How did you get into modeling? Did you actively seek it out, or was it something you stumbled upon?
Getting into modelling was definitely part of my journey of reclamation of self - The confidence to pursue it in my younger years was stripped away from me and so that meant I didn’t see it for myself but I fought hard against that and put myself out there a few years ago and now here we are.
When you’re not the face of fashion and beauty campaigns, you speak candidly about love, life, loss and your experience growing up in the care system. Do you find it therapeutic or healing to share these deeply personal thoughts and feelings with your followers?Yes, I do. I see everything I share as a defiant act of resistance, a celebration of being alive and a reinforcement of the sentiment that I didn’t come this far to come this far - (one of my favourite quotes!). I have always cared deeply about being an example of what life can look like and what we can achieve despite all the pain. I am so proud to have fought against every statistic that ever tried to limit me and hope to continue to encourage others just like me who are their own reference point to join me in refusing to be dictated to by their trauma. We are here to stay, proudly!
We feel like it is abundantly clear to anyone that meets you that you’re an inherently creative person, be that through fashion or thought. What does being a “creative” mean to you, and how do you express that in your day-to-day life?
I love this question. For me, being a creative means being unapologetic, it means hope and excitement - I’ve always had a bright mind and expansive thoughts. Being creative and finding ways to tap into that reminds me that I have limitless potential to impact and enrich my life and those around me. My favourite thing about myself has always been my mind, how quick and witty it is, how niche, perfectly relevant and abstract my references are and how uniquely I hone my ideas. In my day to day life I feel l express this through personal style, my writings, choice of music and humour. I also really love helping people I love with my ideas and suggestions.
How do you maintain your emotional well-being while navigating an industry that can be notoriously tough on models, particularly for ones who juxtapose mainstream beauty standards that have always prioritised thin white women?This is an ever evolving answer but I must say my life experiences prior to being in this industry made me (for better or worse) a very resilient and adaptable woman. This is not say I’m not affected and things don’t take their toll but this has equipped me in ways I’m very thankful for. The rest of my toolkit looks like having friends and peers I can connect with and vent to, knowing I have people in this industry who truly have my back and care about affecting change and finding ways to experience joy outside of this work. The beach is my favourite place on earth so going anytime I can is a sacred gift I give to myself. However, the most important one for me is remembering who I am outside of the industry, what anchors me, what I stand for and what I want my legacy to look like.
Why is it important for you to use your platform to advocate for the voices and stories of black kids in care?
Because we continue to be overlooked, underestimated and mistreated. For most of my life, the only resource and tool I had was my voice so I’ve always taken that and ran with it. I want to advocate for those who’s voices aren’t heard and for those with so much on their shoulders and without the energy or strength to keep being adults when they are children. I want to be hope and proof of life to so many others just like me. I want us to be proud and release shame that isn’t ours and I want to keep reminding us that the best is yet to come.
What are some personal or professional goals you’re currently working towards?
Personal goals are continued development and improvement of self, improved fitness levels, releasing shame and pain and truly pouring into me. Professionally, I would like to continue to shine, represent and stand out as myself in every job I am blessed to book.
From billboards to campaigns and catwalks, do you have a stand-out moment from your career so far that fills you with the most joy and what’s something that’s still on the bucket list?
My first solo billboard in London was a surreal moment and my London Fashion Week Debut will always be a cherished and iconic memory. Still on the bucket list is an international beauty campaign, writing my book, my own clothing line and to make it to Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition.