Today we’d like to introduce you to Mina Jay.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I studied microbiology, then turned to modeling, and once earned the title of Miss Europe Continental – not a typical path for an Iranian woman. It has definitely been an interesting journey so far. One of my more recent and memorable runway shows was the New York Fashion Week 2023. I modeled for three well-known designers, one of which founded The Black Tape Project, Joel Alvarez. It was a creative effort where the designer dressed the models in nothing but tape and chains. I had the honor of modeling a special cape and opened it on the stage show. The words “Woman, Life, Freedom” were painted in large letters on the cape, and inside, “Stop Executions in Iran!” I was excited to hear the crowd cheer in support of the movement! I was happy to learn the show went viral on Instagram the next day and was captured as a Getty Image. I proudly sewed and painted that cape in my hotel room for two days before the show while keeping up with my homework. You see, I am still a student at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles but wanted to be a part of NYFW! So, I was overjoyed at how well it was received by the audience. I am a big supporter of women who want to follow their dreams!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My two biggest challenges have been modeling in Iran with all the restrictions and leaving my home country to start a new life somewhere foreign. I began modeling in Iran when it was technically illegal unless you were a woman who fully covered your hair and body. I modeled while I completed my studies in microbiology. As soon as I earned my degree, I moved to Dubai alone to follow my dreams. I modeled full-time right away which kept me very busy for a few years. I then moved to the United States to start over again. While finding my way around a new city and learning the culture, I continued to model. I also started my own fashion business and began my studies in fashion design.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I turned my undergraduate education and global modeling experience and applied them towards a degree in fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising while running a fashion business. As a model and designer, I am proud to be able to create fashion that supports women’s initiatives. I am currently working on a new collection based on women’s beauty and confidence. I want to offer a variety of designs giving them the freedom to choose their own style. When I am not designing or studying, you will see me marching locally in support of women’s rights, especially in support of our sisters in Iran.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being strong and not giving up have been important to my success. I thank my mother for her positive impact on my journey – her strength and perseverance have been my guiding light through my challenges. She ran a uniform manufacturing business in Iran so she has been my role model from as far as I can remember.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://minajay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minajayofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mina.jay.1988
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/minajay
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/minajayOfficiaI
Image Credits
1, 2 Susana Portillo 3, Michael Ade Ojo 4. Daniel Taylor
