jacket. Onalaja
dress. Rendoll
earrings + necklace. Alexis Bittar
opposite
dress. Onalaja
earrings. Alexis Bittar
bangles. Dinosaur Designs
rings. CASTLECLIFF
Achieng Agutu has become a beacon of self-love, confidence, and representation in the modern digital age. “It’s such a powerful statement to see someone like me in that space,” she says about being the first bald Kenyan model featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. “I want people to know that there is no single standard of beauty. Confidence, happiness, and health come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life.” It’s a mindset she embodies and wants to share with the world, too — and she’s doing just that as a host on Amazon Prime’s #INFLUENCED.
Chatting with Schön!, she opens up about her journey from self-doubt to self-celebration, the importance of representation, and her vision for a more inclusive and vibrant world.
dress. Rendoll
earrings + necklace. Alexis Bittar
bangles + rings. Dinosaur Designs
opposite
dress. Rendoll
earrings + necklace. Alexis Bittar
bangles + rings. Dinosaur Designs
shoes. Hanifa
You’re celebrated as the “Confidence Queen.” What sparked your journey toward embracing self-love and fearlessness, and how did you translate that into a thriving online presence?
I’d say my journey began because I never felt confident in myself before. I wasn’t happy with the way I looked, felt, or moved through the world, and that wasn’t an exciting way to live. I grew tired of feeling that way and decided to change it. In 2017, I started blogging and exploring social media as a way to find things that brought me joy, excitement, and a reason to wake up every day. It was an exhaustion with unhappiness that sparked this shift.
As the first bald Kenyan model featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, what message do you hope to convey about beauty representation and breaking barriers in the fashion industry?
It’s such a powerful statement to see someone like me in that space. I want people to know that there is no single standard of beauty. Confidence, happiness, and health come in all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life. My presence in Sports Illustrated is a reminder that anyone can redefine what’s considered “normal.” I refused to shrink myself to fit into societal standards. Instead, I stayed true to who I am. If I can go from a small city in western Kenya to the pages of Sports Illustrated, then why not you? You can do anything with passion and determination.
dress + stole. Prabal Gurung
earrings + ring (left hand). Louise Olsen
bangles. Alexis Bittar
ring (right hand). Dinosaur Designs
opposite
dress. Rendoll
earrings + necklace. Alexis Bittar
bangles + rings. Dinosaur Design
jacket. The BRAND Label
earrings. Alexis Bittar
necklace + ring. Jovana Djuric
cuff. LaRuicc
How has your Kenyan heritage influenced your approach to life, creativity, and success as a first-generation immigrant in the U.S.?
My culture, especially my tribe’s love for vibrancy and everything extraordinary, has deeply shaped who I am. I want every part of me—my fashion, makeup, jewelry, skincare, and even the way I walk and talk—to reflect my identity as a Black African Kenyan woman. My heritage is full of powerful, trailblazing women, and I hope to channel their energy to influence and uplift others.
Hosting Amazon Prime’s Influence bridges social media and traditional TV. How do you see this format redefining how we consume content and connect with creators?
It’s exciting to merge different internet personalities with shared values and bring them to a platform like Amazon Prime. Social media creators often have close-knit communities, and this show brings those relationships to a larger audience. It’s been amazing to see how creators like myself can translate our voices onto a bigger screen. Hosting has also taught me so much about production, which is a world apart from creating content with just an iPhone!
dress. Onalaja
earrings. Alexis Bittar
bangles. Dinosaur Designs
rings. CASTLECLIFF
opposite
dress. Wanni Fuga
headpiece. J.R. Malpere
earrings. Lizzie Fortunato
necklace. Louise Olsen
With your upcoming confidence tour and advocacy for inclusivity, what does success look like for this initiative?
For me, success is about how people feel. I want attendees to leave feeling seen, respected, celebrated, and inspired to take bold steps in their lives—whether it’s starting a business, applying to a graduate program, or simply wearing an outfit they’ve always wanted to. When people feel empowered, society as a whole moves in a more positive direction.
How did attending the International Women of Courage event at the White House shape your perspective on leadership and advocacy?
It was incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by women who’ve endured so much yet continue to lead with love and grace. It reminded me that women truly rule the world, and I aspire to be like the phenomenal women I saw there.
jacket. Onalaja
dress. Rendoll
earrings + necklace. Alexis Bittar
opposite
dress. Onalaja
earrings. Alexis Bittar
bangles. Dinosaur Designs
rings. CASTLECLIFF
You wear many hats—hosting, modelling, exploring DJing—how do you balance these passions while staying true to your mission of motivating others?
Self-care is my foundation. I lean on my loved ones, including my parents, siblings, and therapist, to recharge. My community, both online and offline, keeps me going. Their messages and support remind me why I do what I do.
What can we expect from you in 2024?
Expect more vibrancy, fashion, and excitement! I’m pushing for people to prioritize themselves and embrace their fullest potential. This year has already been incredible, and I’m ready to close it with peace and love while looking forward to an even brighter future.
dress + stole. Prabal Gurung
earrings + ring (left hand). Louise Olsen
bangles. Alexis Bittar
ring (right hand). Dinosaur Designs
opposite
dress + stole. Prabal Gurung
earrings. Louise Olsen
#INFLUENCED is streaming now on Prime.
photography. Sage East
fashion. Anthony Pedraza
talent. Achieng Agutu
make up. Maria Ortega @ South James using MAC Cosmetics
photography assistant. Garren Pryce
fashion assistant. Nailah Griffin
interview. Alper Kurtel
