Today we’d like to introduce you to Maysa Berhanu.
Hi Maysa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a little girl, modeling has been a genuine passion of mine. I’ve always loved the camera. Whether I’m in front of it or behind, I love getting the picture right. But it’s so much more than modeling a pose. For me, it’s about the creative process. It’s everything from styling, to posing, to executing the vision. I take into account the location, the lighting and the pieces based on what I want to highlight….it’s self-expression.
In my early stages, I was definitely influenced by my family. I would secretly take clothes from my eldest sister, Zizi, and older cousin, Zeki; the OG fashionists of the family. Not to mention, Hibah (second oldest sister) and Malu (older cousin) who were always pulling out their cameras to take pictures of my fits and support my antics. It wasn’t for a while that I took it seriously…till I developed my craft with discipline. But the love was always there.
In high school, I was constantly told to look into modeling. But due to the stigma modeling has in the African and Muslim community, I always brushed off the idea, “Nah…I just like taking pictures.” I talked myself in and out of it. So when a friend from high school, FlixbySix, reached out and said “why don’t you ‘just take some pictures’. Not model, just pictures.” So I was more open.
Being on set was an immediately different feeling. I’ll always love street shoots, but it was just a different atmosphere and I loved it. After I got the pictures back, I was shook. Seeing myself in studio-level photographs made me feel like…I immediately started to reconsider. Why did I say I didn’t want to model again? And when I posted them, the amount of feedback I received was tremendous. Photographers reached out to book, my pictures would show up on Pinterest, and I steadily gained engagement with my content.
That shoot with Six that was my first real photoshoot. I was a sophomore in college at the time. It’s been two years. Since then, I’ve worked on building my portfolio with dozens of photographers, stylists and creative directors in the Metro Atlanta. I worked on my portfolio until I felt ready to reach out to modeling agencies. After some time, a couple of offers and a lot of support, I signed to Select Model Los Angeles!
Alright, 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?
Being a Hijabi in this industry hasn’t always been easy. When I first started my journey, it was a little more difficult. From people telling you to take it off so you can secure more bookings to photographers and stylists not wanting to work with you because of clothing restrictions. I definitely did not let that stop me. I found inclusive stylists and photographers to further my career. I can say it definitely paid off. I see how broad the modeling world really is being signed in LA. How inclusive and unique models have to be in order to secure positions. This was a great reminder on the importance of being true to yourself and what you stand for. Don’t fold, not even a little!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a model currently signed to Select Model LA. I am a social media influencer. I create content on styling for hijabis, modest streetwear lovers! I am a senior marketing major at Georgia State University and lastly, I am co-owner of a clothing brand, RMA Apparel.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Knowing what you want to do is a blessing. Don’t let the fear of failure block that. After some serious conversations with myself, I didn’t really tell anyone my intentions. What if I failed? What if I looked dumb? It was more about changing my mindset and taking it more seriously. So to anyone wanting to model, do something creative or really anyone just struggling with the fear of failure, I feel you.
If you really think about it…everybody is going to fail. It’s the work of ego. That’s what I had to sit with. If this was so easy, it wouldn’t be life. It wouldn’t be a journey. And I trust in Allah that everything is happening exactly how it is supposed to. No matter how messed up it seems, this is all a part of the plan. The good, the bad, the lessons, the success; everything works together. And eventually, it will all make sense. You just really have to believe. Keep your intentions in the purest place and you will never lose!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rmaapparel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maysaa.b/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/rmaapparel/
Image Credits:
Cameron Rosser Idris Abdullah Montee Keelen Isaiah Clowe Kaziym Shane
