Rising Stars: Meet Benjamin Yirenkyi of Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Yirenkyi.

Benjamin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hmmm! Where do I even begin?! First and foremost, I would like to give thanks to God almighty for bringing me this far in my career.

I was first scouted as a model in Italy when I was 16. I knew as a little boy that I was destined to be a model; so I’m pretty sure it did not come as a surprise to many when a Top Milan modelling agency scouted me.

After having been scouted in Italy, I then moved to London to pursue a law degree in one of the UK’s most prestigious universities; something I would forever be proud of.

However, I always knew i belonged in the modelling world so that was the career path I intended to continue. Therefore, I later moved to the U.S. to pursue this goal and realize my own American dream. I had the opportunity to sign for EMG models. With their offices located in New York and Los Angeles, I knew I had reached the pinnacle of the modelling industry.

Although it has been an upward trajectory, I am the type of guy who never rests on his laurels; so I’m aiming for even bigger heights.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, challenges are always faced in any walk of life. I suppose it’s part and parcel of life. And my own story is no different. I have been through many challenges in my personal life and also in my career. However, anyone who knows me knows very well I never let setbacks or challenges get the better of me. I’ve always been the type to adapt to circumstances and always try to make the most of any situation be it good or bad.

As most people in the gig industry would know, there would be times when bookings wouldn’t be as consistent and you start questioning whether this is something you should be doing on a long term basis. But through it all, I always try to stay positive and my resilient mindset more often than not, gets me over the line.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional fitness and fashion model. I specialize in fitness, commercial and high fashion modelling.

I have worked for some well known brands including Philip Plein, Carterwear and Barcode. I have also featured in several magazines and walked in New York Fashion Week and Miami swim week. Not to mention the myriad of some very Top photographers I’ve had the pleasure work with and appeared in some of their books.

My most proud moment as of yet is when I signed for EMG Models. This being, I had always wanted to be on the books of a renowned modelling agency in the U.S. It really is a very competitive industry; so getting signed by a TOP agency is something I will forever be proud and grateful for.

What sets me apart is my buoyant personality and my willingness to always learn and improve. I possess this tenacious attitude and my never-say-die approach to life have brought me this far in my career.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to visit quite a number of cities, both internationally and domestically. However, LA is for sure one of my favorites. As a model, it fees like the place to be and be in my element as I love the glamour and style of this amazing city and not to mention the beautiful weather which is a far cry from the weather we had back home in London 😊.

I do have a lot of friends in LA which always makes it feel like home. When I’m not working or in the gym, you are very likely to see me doing something fun in this amazing city with a friend like going to see a movie, go to a bar or try out a cuisine in some fancy restaurant. I also love inviting friends and family to visit me here so I can show them how stunning and naturally beautiful this city is and of course get that bragging rights. lol!

I absolutely love being photographed in the outdoor so LA offers that and its scenic beauty never disappoints!!

I’m not a big fan of the crazy traffic. I mean, I have lived in London, New York City, Washington DC and traffic in these cities are pretty bad. However, I feel like LA surpasses them all. It appears almost everyone drives in this big city, so that in itself doesn’t help.

Another thing I do not particularly like about the city is the high cost of living. It’s by far one of the most expensive places I’ve lived in and alarmingly, it appears it’s even going to get worse.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennyciaga/