I have been following Achieng Agutu, the queen of confidence and style for many years. A young woman whose bold presence and infectious energy lights up every corner of the internet she appears in. From her unapologetic self-love mantras to her vibrant, ever-evolving wardrobe, I have watched her personality, style, and voice grow into something truly powerful and magnetic.
Without any anticipation a lovely surprise found its way to me a few months ago in September 2025. There I was in New York City one pleasant warm evening with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week in full momentum swirling all around. The city was electric with yellow cabs rushing past, diplomats and creatives from every corner of the world filling conference halls and here I was attending one of the #UNGA Events at the Africa Center in Harlem. In the middle of the crowd, between the conversations, flashes of color, and creative energy, I spotted her Achieng Agutu. Radiant, grounded, unmistakably herself.
What started as a simple hello quickly turned into an effortless connection. We talked, laughed, exchanged stories, and the chemistry was instant two Kenyan women in the heart of New York sharing space, ideas, and a moment that felt serendipitous. Then she agreed to create time for an interview once her schedule settled, I knew it would be something special. And now, here we are ready to share the great conversation we had.
Your style is boldly maximalist, full of color, print, and energy. What draws you to maximalism, and how do you use it as a form of self-expression or storytelling?
Most of it comes from my family. I was raised in a conservative setting but my parents were very expressive through their style. It did not matter if we were just going for shopping, my dad would always be dressed in a 3-piece suit and my mum dressed to the nine’s. I feel that it forms my Identity as a Kenyan Luo woman who is very proud of her heritage.
I always want to stand out from the crowd. I know I am meant for the stage; I know I am a superstar, and I show that in my dressing. I want to feel bold, confident and this is seen through my clothes. My style also speaks to my growth from being very young when I came to the United States to date where I have a thriving business empire. For a long time, I was bald, I felt that I didn’t know how to express myself without my hair. At the time I would have super extra nails, accessories and outfits that are big and bold to express my personality.
What are your sources of inspiration when curating outfits? Who are some fashion icons that have shaped your sense style?
When it comes to curating my outfits, inspiration often begins with observing Black women and the effortless confidence they bring to their personal style. Their boldness, creativity, and individuality have played a significant role in shaping my own fashion sensibilities. Over time, I’ve developed a strong aesthetic eye—one that allows me to recognize good taste and translate it into looks that feel both intentional and expressive.
My styling choices are also deeply influenced by mood and moment. Fashion, for me, is a form of self-expression, and I’m always drawn to looks that reflect how I’m feeling and who I am in that season. Recently, I’ve been working closely with a stylist to expand my style vocabulary and push beyond my comfort zone.
A perfect example of this evolution was my recent Glamour South Africa magazine cover. We wanted to create a visual narrative rooted in nature—something organic that truly represents me. The result was a fitted, skin-toned top adorned with red floral embroidery, with flowers emerging delicately from every corner. The piece was inspired by striking blooms we encountered on a recent trip, proving once again that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected, yet meaningful, moments.
How has your style evolved over the years from your early days in Kenya to now being a global voice in fashion and confidence?
The biggest evolution in my style journey has been learning to define my own taste and developing a clear, confident voice around what I choose to wear. That growth has gone hand in hand with a profound shift in how I view my body as a curvier woman.
In the early days, I often felt the need to hide. There was a quiet belief that bodies like mine didn’t deserve to be seen, celebrated, or styled with elegance. Dressing was more about blending in than standing out. Over time, however, that narrative began to change.
Through self-discovery and growing confidence, I’ve learned to embrace my body fully. Today, I dress from a place of freedom rather than fear. Whether it’s a bikini or a body-con dress, I wear what I love with comfort and confidence—knowing that my body is worthy of visibility, style, and celebration.
You often challenge global beauty and fashion standards by showing up as your full self. What does authentic representation mean to you in the fashion and digital space today?
We have made headway in the representation of people who look like us, talk like us and have the same shared life experiences in these spaces. When I get into these rooms, I want other women to know that there enough space for all of us to coexist together. We need to see new faces and personalities that reflect cultures, shapes and sizes. In September this year I had the honor of gracing the runway during the L’Oréal Paris Défilé Show at the opening of Paris Fashion week. Many ladies reached out to me saying how they felt represented by seeing someone like them on such a big global stage.
In 2020, you did a mock Vogue Magazine Cover urging the fashion industry to embrace more black women in the covers. Has that been embraced and what opportunities do you see for black women in the fashion and modelling space?
To some extent it has been embraced but there is still so much work to be done. I have realized that we have the power & ability to create our own spaces and curate them with voices that align with our vision. It got quite tiring to constantly reach out to established fashion brands to have people like me represented.
