From Kitale, the fertile land of Kenya, a green blossom named Felister Chepchumba is radiantly blooming on the international fashion map. Captivating others not only with her natural beauty and magnetic presence, this young woman carries a bold aspiration: to pursue fashion with integrity—where passion not only celebrates beauty but also creates meaningful value for the world.
Humble origins but a great ambition
Felister Chepchumba was born on March 12 in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County—an area proudly known as the “food basket” of Kenya. Growing up in a setting deeply connected to nature, she was early imbued with the values of simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with the environment. Standing at 1.66 meters with a radiant face, Felister quickly captured attention in the fashion and beauty industry. Yet, what truly earns the respect of others is her idealistic and humanistic approach to life.
From her very first steps into the beauty industry, Felister demonstrated remarkable dedication and professionalism. In 2022, she was honored with the prestigious “Beauty Therapist of the Year” award by the Vera Beauty and Fashion College. This recognition not only affirmed her capabilities but also served as a launchpad for her career, marking the beginning of a journey where outer beauty is harmoniously intertwined with inner values.
Beauty accompanied by green living philosophy
Unlike models who merely grace the runway to showcase physical beauty, Felister chose a more sustainable path: modeling with a purpose to inspire. At the end of 2023, she officially entered the professional fashion scene by competing in Miss Earth Kenya—an international platform where beauty must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and social contribution. There, Felister proved that she is not just a “beautiful face” but also a “powerful spirit”.
Reaching the finals of Miss Earth Kenya gave Felister the opportunity to participate in Eco Fashion Week Africa, a prestigious fashion event focused on the “zero-waste” model. It was in that creative space that Felister deeply realized fashion is not just about aesthetics—it can be a powerful tool to shift social awareness and protect the Earth. From that moment, she set a personal mission: to become a pioneer in sustainable fashion across Africa.
Inspiration from brave role models
Behind every radiant journey lies a quiet flame of inspiration. For Felister, that flame is named Zozibini Tunzi—Miss Universe 2019 from South Africa. With no elaborate makeup and no pressure to conform to Eurocentric standards of straight hair or lighter skin, Zozibini made a powerful statement by winning the crown with her natural hair and confident presence. She compelled the world to rethink its definitions of beauty and the role of Black women on the global stage.
To Felister, Zozibini is more than a beauty icon—she is a shining example of courage. “She taught me that being different is not a weakness, but a strength. You don’t have to look like anyone else to be seen. Be yourself, and the world will have to listen,” Felister shared. Fueled by that inspiration, she continues to stand up for what she believes in, even when the path of sustainable fashion is anything but easy.
From Fashion Ambassador to a community ambassador
The year 2025 marks a major turning point for Felister as she was crowned Miss Eco Kenya at the Miss Face of Kenya competition. This achievement solidified her position on the international beauty map. In April of the same year, she proudly represented Kenya at the Miss Eco International pageant in Egypt, where contestants from around the world came together to advocate for a greener environment and sustainable development.
Not stopping at her title, Felister was also selected as one of the 999 Global Ambassadors for Global Student Fashion Week. In this role, she has the opportunity to spread the message of responsible fashion to a new generation of designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. “I want to use my platform to host workshops, collaborate with young designers, and engage through social media. Fashion is not just about clothing — it’s about how we live and how we respect the world around us,” she affirmed.
Felister Chepchumba is a vivid embodiment of the modern woman: beautiful, independent, and courageous enough to live by her ideals. From Kitale to Egypt, from beauty academies to international runways, she has been steadily crafting her own story — one guided by sincerity and an unwavering spirit. This blooming green flower is not only shining across Africa but is also glowing brightly on the global stage, inspiring countless others to dream boldly, embrace change, and live for something greater.
Catherine | Cameron Truong
