Proving that beauty radiates from within, Hamptonite and model Flaviana Matata shares her mission to empower through education.
Pat Bo swimsuit; Christian Dior necklace and earrings; Fendi sunglasses; Alexis Bittar bracelets; Bucherer Fine Jewelry rings.
What inspired you to start the Flaviana Matata Foundation (flavianamatatafoundation.org) and its mission?
I have seen the power in community and nurturing that community since I was a child. I was fortunate to have options. My father worked very hard to ensure I could not only go to school but finish as well. There are so many young girls in Tanzania who didn’t have the same options and opportunities that I had. I made it my mission to use my platform and myself as a conduit to give back and provide tools for adolescent girls and young women to get an education.
How has your career in modeling influenced or supported your philanthropic work with the foundation?
My career was the only driver of funding and support for the organization in the beginning. Initially, we weren’t raising much money, so modeling financed our operations and programs. COVID was the turning point and served as a wake-up call and reminder that the organization would not be sustainable if it keeps mainly relying on me to maintain it, and that is when I decided to build a solid permanent team and a board to help do the work instead of just having volunteers. Honestly, I am super grateful for the people and organizations like Diamonds Do Good, Kenneth Cole Foundation, Girls Opportunity Alliance (Michelle Obama and her team), Siya Madikane, Segal Family Foundation, Saks and everyone who has been supportive of our work. Also, to all the clients I have worked with for years in my modeling career because they have helped me to be able to contribute a certain percentage of my income to the foundation.
The Flaviana Matata Foundation focuses on empowering girls and young women in Tanzania. Can you discuss a specific program or project that you feel has made a significant impact?
All of our programs are impactful, and each one is complementary by design. Our main goal is to address the challenges that adolescent girls and young women are facing to get an education, so we provide scholarships. However, what we learned is that scholarships alone are not enough. Just because girls are in school doesn’t mean they’re learning. There are so many barriers, like lack of proper infrastructure in schools, wash facilities, access to period products and more. We develop all our programs based
on the actual needs to ensure the greatest effect. Not only do we provide scholarships, but we also ensure that each recipient receives mentorship. Many have become pharmacists, engineers, teachers, community workers and more. We don’t just provide a scholarship for a year; they become family, and we work with them through college graduation and internships. We also work with parents, teachers and communities to make sure they are part of everything we do for sustainability of the programs.
Modeling often comes with a platform and a voice. How do you use your visibility to raise awareness about the challenges adolescent girls and young women face in Tanzania?
There are so many issues affecting so many across the globe. I have chosen to focus my attention, platform and voice on empowerment of girls through education. This education also includes mental health, menstrual health hygiene management and sexual reproductive health rights education, as all of these affect the overall well-being of not only young girls but women in general. If I’m being honest, and if you ask people who are close to me and the work we do, I don’t share enough about the work we’re doing and the change we’re leading. Although I speak often about periods, women’s wellness checkups, and the education of girls and women, what I show on social media pales in comparison to what we do. I prefer action and believe in being on the ground to do the work. Although expensive, I travel back home to Tanzania three or four times a year—many times at my own expense—to ensure I remain visible to those we directly impact. I understand the transformative opportunities that come when people are aware of
what you’re doing, so I’m committed to doing better.
Zimmermann swimsuit; Gucci shorts; Patcharavipa earrings.
Can you talk about a moment or experience with the foundation that has been particularly rewarding or transformative for you?
I miss so much sometimes, but last year, I was fortunate to be back home for our girls’ graduation. They brought their families, and it was life-affirming to see them succeed, knowing the work we do is providing a pathway to achieve it. Those little moments continue to change everything for me. Knowing the knowledge/ education we provide, period products we provide that cost $35 for a year to keep them in school, and the latrines we built provide healthy cleaning facilities, and the buildings (classrooms, libraries, teachers’ housings) we erect provide a safe place to learn. This fuels me, unlike anything else in life.
How do you balance the demands of your modeling career with your commitment to your foundation's work?
It is hard and is not easy. I not only have my modeling career and the foundation, but I also have a for-profit business, Lavy, and each entity requires so much of me. I have gotten quite good at delegating my time and ensuring I’m prioritizing and integrating where I can. Sometimes you’re like, oh, my God, how did I end up here? But for some reason, I keep doing it, and I’m grateful to my amazing team on the ground. Having a supportive agent and team is crucial in helping to maintain progression.
As someone who enjoys spending summers in the Hamptons, what do you love most about your time there? One thing I love about the Hamptons is that it’s where you get to reconnect with friends from the city when they’re not in work mode. The city is always about work, so it’s the best time to let down your hair, relax and eat great food! I’m not a party girl, but I live for connection, so it’s all about reconnecting with my people.
Fitness is essential for a successful modeling career, especially during swim season. What does your fitness routine look like during the summer?
I actually don’t like working out, so I can’t say I’m a particularly fit person, but because of my lifestyle, I’m able to maintain my physique and nutrition. I do notice how age is starting to affect me, so I remind myself that if I don’t like something, I can change it. The results I want I’ll see from the actions I put in.
Nutrition also plays a big role in staying runway-ready. Could you share some insights into your diet and how it supports your busy lifestyle?
I don’t believe in dieting. I eat whatever I want but believe in moderation for everything and smaller portion sizes. It’s so important to listen to your body and pay attention to how foods make you feel. I also love to cook, so I do so a lot. That way, I know exactly what’s going into my food and I’m able to choose better options. I don’t like junk food, and breakfast is definitely my favorite meal. Plus, I drink tea after every meal, and it absolutely helps with proper digestion.
Louis Vuitton swimsuit; Polo Ralph Lauren pants; KBH Jewels necklaces; Simon G. earrings and bracelet; State Property bracelet; MACADAM bracelet; Autry sneaker.
What are some of your summer skincare secrets to share? What does your skincare routine look like this time of year?
I actually had a challenge with my skin last summer. The air is much too polluted in New York, so summer was brutal. It’s important to remember that what you put into your body matters most. Be mindful of what you’re consuming as it directly affects your skin. Food within first, products later. Moisturize and use sunscreen consistently! It’s not an option for healthy skin. Unfortunately for me, most sunscreens don’t work for my skin, but I finally found one that actually works for my skin, La Mer. In addition to my regimen this summer, I walk around with my UV umbrella, as we all know that sun is the No. 1 cause of aging. I always remind people to never, ever go to bed without washing your face, and I live by products from brands like La Mer, Lanco?me, Noble Panacea, Borghese and Darphin. I’m such a skincare junkie, and I try a lot of products, but the brands mentioned above are my staples.
What are some of your favorite spots in the Hamptons?
The Hamptons have some ofthe best restaurants and foods, and in my opinion, it’s literally built for relaxation. My favorites are Tutto and Le Bilboquet. I don’t spa in the Hamptons, but laying by the pool and eating is an absolute must! I can eat, lounge, relax and be in bed before midnight since I don’t go out to parties unless I really have to. Wins all around!
Styled by: Gabriela Langone
Style assistant: Rayner Reyes
Hair and makeup: Craig Honeycutt
Shot on location at 40 Deforest Road, Montauk, available through Erica Grossman, Douglas Elliman and Hedgerow Exclusive Properties, [email protected]
Photography by: BEN WATTS
