Growing up Ugandan born model and actress Atim Birungi- p’Oyat wanted to be an actress. She came into the industry in March 2006 and since then she has done quite a lot in her profession, getting roles in TV shows such as ‘Law and Order Criminal Intent’, Life on Mars and ‘Like We Wasn’t People’; a theatre production. She has also walked the runway for top designers such as Adele Yen, Shan Keith, House of Chappelle and Cp Fusao.
A true definition of beauty and brains, the 26 year old has also pursued a degree in Real Estate concentrating in Construction and Design Management.
I met Atim virtually and she has been a great source of encouragement and inspiration. This month I want to share with you her story, her faith, life and profession.
Who is Atim?
First and foremost, I am a daughter of God who was born to the parents of Goretta Birungi and John p’Oyat in Kampala, Uganda 26 years ago. Being the middle child of five and the youngest of three daughters, I can say I’ve been blessed to learn some of life’s obstacles through observation rather than experience. In spite of the limited provision my father was able to give me, he made it his ultimate purpose to make sure his children understood that there was a Father who was more than capable to provide what he could not and that we should always seek Him first above all else. For that, I will forever be grateful to him.
Unfortunately, I can now only express that gratitude by continuing to rise above the stumbling blocks of life, despite my father's passing. Isolation, physical illness, death, relational betrayal, desertion, and psychological instability these are all enemies I’ve had to subjugate. Admittedly, there were times (even now) I staggered through, ready to wave my soiled white flag and plead, “I give up, you win” and be dragged to the enemy’s terrain. But then suddenly, a voice within whispers, “Bent but not broken. Get back up”. And so, I do.
Outside of the fashion and entertainment industry, I’m a business management student at CUNY, an intern at Black Star News, and an NYC volunteer. All in all, take away those titles and I’m simply a young woman journeying through life, keeping an open mind about forthcoming possibilities.
What was your first ever modeling assignment and how was it?
My first modeling assignment was actually a simple portfolio buildup for myself, the photographer, and the makeup artist involved. Having come in to the industry without experience, I wasn't aware of the scam artists pretending to be professionals. The photographer sold me a phony package deal. Basically, it would be two photo shoots (one in a studio and the other on location) of which I had to pay in full after my first session. Anyhow, as I was preparing for the second shoot proposed to be taken by the lake, I found out that the photographer had jetted town, was behind on studio rent, and owed so many IOU's to just about everyone he was collaborating with. That was an eye opener. I'm more careful now when I go to castings now.
Since you launched your modeling career how has the experience been?
Pursuing this career has been an eye-opening experience for me. So far, I’ve learned that the industry is unyieldingly comfortable with the lack of diversity within it. One’s silver spoon is often the collateral that offsets another’s painstaking work effort. Nonetheless, I’m continuously learning how to accept rejection, extract the negative criticism, and apply the positive elements to my future relations. On a brighter note, I’ve discovered that underestimating the Five Ws can cause an open door, intended for you to walk through, to be slammed and locked in your face. The biggest breakthroughs may sometimes come in seemingly small opportunities.
As a Christian in the industry have you encountered challenges and if so,how do you manage?
As a Christian in this industry, one has to truly make sure they set time aside for God. It's easy to be led astray given the deception, bribery, and self-gratifications of the "elite" class. Intimacy with Him brings the grace needed to overcome the struggles and stay persistent in my journey.
Has there been a point in your life when you felt like giving up and why?
Yes, in this industry you get a lot of rejections. You can go from casting to casting and audition to audition and still come out with no booking. Dry seasons can cause you to have wandering thoughts about getting a job with a “steady paycheck” but then again, no job is guaranteed to be secure.
How do you integrate your real estate major and modeling?
The entire whole world is fully aware of the calamity taking place in third-world countries. However, there needs to be a direct recognition of the cause and affect implications regarding the lack of housing within these nations. We need to first acknowledge the role we play in their current state so as to begin making a sincere effort to formulate a solution.
Acquiring success in the entertainment industry is critical to my future in the real estate field. Media exposure would allow me to be able to integrate both careers by awakening a purpose to change at home for a change abroad.
“External beauty can only take one so far even before it has faded. It is important to combine beauty with brainpower, because knowledge is everything." Atim tells Black Star News.
What is your definition of success and who do you attribute your success to?
Success is when one no longer has to pursue their dreams and goals around their financial situation. When I hear my little nephews and niece praying quietly, or when they’re bright-eyed and anxious to tell me what they’re going to be when they grow up;that’s success. An imperfect family but together happy is success. I define several things in life as success. It would take a while.
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"My family are the most important people in my life. Our struggles and triumphs have been tied together. They know me better than most people."
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I attribute my success to my sister Achayo. She laughs every time I tell her this, but she truly is my hero. Even through her struggles, she exemplifies everything I want to be. Her compassion and patience is like none I've ever seen. Bloodshed doesn't come out of her mouth. I’m telling you, I look up to her immensely. Without meaning to, she’s taught me so much. Achayo has no high school diploma and no degree. Still, neither can ever be as valuable as the wisdom and sense of discernment God has bestowed on her life.
With the success in the your modelling profession, how do you keep grounded?
What keeps me grounded is the awareness that so many other beautiful and talented women, rather than myself, could have been chosen for the opportunities I've been given. Some people go to sleep at night never to wake up again. By the grace of God, I’m woken up every morning and am given another chance to do better than the day before. It’s that same grace that has brought me this far.
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Words of Wisdom: “In all the decisions you make, ask God in advance to open up the gates of heaven and bestow upon you wisdom, knowledge, and ideas so that you may be able view things through His eyes.”
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What is your definition of true beauty?
True beauty is trusting your identity for what it is. Industry insiders, I’m not 22 year of age; I’m 26 wholesome years old. No I’m not 5’10 and above but this 5’8” suit fits me just fine. I can’t ever undermine the blessing I’ve been given nor bring back what I've lost throughout the years.
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"A woman of substance is a Proverbs 31: 10-31 woman.I’m not quite there yet but I’m working on it daily. Thankfully, I have wonderful women in my life that are leading examples."
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What motivates you to wake up every morning to do what you do?
Knowing that I’m getting closer to my appointed purpose and destiny keeps me motivated. The older I get, the younger I feel partially because I've realized I have so much to learn and also because the excitement gets me all googly-eyed like a child all over again.
Who are some of your role models?
Stories like Oprah Winfrey’s are inspirational to me because God built her from ground zero up into someone so much bigger. She was and is a valuable vessel. She’s brought many untold stories to the forefront.
What book have you read that has changed your views on something or greatly impacted your life?
It’s actually a book I’m reading now, which I’ve read from time to time. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The title speaks for itself.
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"I would hope the world remembers me for my character, sense of humor, and smile. I look forward to being used as an instrument for the progression of humanity."
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What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Good health, peace of mind, and understanding that neither my mistakes nor my achievements define who I am.
What's the best advice you can give to someone about life?
It’s not a message I believe many people want to hear. That advice would be to put God first and allow everything else to fall in place accordingly.
Find out more about Atim through her; website, blog; Atim Birungi-p'Oyat; My Ongoing Journey or her Facebook Page. To get in touch with Atim,you can email
