#ModelOfTheMonth : Ohwawa
Hey There Loves!
Welcome to another #ModelOfTheMonth! For the month of November, I’m happy to announce we are looking into the life of a model you’ve definitely seen on your explore page. You may know or follow her on Instagram at @ohwawa_ - for those of you who don’t you need to! This month we are going to focus on the journey and escapades of Ohwawa from Stafford, Virginia. Enjoy her full interview and visuals below!
What (Or Who) Encouraged You To Get Into Modeling?
My dear friend by the name of Darryl was the one who encouraged me to model. He reached out to me to be his muse for a shoot. At the time I didn’t know anything about a photoshoot, how to pose, literally no experience. He told me to just have fun, style myself, and do my makeup how I wish. Once I received the photos back and posted our work on social media, to my surprise....they received so much love. That right there pushed me to continue this modeling journey.
What Do You Consider Your Modeling Specialty? (Runway, Beauty, Swim, etc.) How Did This Or These Become Your Specialty?
I would say may modeling specialty is Beauty and I think everyone can agree with that. I started off trying to dip and dab in fashionable shoots but once I cut my hair I realized what a striking face I had. The more beauty shoots I did, the better they became. I also like to be a positive example to dark skin women in the beauty industry so this relates to me in so many levels.
What Are Your Goals For Modeling (Agency signing? Starting your own agency? Other?) And Have You Reached Any Of Them?
As of right now, my goal in modeling is to land a huge beauty campaign and I know it’ll happen for me. Just seeing my face representing makeup that I use and that promotes diversity is a dream. I didn't see that many examples of dark skin women flourishing in the industry so I definitely want to be that positive example to set the tone. As for an agency, I’m not really stressing myself to be signed. If it happens then I’ll be thankful but I’m more focused on getting a manager who’s just well connected in the industry or a mother agent who’s going to ride for me.
What Was Your Best and Worst Modeling Experience/Memory?
My best modeling experience was working with the cosmetics brand “Fashion Fair” and being published in Ebony Magazine. It’s like being one step closer to being a true beauty model. My worst experience would have to be going to a casting call for a well-known designer, getting my photo taken, waiting for almost 2 hours to be seen, next up in line to walk for the designer and someone from the casting team pulls me to the side to let me know they’re aren’t casting unrepresented models. I felt truly disrespected and embarrassed. The way the fashion industry treats unsigned models is unfair and rude.
What Inspired You To Start Your Food And Travel Blog?
Well, I love to travel and I set a goal for myself to travel out of the country at least 3x a year. I also loveeee to eat and even though it doesn’t show, I’m a huge foodie and enjoy trying new places. I’ve always imagined myself taking fabulous photos of where I travel and eat and just wanted other people to enjoy the places I go to. I get asked so many questions about how I plan my trips or what restaurants I go to. So why not start a blog and benefit from it by being an influencer. Now I’ve been given the opportunity where restaurants/establishments have invited me to try their food and make a review. It’s only a matter of time until the resorts/hotels do the same. God willing!
How Did You Find Your Signature Sleek Look Featuring Your Short To Shaved Haircut?
Honestly, I just got tired of going to the hair salon every 2 weeks and trying to keep up with it. It was tiring and very costly. I also wanted a new model “look” for myself so cutting my hair was an easy option. I’ve also received many compliments on my cheekbones so I felt that with this new and improved cut, my face would be more seen. It was the best decision I made for myself.
How Has Social Media Factored Into Your Modeling Journey? Has It Helped You Get Closer To Your Goals? Has It Put You In A Box? Or Has It Catapulted You Into A New Sphere Of Opportunities?
Social media has helped me tremendously with my modeling career. I tell people all the time without Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even Tumblr...nobody would’ve seen my work. Social media has given people the opportunity to see me. To see how I came up and how hard I’ve worked to be where I’m at to this day. All of the gigs that I’ve had the opportunity to be apart of was because of social media. It’s amazing who comes across your page and watches you until it’s the right time to approach you. You can make so much money just off of social media; you just need to know how to present yourself on a wide range.
If You Could Sum Up Your Modeling Experience In Three Words, What Would They Be?
Stressful, independent, Optimistic.
What's A Quote You Live By?
”Be who you are, say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
If you would like to become a working model like Ohwawa check out the Model Mastery Program!
Model Mastery: The Detailed Curriculum To Help You Build Your Modeling Career
In this monthly curriculum, you will learn how to go from an aspiring model to a working model month by month with various elements of the modeling industry and actionable ways you can improve as a model.
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