Today we’d like to introduce you to Kawthar Salma Naiga
Hi Kawthar Salma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello, my name is Salma Naiga. I am originally from Uganda. I was born in Marietta Georgia but moved back to Uganda after 8months and was raised there until I turned 14. I have always wanted to model. When I was younger I did a little bit of modeling but growing up in an African household, you are expected to focus more on school and if you are any good at sports as well. So that’s what I did. Although in the back of my head I always wanted to model, I told myself when I get more freedom/ when I’m a bit older, I’ll try modeling and that’s what I did. I graduated university in 2022 and that is around the time I actually started putting in the effort and I was consistent with my modeling career. Although I was a victim to a few scams when I first started, I learned that through research and constant collaboration that you can get far in this industry. And that is what I continue to do until this day. I still have a lot to learn but I can say that I am loving each step of my journey and I look forward to more opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No it has not. I have faced some challenges when it comes To finding credible/reliable photographers to work with. Some jobs that you book online are scams. I have signed to agencies that make you pay to be apart of them(scams). As a petite model, it’s harder for us to be on the runways so being turned around by designers at casting calls due to my height despite them loving my walk and look.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a model. I do both print and runway. I am also a brand ambassador and a content creator. I love documenting my life journey for me to look back on as a motivation to keep going and for others who are taking a similar path for guidance since I didn’t have that when I was starting out.
I am most proud of my growth over these two years. I have put in a lot of work, money and stayed consistent. I have had my ups and downs like any other person but seeing the vision of myself at the top and being one of the best petite models in the world motivates me to keep going. I believe what sets me apart from others is my personality. I am a genuine rare person and I stay true to myself regardless of the environment I’m in. I love connecting with people so that definitely plays a huge part in my success because of the relationships I’ve built and continue to build along the way. Plus I’m a proud Ugandan so that also adds a bit of spice to my overall personality .
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have always wanted a mentor because I feel as if it makes it a bit easier to maneuver when you have one since they can give you some guidance but unfortunately I have not been as successful. Although I would say go for it if you see or know someone you look up to and can learn from.
Networking for sure. I definitely encourage everyone to talk to as many people and make as many relationships/ connections when out at events/ shows/ shoots/ castings, etc… these go along way because you don’t know who will need who for what and who knows who. So connect!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/salmak_naiga
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salmak_naiga
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@astepintothelifeofsalmanai8931
Image Credits
@tdvisualarts
@dvmproductions2996
