Cyn is a model and dancer.  She is wearing our Inyaba Maxi Dress is this picture. She has been two some of our shoots.  Here is her interview:

What is your favorite part of modeling/dancing?
Cynn: I think my favorite part of modeling is going places, seeing different things, and trying different articles of clothing. The fact that I’m very good at modeling, I’m really hard-working, I’m willing to put myself out there, I can have these collaborations with creative individuals, and I can creatively direct myself—I feel like that’s really fun and you can’t get that anywhere else in the same way.

What made you want to become a model/dancer?
Cynn: I was also dreaming about becoming a model. So, I had planned it out and everything when I was, like, 5 or 6 years old. I’ve been watching “America’s Next Top Model,” even the re-runs and it’s always felt like it was for me. I didn’t feel like there was anything else for me because—I’m a jack of all trades and I am pursuing other careers, but modeling makes me feel something that other careers don’t. It makes me happy and happiness is one of the most important keys in my life because you can’t live without being happy. You can’t live without money, either.

How long have you been modeling?
Cynn: I’ve been modeling for 3 years, now. So, I started with (undetectable) photography because my friend put me on with him. That went okay, the pictures turned out decent. It was a first shoot, so I didn’t expect too much. But, after that first shoot, I was able to get myself together and the photographer was able to adapt his skills to my needs, so we were able to work cohesively.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?
Cynn: I emailed Goz. He had sent out a flyer for dancer submissions and I was interested in that, but I also modeled. I’ve never had dancing pictures and I realized yesterday when I was doing it, that it made me feel more free. I wasn’t expecting that, but it was really nice. So, like when I met him, it was more like I emailed him my information, and then we went from there. Now, we have today and yesterday.

What’s the hardest part about being a model/dancer?
Cynn: Scoring gigs and making yourself stand out with the judges. You’re already unique on your own, but they’re seeing so many people. For example, a couple days ago, I went to this fashion show casting and there were a whole bunch of models. The judges were looking at walks, looking at poses, making sure they did duo groups and triple groups—so how are they going to keep up with you? Your uniqueness makes you stand out 5%, but that other 95% is based on your walk. If the judges don’t remember your walk, you’re not memorable. I’m trying to be memorable.

What are your long term goals for your performance/art?
Cynn: I want to become either a part-time or full-time prosecutor—a defense attorney. Criminal Justice is my major and I’m looking towards criminology, all in all. If I can’t do that, I’ll probably be a child-services lawyer. I feel like children do need help sometimes, and some parents don’t like their children. I just don’t want to be a bystander. Another long-term goal for me is to be on the cover of any Vogue magazine in the world—every Vogue magazine in the world. Also, to get published for my first or second time next year, for sure. I also want to walk in New York Fashion Week 2025.

What is your biggest modeling accomplishment?
Cynn: I have walked in one fashion show this year, so far; but I’m working on doing more before the end of the year. I also started my business this year, and I’m moving to Texas at the end of the year. I’ve been trying to be well-faceted in both school and modeling/dancing (and everything else that I do) and making sure that I don’t lose track of that by getting stressed out. I do set aside time for self-care, and my “Self-Care Sundays” are very important to me.

How do you prepare for shoots and stay motivated?
Cynn: When I do my makeup, I take a deep breath when I’m finishing my eyebrows or eyeshadow, and I process everything that’s been going on throughout the day. Then, I feel set because I have let out everything that led up to that day, no matter if it was good or bad. I release it and feel like I’m at a calm. When I’m calm, I feel like that’s the best way to work because once you get into that hectic environment, you’re able to settle things down a little bit so it can move smoother. I work so well under pressure, it’s crazy. Because I’ve been raised to get past things like this and I learned so many things in such a short time, I feel like I can do a lot, but also learn a lot more. Growth is the only way you’re going to get where you want.

What’s your favorite style and clothing to model?
Cynn: I don’t have a favorite style. I love everything. You can do so much with any clothing item. I feel like—because I went through so many different designers, creators, and creatives—that they’d give me clothing options and I would pick an outfit in two seconds. I love the different varieties of creativity that go into the clothing items. Like, specifically for this dress, you wouldn’t expect it to be stitched around the knees, but it is. That makes the bodice and body shape a little tighter. You can also pair them with these vicious platform boots. It looks professional and classy, but you still get that seduction—that sensuality.

What is your favorite part of modeling/dancing? Kellen: Being able to express yourself with your walk--your strutt--and the fashion. I love the outfits. I dance, too, so it just feels like you’re lit up on your own stage.

