Modeling in Nigeria has grown immensely. Through pioneering fashion platforms like Lagos Fashion Week, GTBANK Fashion Weekend, Arise Fashion Week, and Fashion’s Finest Africa, FFA, Nigerian models have been placed on the paths of increasing demands and resonating luxury. This credit is not only attributed to fashion platforms and/or weeks.
Similarly, agencies play a huge role in the scouting, training, grooming and placing of models. This is why it is very important to acknowledge models who are not signed to any agencies, but working powerfully and independently to get their images and personal brands on the lips of highly esteemed fashion individuals.
Ifeoma Nwobu is one of the young Nigerian models pioneering the scenes of independent modelling, placing a mark on its history, and leaving a lasting jittery impression – whether on the runway or during photoshoots. Born into a family, the soon-to-be graduate from the department of Political Science in the University of Lagos, Nigeria, always knew she wanted to be a model. Between juggling independent modelling and running two Nigerian tech startups – Fru girls and Scrader, the young entrepreneur is leaving a trail of unmatched creativity in the Nigerian fashion scene.
After struggling a few minutes with bad service reception, we caught up with each other, we discussed what it means to be an independent model in Nigeria, exchanging thoughts and ideas on how to navigate the industry.
Hi Ifeoma. Great to have you here. You could be anything in fashion, why modelling?
Well, as I grew older, I knew it was something I really wanted. I saw that I fit into the stereotypical ideas of what a model should look like. At a much younger time, people told me how I’d look really good as a model, so I sort of bought into the idea. Although things have changed, the process was pretty natural for me.
What were your career days like?
A lot of things fell through. I used to unofficially dress and take cool pictures for the gram. I owned the fact that I was beautiful, and really just loved being on the runway. My sister took me through some things and a series of training sessions, and leveraged both our contacts. The money bit was also sustainable at the time, and it felt good when I started to get referrals.
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When did you officially start?
I started in 2015, and I have grown since then. I actually started modelling being signed to an agency, but decided to go on the independent route after one year.
Do you want to tell us why you decided that?
During the phases of growth, a lot of things changed. Also, I wanted to expose myself to taking on some more personal challenges. To be honest, I used to argue if it was the right decision, but in the long run, I’m finding that I have no regrets.
And how has that worked for you – the receptiveness and monetary gains?
Generally, I think that there’s a lag in our reception of trying to set very conventional characters as models. It wasn’t even really acceptable then, and people had their reservations. I mean, there were ideas that we were prostitutes (and there still is). As for monetary gains, it will be pretty disingenuous to not know what is going on. Models in Nigeria are not being their worth, and we can do so much to change that. I have found that most people want to take advantage of naivety and newness. Only those who know our values are genuinely concerned.
Mmm. What do you think can be done to change that?
First off, we have to make a decision to be collectively responsible. Brands need to stop downplaying what models bring to the table, and understand the importance of respecting people even though they cannot pay our worth. There’s a really big difference between “here’s what I can afford vs why do you charge this much?”. Also, as models, we owe it to ourselves to be transparent. Again, on transparency, I would rather work for free with someone who has a rather transparent scheme than someone who shows little to no respect to models. Besides remuneration, I focus more on how I am being treated and respected.
And what are the thoughts of your family in all of this?
My dad is a really great support system; and in all honesty, he has immensely contributed to this journey. Of course there has to be several restrictions that comes with choosing this path. In all, it has been a great learning and growing experience for me.
But do you think it’s harder being an independent model?
For me, every decision has its pro’s and con’s. Although I cannot out rightly pick which is easier or best, I’m certain it depends on what goals you’re set to achieve. Whether it’s wanting to work locally or internationally, or just the need for a sustainable lifestyle, we’re all going through the same thing. Along the line, I start to define what I want, and why I was doing what I did. Was I doing it because people were doing it, or was I doing it because this was what I wanted?
What would you say are your major achievements?
To be honest, I try not to pressure myself with achievements. I’ve understood that with every goal I smash, there’s always a much bigger one. Therefore, I applaud myself, and try not to stress in the process. “This is what I wanted, and I got it.” Not everyone has the opportunity of getting what they want, and for that I’m grateful. I just want to do the things that I love. Achievements are more for my personal satisfaction, but one thing I want is to be deliberate when working, especially with designers and photographers.
Incredible. Any words of advice for aspiring models?
Yes, just a few. It’s just to trust God because some things might not be clear. Try to let go of the external pressure. As a model, make sure you define what you want people to expect, and give no room for them to project their expectations on you.
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