The idea of Plan B could easily lead to complacency and make one give up easily in the face of adversity.
This nugget of wisdom is coming from Joseph Walters, an American-based fashion-forward model renowned for his unique features and diversity in culture.
The 24-year-old high-flyer model, real name Otitoju Joseph Babalola, speaks from his experience as per the route he took to his dream of becoming a top global brand.
“My advice to young people who desire to be where I am is that you just have to know what you want first. I don’t believe in a Plan B. Know what you want and go for it, plain and simple. It won’t be easy, but if you make sacrifices and believe in yourself, it can definitely be achieved”
To aspiring models, he adds: “Also, don’t miss any auditions because that could be the one audition that could change your life!”
An Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State-born, Babalola studied at UT Arlington, North Texas. According to him, his decision to go into the fashion industry, where he is now making waves, is inspired by his creativity and love for the art. “I’m inspired by models who started from the bottom and advanced with humility and passion. I desire to thrive in the fashion industry because I simply love it. I will never give up on my dream until it is fulfilled.”
He justifies his choice of America as his career destination: “In America, the modelling industry is favourable because many of the top agencies are here. I feel that in the US, you
can be exposed to the industry and if you are passionate along with hard work, you can make it.”
However, even in God’s Own Country, success was not handed to him on a platter of gold. He shares some of the hurdles he had to scale: “My major challenge when I first began in modelling was overcoming my shyness and the language barrier being that I’m from a foreign country. Because of my accent, the beginning was difficult and even frustrating; I wasn’t always understood when I speak. I would often find myself having to repeat verbiage at auditions which really bothered me.”
Walters had been pragmatic in overcoming these challenges: “I had to learn to embrace myself, embrace my skin because I know that sometimes I am rejected due to my tone. This is normal in the modelling industry because every creative director looks for something specific. Overall, my personality is very timid which is the total opposite of what a typical model is expected to be; so I had to work on my confidence and the aspects that come along with modelling such as my angles and poses. As for the language barrier, its solution is something that had to come from within. Self-confidence is key––I had to believe in myself first, which enabled me not to be so nervous when speaking.”
To have come this far, he had paid his dues: “I had to sacrifice a lot to be where I am now. Modelling takes a lot of time and dedication so my social life definitely was affected as a young man in my twenties. When I look back, it was not easy but well worth it.”
He is also inspired by timeless supermodels, Naomi Campbell especially, he tells you. “Since I was a young boy I have always admired her because her style is so creative. She can never do any wrong in my eyes whether it be a print shoot or runway. She is a fashion icon and has won many awards along with having worked with top brands in the fashion industry all over the world. After more than 30 years in the industry she is still going strong and has redefined what it means to be a supermodel,” he gushes.
