Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciré Traoré.
Ciré, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Guinea, Conakry (West Africa). My mother came to the United States in hopes of a better future for my family and I. I currently serve in the United States Army. I am a full-time college student. Last but certainly not least, I am pursuing my dreams as a model and an influencer in Atlanta, GA. People always used to ask me to model for them because of my skin tone. I never really thought anything of it, until I started noticing that little ‘ol me was inspiring other dark skin girls out there. Then, I saw that people really liked what I was posting, so I started using my platform to inspire other girls that look like me who may have been bullied simply for their skin tone.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely haven’t been a smooth road at all. Especially being in an industry that prefers lighter tone girls than darker tones. Often times, I’m happy when I arrive on set, but I literally go home crying because of how I get treated compared to other girls. Eurocentric beauty standards have made it nearly impossible for black girls who look like me from entering and thriving in this industry. I’ve learned not to let the negative opinions get to me because I’m not just doing this for me, I’m doing this for all the little girls that see my page or see me in a video and say “if she can do it, I can too.” I’ve found that I’m an inspiration to other women and young girls that aspire to do what I do, so in hard times, I choose to lean on my purpose instead of dwelling on the pessimistic thoughts and opinions. What keeps my drive so high is knowing how it felt to not grow up in an era where black skin and dark women are valued. It is a privilege to live in a society where dark skin is seen as beautiful. I am a beacon of strength and a role model to others and if I can be an inspiration/role model for at least one little girl; then I have fulfilled my purpose.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cire.traore – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My brand is my name and my image. I am an influencer and a model. I’m mainly proud of what I stand for which includes being a Guinean born-American soldier who is breaking barriers in the modeling industry in Atlanta. A lot of people call me “Chocolate” whenever I am on set, this makes me happy because I know that I am making a difference. I feel that I am not only known but revered, and it is a good feeling to have.
I am most proud of persevering through being ridiculed for the color of my skin and native origin growing up. I am where I am today because I remained humble and worked hard despite the superfluous negative remarks surrounding my appearance. Being in the military while being enrolled as a full-time student education separates me from other models. My physical appearance and personality are other qualities that differentiate me from a lot of the models in the industry in Atlanta. All in all, I am most proud of remaining humble and never changing my character to fit a mold; being normal doesn’t get you known and that is where my influence comes from.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta is definitely one of a kind. There are so many great aspects in this city that it’s hard to pinpoint one thing. I’ll name a few: I love the culture of the city. I also love that it is a melting pot. There are so many different people that come here from all over the world. Being from the great continent of Africa, I love the fact that there are many other Africans here. It makes me feel at home. Often times, I’ve heard Atlanta being referred to as the Black Mecca. It’s a pleasure to be a part of one of the fastest-growing black professional societies in the nation. I’ve been to many major cities and I have to say that Atlanta is top two, y’all know the rest.
The 5:00 pm traffic is definitely the least favorable part about Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookciretraore@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cire.traore/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ciretraore
Image Credit:
First Picture/MAIN PIC (jam_365_photography) On Instagram
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