« Je suis autiste et alors ? » : Data scientist, égérie de la mode, le parcours hors norme d'Amina Mbengue
A data scientist by training, digital entrepreneur, and brand ambassador for major companies, Amina Mbengue embodies a versatile and forward-thinking generation of young Senegalese. Born in New York and raised in Senegal, the founder of Plume and Pixxel Web Design studio effortlessly blends the rigor of artificial intelligence with the world of fashion. In an interview with Seneweb, she discusses her academic journey, her notable appearance in VJ's latest music video, and breaks the taboo surrounding her autism—a personal struggle she intends to transform into a social commitment.
Why did you return to Senegal immediately after your studies, when many emigrants manage their businesses from abroad?
Amina Mbengue: Throughout my stay in the United States, I dreamed only of returning to my native country to serve it, out of pure patriotism. Even though I had the option of managing my activities remotely, it was essential for me to be there in person.
You were married and then divorced in the meantime. Do you think that marriage can slow down women's careers, especially in the fashion industry?
No, marriage cannot hold a woman back. It's a matter of personal conviction: you have to be able to balance your professional and family life. As for me, marriage hasn't held me back at all.
On social media, many people mistake you for a professional model because of your presence. Is that your calling?
It's true that this visual ease comes quite naturally to me, but I'm not a professional model. I'm passionate about fashion. My family and friends encouraged me to post content on social media. Subsequently, several local and international brands noticed me and offered me the opportunity to be their brand ambassador.
Do you ever have to wear clothes, shoes or wigs that you don't feel comfortable in during a commercial shoot?
When companies contact us, they first present the products they want to showcase. We then check if these products align with our style and values. If they don't, we discuss this before finalizing the terms of the contract.
You hold a Master's degree in Data Science. How do you use these skills to serve your clients at Plume and Pixxel Web Design Studio?
Most often, companies' databases remain untapped. My role is to analyze this data to understand the causes of declining sales, customer loss, or a financial crisis. Based on this diagnosis, I propose strategic solutions to revitalize their business.
You stated that you use artificial intelligence to design advertisements. How does this translate in concrete terms?
Take the example of a hair salon: usually, to get an appointment, you have to call. I developed an automated booking solution that assigns slots based on the establishment's availability, directly via the database and without human intervention, thanks to AI.
How did you end up appearing in the music video for "Baby Girl" by the artist VJ?
Initially, I applied for an advertising campaign, but the role of brand ambassador had already been filled. The team then offered me a part in VJ's music video. After analyzing the concept, the song's theme, the outfits, and the art direction, I felt the project was a good fit for me and I accepted.
What impact did this first experience in a music video for a very popular artist have on your career?
It was a fantastic experience. Since the release of the video, I've seen a significant increase in my social media followers and gained much greater visibility.
Given your profile, do you envision walking the catwalk one day?
Honestly, I don't see myself as a runway model. I'm much more comfortable during photo shoots and video shoots for brands than on a catwalk.
As a citizen, do you plan to get involved in social work in Senegal?
Yes, I would like to create a social structure to help autistic people. I am personally affected by autism, which runs in my family. My goal is to raise awareness and prove that autism has nothing to do with madness, but that people with this condition possess a different and remarkable intelligence.
Social media is sometimes the scene of rivalries, clashes, and scandals. What is your position on these excesses?
I refuse to condone this. Personally, I distance myself from such inappropriate behavior. As content creators, we have a responsibility to set a good example for young people.
How do you reconcile your entrepreneurial career and family life, being a mother of a 10-month-old baby?
I am fortunate to have a wonderful family who will support me on a daily basis and take care of my child when I am held back by my professional obligations.
What are your short-term and long-term plans?
In the short term, I'm focused on my child and growing my business. In the longer term, I hope to collaborate with large corporations to accelerate digital transformation and the integration of AI in Senegal. Furthermore, I will soon be joining an oil company as a Data Scientist.
Commentaires (17)
elle meme dit qu'elle revient au PAYS NATAL (Senegal)......c'estquoi la bonne info?
Je suis toujours ébahi par le nombre de commentaires négatifs. Triste Sénégal. La dégénérescence.
Bravo girl, que Dieu t'accompagne.
Merci.
D'où tenez-vous cette information? Oubien est-ce juste pour avoir un titre accrocheur?
Soyez humble et professionel moo gueune diayoubi
Best,
Une mama
Je vous souhaite une bonne reussite et beaucoup de courage.
au Senegal il faut du courage.. il y a beaucoup de mechants.. je vous le dis bien ma fille.
Go straight to the GOAL, you are winning well
Be productive first
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