Sera: Pearl Of Africa

"My mother was a single mother who came to America for a better life," Sera adds

[Our Beauty Of The Day]

Where She’s From: Sera Lubowa was born in Uganda, or the “Pearl Of Africa,” as she refers to the country, and raised in Paris, France.

Sera moved to Texas when she was six with her three-year-old brother. “In Uganda, we were raised Muslim; when we came to America, people didn’t even know what that was, so we followed some kids to a Bible Study one day and that’s when my little brother and I discovered Jesus. It was a blessing,” she recalls.

“My mother was a single mother who came to America for a better life,” Sera adds. “She tried her hardest to raise us up right. I had to take care of my little brother and myself from morning till night in these strange new worlds. Although it was hard, I’m glad he was there to keep me company; he was like my little baby.”

Of her mother, she adds: “She’s always been the most beautiful person in the world to me. She taught me to do things myself, to rely on my faith.”

Sera, who finished her certificate in Acting school at age 17, also graduated High School on that same day. She confesses that she’s always been a tomboy and “didn’t like wearing girls’ clothes.” She controlled her anger in High School and helped start the step team; she was later captain.

“Guiding my peers through many victories was what helped me discover my love for performing and leadership,” she recalls. Her determination combines with entrepreneurial spirit. She began sneaking into abandoned warehouses at night with her dancer friends for illegal dance battles.

After months of winning and losing, she wanted more for her skills. “So I began cheerleading for various football teams and Go-Go dancing at clubs with a group I had formed,” she says. “We were the best; got paid and didn’t take off a single item of clothing.”

Yet she was also conflicted. “For me, I was singing in my church choir and felt torn inside between dancing for Satan and singing for God,” she explains, as to why she left the group. When a photographer spotted her in a club and convinced her to take pictures she said she hated modeling.

“After the test shots came out, I was impressed. I loved it,” she concedes. “People are starting to notice me internationally. My name is on websites and newspapers in Africa and it’s still so strange to me.”
Where She’s At: “I want to go back home to my country and plant seeds there for more growth,” she says, when asked about her aspirations. “I want to see my people take back their land.”

“I’m a chocolate girl as many might say,” when asked about challenges in the industry. “We chocolate girls are not usually viewed as beautiful or sexy, or even intelligent. So I’m constantly proving people wrong. People of all races are surprised with what comes out of my mouth and my heart.”

Sera has numerous professional accomplishments in the industry, including features in BHF Magazine, POA Magazine, and Basic Magazine. She’s been on numerous videos, including; David Chris: “Heated and Froze”; David Chris: “Bachelor”; and, Mr. Tadow: “My Woman.” Her many runway shows includes: Dallas Fashion Institute; Baby Phat Summer collection 2005; and, Ngale African Line. Website features includes – www.urbanbasiconline.com, http://urbanstreetz.com and
http://djdona.com/dp/?page_id=187

Sera always advises other aspiring models about the need for education as a foundation. “A person can shut negative people down with intelligence,” she says. “It’s a plus when you have the looks to go along with it but we all know that looks aren’t everything.”

So how does Sera get ready to step out?

“Makeup: Iman, she makes great shades for women of color. Lotions: Vaseline—you can never go wrong with it. Clothing: Everything. I just pick and choose to create my own style and mood. But I love Valentino, he knows a woman’s body. Shoes: I love flip flops, any brand, any color.”

Sera’s Words Of Wisdom:
“When you begin to feel like something is wrong, talk to God and then hit the door.”
Sera’s Secrets Of Success: “Actually listen to the word of God; I can’t go a day without talking to him.”
Sera’s Favorite Three Movies: “Sarafina, The Lion King and The Prince Of Egypt.”
Sera’s Favorite Three Books: “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou; Sarah, by Marek Halter, and Zipporah, by Marek Halter.”
Three Leaders That Have Most Inspired Sera: “Iman, Miriam Makeba, the singer; Joyce Sebugwawo, my grandmother a politician.”
First Three Things Sera Would Do As President: “Change the immigration laws; change the employment laws; and, change the education laws.”
Sera’s Favorite Entertainers And Their Songs: “Miriam Makeba –”Pata Pata”; Yvonne Chaka Chaka- “Mama Land”; Lady Smith Black Mumbazo – “Homeless”; Ziggy Marley – “Tomorrow People”; Toni Braxton – “Let It Flow”; Lucky Dube – “Feel Irie”; Tupac – “Changes”; Philly Lutaaya – “Born In Africa”; Evanescence – “Lithium”; and,  Jose Chameleone – “Nyanja.”
Sera’s Five Favorite Websites: “www.seralubowa.com, www.myspace.com/sera_04www.Musicuganda.com, www.invisiblechildren.com, www.facebook.com.”

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