backed up by God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

and once they are before of you, every single decision you make will be influenced by them and not by the world.

And if you need or have to lose anything, be it contracts or jobs, because you choose to do what is right, trust me,

there are bigger fishes that are awaiting you.

God himself will sign you up by His grace.

I am a living testimony.

I have declined gigs and jobs because they didn’t align well with my faith, but I know the rewards that came afterwards.

Now, aside from earthly rewards, there is the biggest reward of them all, which is eternal life, and we all look forward to it.

Being modest doesn’t just have to do with your physical appearance.

But modesty portrays the inner beauty God has put in you, which is His spirit.

Know this today that modesty isn’t just defined by your outward appearance,

but what comes from within you; in the way you think, speak, and treat other people.

Your modesty should flow from inside-out.

DCM: What are your long-term goals for your career and advocacy, and how do you see yourself continuing to make an impact?

Sussan: My long-term goal is to start up a fashion clothing brand to promote modesty.

And then, establish a models management program for young girls who have a passion for fashion to begin right now, at a very young age, to toe the line of modesty.

One out of these two, I have started fully, which is models management, where I connect young girls to modest fashion brands that they can model for.

Though these two goals tally.

We can also partner with other clothing brands who have the heart for modesty to plan fashion shows, fashion campaigns, and even photoshoots.

We can partner with creatives that have the same mindset in order to spread our tentacles in the society—countrywide and even globally.

I have seen some other clothing brands that are faith-based abroad, so I believe a partnership is possible.

And, in order to keep impacting the lives of people through modest fashion, I will continue talking about Jesus while looking beautiful and modest.

Sussan Igboanugo: Faith-based Fashion Model Inspiring Modesty

DCM: Lastly, could you share with us your unforgettable testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace in your life and career?

Sussan: Trust me, every day of my life is a testimony.

The fact that I can breathe, and that God gives me the opportunity every day to do better than the previous day even when I am not worthy, is a testimony.

But, if I should mark events, it will be about my health—the fact that I had moments in my life where my health determined my life—my existence.

I remembered how in 2018, I almost said my last prayer.

And I was always so sick that even the medical practitioners got very used to me. That was how bad it was.

Yes, I always visited and stayed in the hospital. Because I was often sick.

And I had severe crises back-to-back, from one episode to another.

Consequently, I was given different kinds of drugs from different states, pharmaceuticals, etc., that I started having hair loss and decided to cut my hair.

But God showed me mercy and pulled me out of that space. He worked on my mind and taught me how to focus on Him.

Now, I can see my health challenge as a gift and a blessing.

As much as I’ve experienced pain—deadly painful episodes, moments where I live on oxygen., etc…the good news is, I now see it differently.

I believe that God has healed me, and the miracle and testimony is that it is not just the physical healing;

it is the healing of my mind, where even if this pain still pops up once in a while,

or I feel down once in a while, I no longer see this health challenge with the mindset I used to.

I was once controlled by it, but now I am living above it.

So, I see it as a gift—an opportunity to carry my cross and follow Christ,

for He says those who want to follow Him should pick up their crosses and follow Him.

And, I believe, this is a gift, in form of a cross that always mirrors the suffering Christ endured for me, whenever I am going through this pain.

No matter how excruciating it gets—I might be crying and gnashing my teeth—

but there is something in me that always tells me that this God is a good God, and this is a divine opportunity to share in Christ’s passion.

This is a testimony I will always hold on to.

My life is a testimony,

so, I can’t really pick a particular event because I have had many near-death experiences with this health challenge,

but here I am 30 years after, breathing, living above it, living my life and dreams and loving God even more.

So, it is a huge testimony to be able to see beyond the challenges, give thanks to God,

express my love for Him and remind Him of my trust in Him, even in tears and anguish from the pains caused by the sickness.

All of these are not by my power or might or that I am worthy, but by the grace, love and mercy of God.