Today we’d like to introduce you to Akili Yasmine
Hi Akili, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Wow! I am so grateful to share my story – my name is Akili Yasmine, and for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a fashion model. For me, modeling is more than just being in front of the camera—it’s a form of creative expression, a way to tell stories, and a platform to inspire self-love within the beauty industry. As a Black woman, I understand the power of representation, and it means everything to know that when young Black and Brown girls see me, they see a reflection of themselves and what’s possible.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work on national campaigns, appear on *The Real*, and see my work displayed in major stores and even on billboards in iconic locations like Times Square. But beyond the images, my mission is to bring intention and authenticity to every project, whether I’m in front of the lens or guiding others in their own journey.
Outside of modeling, I’m deeply passionate about holistic wellness, yoga, and the creative arts. As a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor, I’ve combined my love for movement and mindfulness to create *Model Workshops* focused on somatic movement, self-trust, and self-love. I teach models how to use these tools not only to thrive in the industry but to cultivate confidence and resilience in their everyday lives.
In addition to my personal work, I’ve teamed up with my friend and fellow model, Keyonna Singletary, to co-found *MUSE*, a collective that hosts retreats for women in the creative and healing space. Through these retreats, we provide a sanctuary for women navigating demanding industries, helping them cultivate self-love, wellness, and balance in both their personal and professional lives. Our goal is to create a community where women feel supported, nourished, and empowered to show up as their fullest selves.
Whether I’m collaborating with photographers, directors, or brands, my goal is always to bring presence, professionalism, and purpose to the work I create. I’m excited to continue expanding my impact in both the modeling and wellness spaces, empowering others to step into their fullest expression with confidence and authenticity.
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?
MAN! It has been a fulfilling and empowering journey, but it hasn’t been smooth. That said, I believe that every experience we face in life is meant to nudge us toward expansion and deeper alignment with our purpose, so I’m grateful for the lessons along the way.
As a model, I’ve faced many of the same challenges that Black women in this industry have endured for decades—pay discrepancies, financial exploitation, unfair contracts, colorism, texturism, body shaming, and outright racism. But rather than allowing these barriers to discourage me, they have fueled my purpose. These experiences are what push me to keep going—not just for myself, but for the models I work alongside and those who will come after me. I also honor the trailblazers who came before us, the ones who endured the harshest conditions so that we could continue to break barriers.
One Black model who paved the way for me is Bethann Hardison. As one of the first Black supermodels, she not only made history on the runway but also became a fierce advocate for Black models through the *Black Girls Coalition*. Her work reminds me that advocacy in this industry is just as important as the artistry. My own advocacy is deeply rooted in wellness, but it is inspired by the resilience, tenacity, and multidimensionality of the Black women who came before me—women who challenged the status quo so that we could walk through doors that were once closed to us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a beauty model specializing in beauty and commercial modeling, but I’m most known for my work as a hair model. I’ve had the privilege of working with brands like African Pride Hair Care, Mielle Organics, ReVair, Taliah Waajid, and 4C Only, representing and celebrating the beauty of natural, coily hair in an industry that hasn’t always embraced Black beauty.
What makes me most proud is knowing that my work serves as a reflection for other Black women—especially those with deep melanin and coily textures—who may not have always seen themselves represented in beauty campaigns. Seeing the impact my work has on women who feel inspired to celebrate their own beauty is incredibly fulfilling.
I don’t always focus on what sets me apart, but one thing I deeply value is how I’ve been able to merge my passion for wellness with my modeling career. Modeling is not just about aesthetics—it’s about confidence, self-expression, and the way we care for ourselves inside and out. Through my work, I aim to bring more intention, self-love, and authenticity to the industry, proving that beauty is not just something we wear—it’s something we embody.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Woo!! I have so much gratitude for the people who have poured into me throughout my journey. First and foremost, my family—my grandmother (who purchases every product i’ve ever been on that she can get her hands on lol), parents, sister, and auntie—who have always supported me in every way. They celebrated their own beauty and Blackness so unapologetically that I never questioned if I was enough, no matter what the world tried to tell me.
Mr. Adrian Consonery Sr. has been like a bonus parent to me, always reminding me to think big and to know that I am beautiful and limitless simply because I am God’s daughter. My mentor and agent, Stephanie Thames-Harris, has played a pivotal role in my growth—she guided me, supported me, and even helped me get out of a bad contract, which was the very beginning of our professional journey together.
I’m also incredibly grateful to Alima and AI Model Management for taking a chance on me and reminding me that there is still space for authenticity in an industry that can often feel vain. Their belief in me as a mother agency has meant the world.
Beyond that, I’m thankful for every single person who has ever sent an encouraging comment, shared my campaigns, prayed for me, lifted me up, and truly believed in me. And above all, I give DEEP gratitude to my *God*—for always reminding me that the Great I Am is within me, around me, and guiding me every step of the way.
There are dozens of people who have mentored me and left a lasting impact on my life, and I carry their love and support with me in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/AkiliYasmine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akiliyasmin.e/
Image Credits
@inaribriana
@jassieuo
@edencaptures_
@iamjamaalwesley
