Scovia Miruka aka Just Scovia is a lifestyle and fashion blogger and influencer. She is known for her great fashion sense and skincare tips that she shares on her digital platforms. Nailantei Norari caught up with her to learn more about her style.

When did your interest in fashion start?

I have always loved fashion ever since I was a young girl. I was always that girl who would cut my mum’s bedsheets to make myself clothes.

Of course this would get me into trouble most of the time, but dressing up is something I have always loved doing.

I knew what I wanted to wear and was willing to source for it even if it meant getting thrashed. This is what I call commitment to fashion.

Where do you get your style inspiration?

I get it from my mother who is a tailor and has always been particular in what she dressed us in.

I remember being among the first to wear ‘hipsters’ in my hood as a child. My mum has always been quite fashionable. If I am just half as fashionable or as tasteful as she is, I think I’d be fine. 

What does fashion and image mean to you?

Fashion and image to me is how I decide to present myself to the world every day.

It is part and parcel of my personality. It introduces me before I say a word. I believe fashion is important in that it can be a tool that one can leverage and wield expertly in order to sway people to a predetermined outcome, especially since humans are impressionable.

How can you describe your fashion?

My style is bold, classy with a touch of Afrocentric fashion. It has evolved over time, as I have moved from being dressed by my mum to knowing my body and dressing it myself.

I have also experimented a lot over time to learn what works on my body and what doesn’t. 

What do you hope to achieve with the influencing and your YouTube channel?

I started the channel (Just Scovia) in 2018 with the hope to inspire more women to live more boldly and beautifully within and without.

On it, I talk about my personal life, real life issues, and also share beauty hacks and lifestyle tips.

I hope to use the platform to inspire the young generation and also hope to create a brand that can outlive me. 

Why do you talk a lot about your skin and skincare?

The skin is the largest organ on our body. It needs proper care for it to thrive.

Beautiful skin will boost your confidence and will provide a good canvas for make-up, which is fashion for the face.

Great skin and great make-up make a nice foil for any outfit. Having struggled with my skin for a while before I learnt how to better take care of it and nourish it, I know firsthand how it can affect self-esteem.

It is therefore my aim to share freely the information I discovered. 

Your best fashion buy is…

Some navy blue Levi jeans I bought three years ago that are still as good as new. They are such a versatile piece and go with everything. 

Which Kenyan fashion brands do you like?

I personally love pieces by Brigid Momanyi whom I work closely with to create amazing fashion pieces.

I also admire and love pieces by the Native Woman and Shop New Level by Nancie Mwai.

What’s in your purse?

Sunscreen, Vaseline lip balm and Yves Rocher travel-size perfume. We will talk about the perfume and how it introduces you to those you meet another day if you let me, right?

Do you have style icons that you look up to?

I do. Locally, I love Joy Kendi; her fashion is to die for. Internationally, it has to be Asiyami Gold from Nigeria and New York-based Jessica Wang.

Any skincare and fashion advice for our audiences you can share?

Wear sunscreen whether it’s sunny or rainy. If you are out in the sun, reapply sunscreen, and don’t forget that your lips need sunscreen too.

Fashion wise, if a piece can’t be worn in more than three ways, don’t buy it.