Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Mazariego.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m named after the beautiful and famous singer herself. Growing up, I never had a view of fashion or modeling. Mom was a tomboy and wore jeans, and sneakers all the time. Growing up I did the same. After high school, I went through extreme battles from going through an abusive relationship at a super young age to losing my family and my home.
Being little I always wanted to become a pediatrician, I’ve always admired children and the innocence they had towards the world. It gave me hope to be around them and it taught me a lot about myself. I then started looking into modeling being that I everywhere I went someone asked if I modeled or that I had the look of a model, so I one day decided to try it out. I did my first shoot and had no idea of what I was doing. I didn’t know what to wear, how to pose, what face expressions to even make. So I decided to do research, I remember watching America’s next top model as a little girl and didn’t feel like the struggles and stress and competition a lot of the episodes exposed would be for me. I came to realize there were plenty of models who were different sizes and shapes whom me myself am very wide from hips down. I continued to do free shoots and find a lot of photographers who wanted my look.
From the different experiences, I began to grow confidence and love myself more than I ever thought I could. I wanted to show the world who I was, show them no matter the size or height nor body shape should say you’re a model or not. I wanted to encourage girls to do what I did or even more. Being what I came through it helped me mentally fight battles. Truly find my worth. It made me feel good, so I continue to pursue and to one day get signed.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not at all. So many challenges that came. Financially I wasn’t prepared. A lot of ways to become successful was to invest in myself. It was hard being I had to live on my own, pay rent, bills, etc. It’s been super bumpy trying to make the funds for what I need to reach but I fight for it and believe in the end it’ll be all worth it.
What else should our readers know?
I am my business. I am my company. I will strive to do more and hopefully one day actually run a business to help women. Women in need, women who feel alone because I too was once there.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Diligence. It’s all hard work and dedication. Nothing will come out if you don’t put in.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: 98adm
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