interview with oluwamayowa

Hello Mayowa, tell us about yourself
My name is Oluwamayowa Elizabeth Olarinmoye. I’m 5"9. I have an insatiable craving for knowledge so I love reading books and I’m a fan of trap, rock and indie music. I’m currently a 300 level Mass Communication student of Unilag. I’m a model and an aspiring OAP. My favorite color is blue. I’m an extrovert, I have a good sense of humor and I’m fun to be with.

Why did you become a model, what informed your interest in the industry?
I've always wanted to become a model since I was 13 not just because of my looks but because of the zeal I had and still have for it. I've always had the desire to tell stories without saying a word but I didn't start modelling till my diploma days at the age of 16 when I met a friend who wanted to run test shoots with me then I started doing collaborative shoots with photographers, designers and MUAs, I went for several castings and the rest’s a history.

What are your goals as a model?
One of my major goals is to be known globally. My other goals are to walk on big runways like that of Victoria’s secret, Gtb fashion show, LSFDW etc, to work with and for top designers and photographers both nationally and internationally and to also have my own modelling agency.

How do you see yourself progress in the industry?
Well, by putting God first, getting constant support from family, working harder, meeting the right set of people in the industry and gaining adequate knowledge about the industry.

What are your greatest strengths?
My greatest strengths are my ability to communicate and get along with people effectively, my ability to listen emphatically, my caring and compassionate nature, my open-mindedness , my discipline,
intelligence, optimism and trustworthiness.

What makes you stand out amongst your peers?
The fact that I’m disciplined and persistent no matter how many times I get a no makes me stand out amongst my peers.

What do you hope to accomplish in the nearest future, say 5 years?
I hope to take my modelling to a whole new dimension by working with a lot of top photographers and designers and I hope to walk for big designers on runways. Also, I hope to become one of the top models in the industry.

Do you have limitations to the kind of clothing you would model?
Yes. There are some clothing I choose not to model.

What would you change about Nigeria if you had the chance to?
The things I'd like to change are the bad power supply and tribalism.

What has been your best experiences in the industry so far, and why?

• One of my best experiences was when I attended the Beth Model Management academy because I got a deeper insight of what modelling really is. I learnt a lot of modelling etiquette and catwalk tips. It was nice receiving my certificate as a trained model.
•  Another experience I really liked was my first runway experience. I walked on the Lagos Urban Fashion Show runway and I got to experience what walking on the runway and being backstage with different designers and models was like. It was an amazing feeling.

What would you like to change about the industry and why?
What I would like to change about the industry is the exploitation of money from models by people who seem to take advantage of a lot of models who are trying to make names for themselves in the industry. It's disheartening to hear stories of duped models who have been asked to pay money before going for a fake casting or before joining an agency and because of inadequate knowledge, a lot of
models fall into this trap.

What is your advice to youth across the world who aspire to be models?
Rejection is inevitable. Keep pushing no matter the number of times you get turned down. Failure is a ladder to success so don't be afraid of failing. Embrace your failures, admit your mistakes, learn from your mistakes and move on. Be consistent , persistent and keep striving for the best. Never settle for less and let your principles and values be a standing block for you.

What is your definition of success?
Success is being happy with yourself, doing what you love doing however you like to do it and making impacts in people's lives.