What made you want to become a model/dancer? Kellen: I feel like I’ve always been different, and I feel like it fits the image of not only being different with your look…just feeling like you’re on a stage and the star of your own show.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion? Kellen: Through one of his fashion events I attended as just a guest, and he came up to me. Now, I’m here.

What is your favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion? Kellen: Well, today is my first time, but I like how everything is nice and calm. It doesn’t feel like a lot of pressure is on you. And, of course, the designs are beautiful and unique, and I feel like that shows through the whole company.

What’s the hardest part about being a model/dancer? Kellen: Not eating whatever you want, because you have to keep up with your image.

What are your long term goals for your performance/art? Kellen: Well, I want to connect with as many artists as possible in every field, not just in fashion. And to be in the “in” crowd of entertainment.

What is your biggest modeling accomplishment? Kellen: The selfie I took in a tree when I was thirteen. No, just kidding. Actually, I just did a show and I sang in the middle of the fashion show, and then also was included as one of the models in the show, so that was cool.

How do you prepare for shoots and stay motivated? Kellen: Eat right and exercise often. Little bit of wine. But, seriously, just try your best to eat healthy and then exercise most of the week.

What’s your favorite style and clothing to model? Kellen: I would have to say elegance, but I also love the edginess, too, with some of the brands. It really just depends on the day, honestly.

This is Rhonda wearing our Tubman Dress at a shoot. 

What is your favorite part of modeling?
Laronda: My favorite part is the aesthetics of it. The time it takes to get beautiful, I admire that.

What made you want to become a model?
Laronda: My prom dress maker. He made my prom dress so beautiful and he’s a photographer, as well; so he was like, “you know, you should look into modeling.” He got me into it and got me started. He brought the Beauty and the Beast out.

How long have you been modeling?
Laronda: Since January.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?
Laronda: Last fashion show they let me model their clothes, and that was about two months ago. So, I met him (Goz), got his Instagram, and I’ve been modeling for them ever since.

What is your favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion?
Laronda: My favorite part is the beautiful designs. I love them, and you have to like what you wear.

What is your favorite style of clothing to model?
Laronda: It would be the dresses because of the flowiness. I feel like you could get a better feel for it while you’re in it.

What’s the hardest part about being a model?
Laronda: Believing in yourself. You have to be all for you, and you have to keep that strong belief.

What’s your biggest modeling accomplishment?
Laronda: It has been a journey. I would honestly say getting well-rounded in my heels. That’s been the best part because of my walk, which is so important. Perfecting that craft, type thing. It’s rigorous, but worth it.

What are your long term goals for your performance/art?
Laronda: I would like to build my portfolio more. I want to travel more with my portfolio, so I hope to be able to do that. Get different scenery, different people, different art. And to be able to learn along the way, I feel like that’s where the art is going to come in at, in figuring out my style.

How do you prepare for photoshoots and stay motivated?
Laronda: So, I’ve been getting a notebook and making sure I’m writing down ahead of time what I have going on every day. I can go over it and say, “okay, you have this coming up,” and figuring out what it is I have to wear, how I have to look, etc. and getting it done way before hand.

Olivia and Renata wearing our Osisi Sarong

Follow Renata on IG and TikTok @iamrenataaa

What is your favorite part of modeling?
Olivia: I don’t really consider myself a model. I’m a creative director, so doing photo shoots gives me a better understanding of what models have to deal with. That way, I can come up with more creative projects and better things to do to improve the experience of the models.

Renata: My favorite part would be posing. I know that I look good—not to be cocky—but, I love to pose for the camera. As far as dancing—it helps me express myself and show what I got.

What made you want to become a model?
Olivia: Growing up, I’ve always been told, “Oh, you have long legs! You should model!” And, as I said earlier, I just want to better understand the artistry of modeling, so I could improve the experience for myself and for those around me.

Renata: I’ve always been photogenic and I love looking in the mirror all the time.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?
Olivia: We were on campus and I was doing a shoot for a different clothing line. Someone who worked for Obioma saw my post about it, we got in contact through my DM’s, and we went from there.

Renata: Olivia got me in contact with them.

What is your favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion?
Olivia: I love how colorful the clothes are and they can make anyone look beautiful. The clothes extenuate anyone’s forms and body shapes.

Renata: It’s very different. I used to cut up my shirts like shit back in the day, and I like how Obioma brought that back for me, but in a different way. It’s very unique.

What’s the hardest part about being a model?
Olivia: Obviously, everybody is shaped differently, but not everybody is up to society’s standards. It’s hard to model, knowing that you may be discriminated against because you don’t look a certain way. Also, staying confident.