Today, that narrative is shifting. Across the continent, African designers are building remarkable brands rooted in our culture, heritage, and lived experiences. Lagos Fashion Week has emerged as a powerful platform, one where we can express ourselves unapologetically and tell our stories on our own terms.
You have worked with several African designers in the past. What does the future look like for African Fashion on the global stage?
The future of African fashion is very bright. We have a rich depth of culture and storytelling to offer the world, and Africa is steadily becoming a powerful pillar of global fashion. Today, it’s no longer unusual to see African designer pieces worn on the streets of New York and other global fashion capitals.
For my recent Glamour South Africa magazine cover, I was proud to be styled with a headpiece from Kenyan accessory brand Yoshita1967 by Anil Padia This proves that we have the talent, creativity, and global potential for African brands, and we have both the cultural capital and the capability to compete and lead on the world stage.
Affirmations are a big part of your wellbeing. What other wellness routines do you practice in building your confidence and keeping yourself grounded?
Recently I have been leaning more into my faith by praying a lot. I have also been journaling a lot as a means of keeping track of everything that’s happening in my life. Sometimes life can move so fast and I easily forget emotions, experiences or breakthroughs that I have had. Journaling helps me to keep track of my growth journey and teaches me to be present at all times. I also go dancing and take walks as a means of being active and exercising the body.
As a content creator, how have you managed to show up consistently over the years with the same message and energy?
Recently I am learning to just take time for myself. Initially I used to create and post on my best and worst days, and I didn’t have a balance. Just like any other job, I do get burnt out sometimes. But I am learning to take time for myself on days that I am not feeling my best. It’s in these moments that I touch base with family and friends.
My therapist taught me something called “In and Out”. On days that you are feeling low, you can introspect and look inwards into your feelings and moods. Then you can express them by either crying, speaking to someone you love etc. Then you have an outwards activity, this is something that is going to lift your moods back up. It can be dancing, hanging out with friends etc
What activities can young content creators engage in to build confidence and a true community online and in real life?
Just do it. We are often waiting for the right time, right equipment, the right space etc. But you just must start where you are and with what you have. I am developing a system where I act on my ideas as quickly as possible. This helps to get into motion and reducing the overthinking that stalls great ideas.
In building a community, you must have a sense of vulnerability with your content and share your story. The story informs your audience on why you are making the content. I have 3 pillars that I try to tick when I post content: Does this motivate someone? Does this entertain someone? Does this educate someone?
Build your story around these 3 pillars and it will help you become consistent with your narrative, and you will build a community that is authentic and that is here to stay and see you grow.
Your platform currently reflects your taste and culture. How important is it for black creatives to collaborate in building spaces that tell their true history and cultures?
The industry can be lonely at times. It’s important to have a community of friends who are in the same industry, who understand your work and what you are going through. They also help in bouncing back ideas and building some of your projects.
I have two friends who are successful creators. I consistently reach out to them when developing ideas and to consult on industry rates for certain brand deals. Having transparency in the collaboration with industry peers is so important. It helps us to all get fair compensation and to raise industry standards.
If you could describe the legacy of The Confidence Queen, especially for young African women navigating self-image and identity, what would it be?
I want to be remembered as the most unapologetically confident woman in the world. When I was living in Indiana, I felt completely lost. I was trying to figure out what to do with my life applying for graduate school, navigating a painful breakup, and simultaneously attempting to build my social media platform. Everything felt uncertain, overwhelming, and confusing.
During that season, I remember telling a close friend that all I truly wanted was to make people feel good about themselves. To help them feel confident. We sat with that idea for weeks, trying to imagine what it could look like in real life. Eventually, she suggested that I start a blog something I had wanted to do for a long time but had been too afraid to begin.
That blog became my turning point. It was where I started sharing my story honestly, what I was feeling, learning, and what I was going through in real time. To my surprise, people connected deeply with it. They saw themselves in my words. And even now, they continue to resonate with that truth.
What words of advise do you have for your 29 Year old self and for your future 35 Year old self?
To my 29-year-old self:
You did it, girl. Take a moment to breathe it all in. You are living in answered prayers things you once whispered to yourself in moments of doubt. Be proud of how far you have come, not just of what you have achieved, but of the resilience, courage, and self-belief it took to get here. Gratitude will always keep you grounded, so never stop honoring the journey.
To my future 35-year-old self:
Be kind to yourself as you continue figuring everything out. Remember that growth is not linear, and clarity comes in seasons. Trust your intuition, protect your peace, and allow yourself grace when things feel uncertain. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to keep showing up as your most authentic self.