There is something gently powerful about the way Nika Sogo moves through the world — with intention, softness, and a sense of inner clarity shaped by the lessons life teaches you. In this edition of our 5 Minutes with Model series, the Cape Town-based model reflects on curiosity, conscious living, the importance of stillness, and learning to trust her own inner voice. Captured by Zack van der Merwe, the images feel as effortless and honest as the thoughts she shares with us below.
Tell us a little about yourself — who is Nika beyond the lens?
I’m someone who never gets tired of discovering — new places, people, and new parts of myself. There’s a constant curiosity in me, a desire to move, to feel, and to grow. Beyond the lens, I’m just a woman who wants to experience life fully.
What first drew you to modeling, and do you remember the moment it started to feel like something more than just a curiosity?
I actually started modeling when I was six — I was scouted through my older sister’s agency. As a child, it always felt playful and natural, even though I was incredibly shy and didn’t really want to be seen at first. When my first job came up, my mom simply asked me if I wanted to do it or not — and I said yes. That moment stayed with me, because it felt like a choice that was truly mine. Over time, that curiosity grew into something deeper, and I realized I could turn something I love into my profession.
“Beyond the lens, I’m just a woman who wants to experience life fully.”
How would you describe your personal style, both in fashion and in the way you move through life?
I would describe my style as timeless, elegant, and conscious — both in fashion and in life. Over the past year especially, I’ve learned how important it is to move with intention. Making conscious decisions has brought me a sense of lightness that makes everything feel more aligned and effortless.
There’s often a lot of waiting, rushing, and constant movement in this industry — how do you find moments to slow down?
Over the years, I’ve built a routine that keeps me grounded. I love starting my mornings early, in silence, before the world begins asking anything of me — no emails, no castings, just stillness. I really need that time alone to feel balanced. And on busy days, I try to find small moments to pause, breathe, and just be present.
How did you experience the shoot with Zack van der Merwe?
That shoot with Zack van der Merwe felt incredibly easy and natural from the very beginning. We instantly connected, and there was a relaxed energy that made everything flow. We really embraced the Cape Town atmosphere, and I felt completely free in my movement. Zack created a space where I could just be myself — and I think that’s what made the images feel so honest and effortless.
“There’s always a way forward — giving up is never an option.”
Who or what inspires you at the moment?
My mom, without a doubt. I know it might sound cliché, but she truly is the definition of a strong woman to me. I’ve never met anyone who supports us the way she does, often without many words. From her, I’ve learned that there’s always a way forward, that giving up is never an option, and that I should trust my inner voice.
What is something you are currently learning to let go of?
I’m learning to let go of the opinions of others. It’s something I’m actively working on, especially as a model, where you’re constantly being evaluated. That mindset slowly started to affect my everyday life as well. I’m currently reading The Courage to Be Disliked, which really reflects that journey. My mom once told me, “You’re taking yourself a bit too seriously — people are far more focused on themselves than on you.”
And what is something you are learning to hold onto more tightly?
My inner voice. At the end of the day, you’re the only one who truly knows what you need. I’m learning to trust that more, to express my needs, and to stand by them — because life is too short to live for anything else.
Photography by Zack van der Merwe starring Nika Sogo.