Renata: Being confident. If you’re not confident, it’s going to show in your facial expression, your body, your pose—everything. You need to represent yourself as best as possible. You need to have that confidence and swag to be a model.


What’s your biggest modeling accomplishment?
Olivia: Growing my social media and continuing to network. I’m a jack of all trades, so I like to go into different fields of art and creativity. Also, getting to know so many different people through that networking.

Renata: What she said. What are your long-term goals for your performance/art? Olivia: To run that check up. Renata: We are trying to get a whole bunch of things to come out on YouTube—more modeling, more creative directing, and more projects.

Staje and La Raza in the Azu Collection Vest and Maix Jacket

What is your favorite part of modeling/dancing?
Staje: Well, for me, my favorite part is definitely the modeling. I’m not the best dancer, at all. But, I love the movement and the motion, it gets you in a great spirit.

La Raza: In my experience, I think my favorite part is just being able to express how I’m feeling in the moment with my body and to just get out anything that may be feeling stagnant with my movements. I enjoy that part.

What made you want to become a model?
Staje: For me, I have been recruited a lot, but I play basketball, so I never really had the chance to explore it. But, then I thought, “Why not try it?” You know, people have been telling me to model for a long time, so I decided to try it and it’s been going good.

La Raza: For me, I picked it up as a fun hobby or habit to do in my free time. It’s a way to network and get to know people, as well as be creative. I took it up because keeping my appearance up is something I have a passion for. Also, being able to collaborate and being able to pair that with some action, as in money and getting to know more people.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?
Staje: I actually met him in a show in Detroit. The show was alright, but he had excellent designs--he was probably the best designer there. He told me that he was putting this all together, kept in contact, and now I’m here.

La Raza: I met him at a show, also, but it was here in Chicago. I can’t think of the venue right now, but it was not too long ago.

How long have you been modeling for?
Staje: It will be a year in November.

La Raza: I’ve been doing it on and off for probably about a decade now. I look a lot younger than I actually am.

What’s your favorite part about working with Obioma?
Staje: I would say it’s the way we get to express ourselves. He gives me the opportunity to do things that I haven’t done yet. I’ve been wanting to get more into the walk and expressing myself--and then the designs and the pieces are beautiful. It’s something different than the standard American beauty that we see all the time. He also lets us put our own creative input in and basically, gives us free range as long as it’s good.

La Raza: For me, it’s definitely the fabrics and designs. I enjoy, also, being able to see Goz in the design that he has created. I can see myself in that--a little mirror, in a sense. I enjoy being able to witness that coming to fruition.

What’s the hardest part about being a model?
Staje: Changing…and the weather. And you have to stay out of your head--don’t focus on the other models, focus on you and your look. Make sure you don’t compare yourself.

La Raza: My body changing, for sure. You know, we have our monthly things--changes like that. So, I would say, just like anything in life, it’s about adapting to the change; but, moreso for the physical, for me, because, as a model, your appearance is your money. So, say for instance, I had a breakout last night and we had a photo shoot this morning. That is something I have to overcome mentally, to be able to still perform. I would say that keeping the performance up is definitely challenging.

So, you would say, to motivate yourself for shoots and shows, don’t compare yourself with other models?
Staje: Exactly. Like, why would I compare myself to her. She’s gorgeous, of course, but I’m 6’2” and in a whole other category of modeling.

La Raza: Right. What other ways do you prepare for your events?

What pushes you to keep modeling?
Staje: For me, I like to start out with something good in my belly. It’s definitely the food because I don’t like getting bloated. Like, why would I drink a pop before a shoot? It’s about being conscious about what you’re putting into your body and how it's going to come out, and I don’t know how it’s going to come out the next day, so you have to be aware of that. Also, before the shoots, I like to look up and pick a couple poses I’ll do. Like, today, I knew it was going to be more business casual, so I wanted to see the poses of strong women.

La Raza: I focus on my skin--I have very dry skin, so I try to do facial masks and hydrating very well the night before. I try to focus on my skin because I’m going to eat, regardless. But, I try not to overeat because I don't want to get bloated and gassy.

What are your long term goals for the performance of your art?
Staje: My long term goal is to be an international model. I really cannot wait to work with Rhianna and Fenty Beauty. It’s coming, I feel it in my soul. Like, I’ve had confidence, but now I have confidence.

La Raza: Just to be able to express and be myself. I think I definitely also want to be in Rhianna’s show. If I do that, then I’m straight. Then, nobody can tell me shit--like “don’t tell me you in modeling if you weren’t in vogue.” That part. But, yeah, and just continue to have fun and grow.

