Today we’d like to introduce you to Amadou Fofana.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Although growing up in a strict African household was very different, I definitely view my experiences as lessons that helped shape me into the creative that I am today. As a child, similar to many children of foreign parents, I was expected to get amazing grades in school and go on to college to study something in either the medical or engineering fields. However, I distinctly remember introducing the idea of a career in the arts to my parents, and them both completely shunning the idea & believe that it was a phase that would pass.
Artistically, I’ve always admired fashion and photography, and this gradually led to me beginning to realize that the way that I could best express myself in my circumstances of having strict parents was through my style. I wasn’t a kid who grew up watching many cartoons, and instead enjoyed observing and gaining inspiration from streetwear & high fashion campaigns featured on social media & in shows & movies including America’s Next Top
Model, Menace ll Society, & Get A Clue.
In order to create my own personal style (on a budget!!!), I began going thrifting with my mom and found really cool vintage pieces that I knew I could transform into dope outfits. Over time, me expressing myself through my style eventually evolved into me wanting to model for the brands that I wasn’t able to afford as a teen but always admired. Growing up in Atlanta, this dream became possible. It’s almost hard to not be a creative in Atlanta due to the daily inspiration you can get by simply walking through the city and seeing everyone’s personal street style. Also, the opportunities in Atlanta are endless, the support from other creatives definitely helps keep me focused. I began modeling for local brands for friends or Instagram mutuals, & which has been leading to me receiving great opportunities, & here I am today!
Has it been a smooth road?
If you call constant feelings of not doing enough, dealing with not being able to afford clothing pieces that I’ve always wanted, and realizing that many relationships/friendships weren’t genuine & were completely toxic, ”a smooth road”, then yes, lol. Life for me has been very challenging, as it has for many people. For this reason, I use all my past experiences to motivate myself to do better and make something of myself, and not remain stagnant on past trauma. Notice many successful people have had the most challenging lives, and their ability to use that to motivate themselves is the reason for their success.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the @ItsAmadouFofana story. Tell us more about it.
@ItsAmadouFofana is currently a freelance model based in Atlanta, Georgia. Whether it be when modeling for local businesses/brands, helping promote friends clothing lines, styling for shoots, or supporting photographer friends with shoots, I always bring a unique and genuine energy to work. What sets me apart from other aspiring models is my distinct look, knowledge of the industry & its history and genuine love for what I do and the relationships that I’m able to make.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The modeling industry changes fast & is very trend oriented. Also, trends often come back around and many people aim to recreate them for relevancy. With this being said, in the next 5-10 years, I definitely see myself signed to an agency and modeling for brands across the world. Regardless of my success, I plan on keeping my genuine spirit/unique style & personality consistent. I hope to be able to inspire others to be confident in themselves no matter what differences they have from the norm in their circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Email: amadoufofana122@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/itsamadoufofana
- Twitter: twitter.com/itsamadoufofana
Image Credit:
photographers, @kengotrich_, @ssssoulwen
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