Today we’d like to introduce you to Adwoa A..
Hi Adwoa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a young Ghanaian – American child, I grew up in a small town in Connecticut. An added layer to my upbringing was that I was THE first African – American to attend my elementary school. There were many times that I was faced with examples of racism which, even as a little child, made me doubt my beauty and identity as a dark-skinned child. At times, I would question why I didn’t look like the environment that I was surrounded by on a daily basis. Fortunately for me, at the tender age of eight, I had the opportunity to visit my home country, Ghana, located in West Africa. It was truly an eye-opener for me, in the sense that it brought me full circle into really identifying who I was and what I represented. The trip made me no longer feel ashamed about my culture, skin color, and ultimately my identity. Although, traveling to Ghana, didn’t necessarily mean that I was not without insecurities about my skin color, because I would still get the occasional comments like, “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl,”; however, I still knew deep down inside that I was beautiful.
As I moved onto high school and eventually to college, I would receive occasional comments that I looked like a model, or I should venture into the world of modeling; however, at the time, growing up in a Ghanaian household and considering a career or even a hobby as a model, let alone even within the creative industry, was never a desire or dream for a typical Ghanaian or African parent for their child. The standard career aspiration for a typical child of African parents was to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or nurse to name a few of the preferred professions.
The idea of becoming a model rang in my ear, but first how would I even go about that pathway. The age of YouTube and social media were nowhere near as informative then as it is now. As a result, when I transitioned to college any opportunity to model that was presented to me, and I had time in between my class schedule to attend, I was there. I would participate in fashion shows, search craigslist for photoshoot opportunities, or hear about opportunities on campus. I even had the opportunity to participate in a casting call for America’s Next Top Model; however, clearly, I didn’t make the cut. Nevertheless, I was persistent, but again education was the number one priority on my mind because there was a clear pathway of direction, at least so I thought, but that is a discussion for another day. So, life moved on and I moved with it. I graduated from a top University in Boston with my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Community Health and started life. I eventually went a step further and received my Master’s degree in Public Health from another prestigious university in Boston and settled in a career in Clinical Research Management.
I eventually had the opportunity to start a family and have two beautiful kids., but with that being said, those dreams and aspirations of that model life were put aside. I am not indicating that being a mother doesn’t afford you the ability to dive into the profession of modeling, but for me adulting resembled being a woman dedicated to her family life and working within the field that I received my degree in. Over the years, there was still a desire within myself to work in the creative industry, whether it would be acting or modeling, but becoming a working mother was now my priority. Working in the healthcare industry, specifically clinical research, I just didn’t have the time to be able to foster my creative side via modeling or even makeup; however, I would utilize it in other ways by doing my daughter’s hair or doing my own. I would also dibble and dabble in makeup and crafts for my kids.
As I indicated, life did move on, and over the years my personal life modified. During that time, I had more of an opportunity to really reflect and dive into aspects of entrepreneurship and my multi-passionate creative side that I realized brought me so much joy. Therefore, in 2019, I started to do more things that I felt brought me more joy and what brought me the most happiness was being behind the camera and everything involved with the process. My initial photoshoot was just to commemorate my birthday, but as I mentioned it was something that brought me delight. Thus, I continued to research local photographers and makeup artists that I felt aligned with the looks that I was going for in my photoshoots; I was hooked. I realized that I loved this aspect of my life. I literally loved staying up late at night coordinating my outfits, getting my makeup done, scouting locations, practicing my poses, and all things related to modeling and photography. So, I coupled the annual photoshoots with the commencement of my website and eventual blog. Then shortly thereafter, I started to increase the number of my photoshoots per year and be more a bit intentional about my outfits, makeup, and brand, etc.
My initial intention was just to use these moments of joy to express myself without having to ask to have a seat at the table per se, then it struck me that my initial desire to be a model, years ago, could come to fruition. However, by now years have passed, my body has changed, and I realized that I am not the same 20-something year old that sought to be a model. As I researched more and more, I realized there is a potential market for my look, but I just had to follow the standard industry process and see what would become of it.
A few years later, I participated in a showcase with a Southeast photographer, who had a special photoshoot for digitals, an industry standard. In the summer of 2021, I rigorously prepared for submitting my portfolio to agencies and submitted for background work for movies shooting in Atlanta, to familiarize myself… I had the opportunity to be signed to an agency, in addition to working on sets such as Kingdom Business, Staircase, and the First Wives Club to name a few. The rest is history! It was an achievement that I never thought I would be able to accomplish, but I did it.
Although I am not currently signed to that agency, I am currently a freelance model working in the Southeast area. I will be working in the near future to resubmit my new photographs to agencies to start a new chapter in my modeling/acting career, in addition to reopening both a beauty and boutique division of my business. Here’s to the future!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Life within itself is an institution of obstacles and challenges, but what makes one successful is the ability to not only navigate these challenges but acknowledge that you need support in your journey. I am definitely a part of the faction of people who believe that there is, “no such thing as a stupid question.” Thus, I can attest to the fact that even to this day, I do not have all the answers, but what I do know is that with the progression of technology and social media I have the world literally at my disposal. So, when I feel that I am stuck or have felt I needed assistance, I researched. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet with Aubrie Ebony (@themodelcounselor) who provided the opportunity for me to take my initial digitals and now with my next round of submissions for the next chapter of my modeling career, I sought the assistance of Ms. Keenyah Hill @keenyah.hill, who was a contestant on cycle four of America’s Next Top Model in 2005. This is clearly a full circle moment because I attended a casting call for America’s Next Top Model almost 20+ years prior and remember watching Keenyah on television. Although I do possess fears that I may be too old for this industry or may not have the size 2-4 body that a traditional stereotypical model would have, I feel that I have what it takes to be successful in this industry. Moreover, it is something that I love. So, persevere until I can’t. “Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and problems. But learn to face them courageously with joy. Live every moment with happiness and positivity, for we never know.” – Sai Kaustuv
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a freelance model, makeup artist, online boutique owner, actress, and an e-commerce entrepreneur. I am also working on an upcoming body butter brand, so please stay tuned. In short, I am a multi-passionate creative based in the Greater Atlanta area while working in the clinical research industry. I love what I do and look forward to showing women that despite life’s challenges you can pursue anything you put your mind to. In addition, as a dark-skinned woman of color, I look ahead to being a part of the movement to show that dark-skinned women are beautiful, powerful and shining examples to anyone that feels and thinks otherwise.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My initial advice is to believe in yourself. Starting any journey in life you may be met with opposition whether it is from family, external entities, or simply your inner voice a.k.a. imposter syndrome. Nevertheless, before you start any process especially in the modeling or acting industry you must believe in yourself. There were many times that I was literally my only cheerleader because I was moving in silence. In the beginning, I was not informing my family or even close friends about what I was doing, so I had to motivate myself. When I eventually did update those around me about my plans, not everyone was rooting for my success or felt that what I was doing even made sense. There may be times where you will not have the support of your peers or family members, but because you believe in yourself, you persevere and continue the journey. Never give up!
Contact Info:
- Email: msadwoainfo@gmail.com
- Website: www.MsAdwoa.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/msadwoa; www.Instagram.com/msadwoabeauty; www.Instagram.com/msadwoastyle; www.Instagram.com/theebillboardqueen
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MsAdwoa
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/msadwoa
Image Credits:
@the_klark (1)
@iampriiincess (2)
@ty_pleas (4 & 11)
@xlshoots (3 &10)
@blackprintphotography (5)
@projectrandallmedia (6)
@ziglorphotos (7)
@bessieakuba (8)
@mrjamaalwesley (9)
