Today we’d like to introduce you to Assi Iman.
Hi Assi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Guinea, West Africa. I am the oldest of seven girls, raised in Memphis TN, and NYC. Growing up, I moved around a lot, I went to nine different schools altogether and still graduated with an Honors scholarship to College! I went to school for International Relations at Mercy Collage and decided that I wanted to take a more creative route.
I started modeling in NYC at the age of 17 and that’s where my career began. I modeled for several hair brands and NYC makeup artists, I was a Hooters waitress briefly and became the first Black Miss Hooters NYC. After this experience, I decided to move to Los Angeles to Pursue a modeling Career Full time! After one year of being in LA, I secured several campaigns including Fashion Nova, Anastasia BeverlyHills and multiple music Video Features, and so many other amazing opportunities. I also started my own clothing collection Called Assi Iman, and I’m looking to revamp this year and reintroduce it as a collection that really represents me, my ideas, and African culture! I have a passion for Motivational speaking and try to inspire others to follow their own dreams. I’m an advocate for Black woman living in Luxury and I plan to curate my brand around this philosophy. I aspire to accomplish so much more in the next coming years while giving back to those around me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, living in so many different places was the hardest for me! I was actually homeless for a year in NYC, my Senior year of High School and as a freshman in College. Going through these challenges actually left me resilient and gave me the drive to follow my dreams! Before I was actually able to sustain a life with modeling income alone, I lived in Model housing for about a year as well! It was almost a dorm style living arrangement with other models. I was grateful for these accommodations, even though at the time they were not ideal, I was able to network and connect with so many people in the industry! Dealing with self-image problems as a dark skin woman was also a huge issue. Knowing that my skin tone was underrepresented in the industry was really trying. Still, I overcame and remained true to myself and my image as a black woman, being unapologetically myself landed me jobs where I remained authentically me. I am far from perfect and hope to be an inspiration for many Black girls now and in the future.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a model and have forged a career being authentically me! Because of my cultured background, I enjoy displaying my African and Black culture in my work and I am so proud of this! Sometimes agencies can have models alter their image for work and different clients, but being freelance has given me the freedom to remain true to myself and my own unique look! Keeping my own aesthetic is so valuable to me!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck anymore! I completely understand that intentions, thoughts, and actions give you a specific outcome every time! Preparation and timing lead to opportunities! I do walk by faith however and understand that the universe will always work in my favor!
Contact Info:
- Website: assiiman.com
- Instagram: @assi_iman
- Other: @assiimanofficial.com