What is your biggest accomplishment in modeling?
Staje: Having agencies actually interested in me, even in my first year doing this. I’ve been invited to this showcasing and I was actually going to it next summer, my modeling coach talked me into it, and it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far in modeling.

La Raza: I was in New York Fashion Week last week and that was really fun. It was one of my biggest accomplishments, I’d say.

Tell me about a challenge you face when modeling?
Staje: So, when you are on the path, you have to make sure you don’t let anybody else delay you from that. I’ve tried to go with other models and my first thought was to buy a plane ticket, but the day we were supposed to be leaving, they canceled on me as we were packing the car up. So, if you want to do things, you have to make sure you have your own plan because other people can delay you at any moment. Make sure you stay on your path, stay focused, and make sure people are actually committed. Rely on yourself, for sure. I live in Michigan, but I travel back and forth from Chicago, so I don’t rely on people for rides anymore--I just take the train.

La Raza: For me, it’s my hair. That’s another thing I dabble in outside of modeling. I have a license for hair care in Illinois, and I have a non-profit that does hybrid educational programs and hair care, and we work with models. I think that it’s really challenging to have to come to photo shoots or fashion shows with my own hair products because they don’t have experience with my hair texture. At this moment, I have been growing my hair out, I have locks, so I literally have to show up with my hair done. That kind of takes away from the experience for me because I came here to get dolled up and get pampered. Also keeping my confidence up, because, you know, the talk happens, around what my hair looks like and how different it is.

Stuart wearing our Kwame Dress Shirt and Shorts

What is your favorite part of modeling?
Stuart: The different styles and colors, and trying new things and seeing how it feels. Matching what you wear with yourself, and expressing yourself. I’ve watched a lot of fashion shows and it’s fun. Traveling to different cities and seeing new things—I really like it. What made you want to become a model? Stuart: I got hit on all the time, and I love to dance and wear nice clothing. I’m very up-to-date with the latest trends, but I can use those and match them with me—make it mine.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?
Stuart: I started following them on Instagram. Today is actually my first day with Obioma—like, my first photoshoot. What is your favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion? Stuart: This is very professional. I also like that I get to try on a lot of different clothes and get interviewed because this usually doesn’t happen at photo shoots I go to. I like the high-end material because it’s colorful and different. It’s very unique. The communication between Goz and me made me feel very comfortable. He told me everything I needed to wear and bring and made sure I was prepared. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming—the best type of people to work with.

What is your favorite style of clothing to model?
Stuart: It’s a mixture of things, but I like graphic outfits with lots of cool designs on them. What’s the hardest part about being a model? Stuart: Scheduling. It’s hard to find time to do work and spend time with my family. Also, getting used to having that image. I’m not OCD or anything—like I don’t freak out when I get a pimple on my face—but I’m good at maintaining myself.

What are your long term goals for your performance/art?
Stuart: I was never thinking about modeling professionally, but maybe. It’s something different. I could see myself on a billboard or magazine. I’m humble, I’m attractive, and I’m trying to work on my six-pack again. Other than that, I just love trying on the clothes and walking down the runway to do poses. I feel like I need some coaching, though.

How do you prepare for photoshoots and stay motivated?
Stuart: I just communicated with Goz, and made sure I got an Uber here from the suburbs on time. Listening to inspirational and positive music usually helps me get hyped up, too. And surrounding yourself with cool people.

Jazz is wearing our Abike Dress

What is your favorite part of modeling?
Jazz: Meeting new people, and just experiencing confidence. For me, personally, it’s building confidence.

Tierra: Trying new hairstyles, trying different clothes, and expressing myself through those things. Also, meeting new people.

What made you want to become a model?
Jazz: I’ve been wanting to be a model since I was 7, so it’s just a dream of mine. I’ve always seen people on TV, like Victoria's Secret and other runway models, and thought, “they look amazing and I want to do that.”

Tierra: Same for me. I just like being in front of the camera, and being the main character. How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?

Tierra: So, I met Goz at the Detroit fashion show and I wore one of Obioma’s pieces. After that, I was talking to him and he told me he was from Chicago. I’m from Chicago, as well, so we connected.

Jazz: We have a groupchat with other models and she connected me to Obioma. We always get in touch when it comes to modeling gigs.

What is your favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion?
Tierra: It’s very different. There’s no one else that has this type of texture or designs of clothing. So, I think that’s really good for African culture. You’re not going to find this anywhere else, and if you do, they copied.

Jazz: I feel like it’s very colorful and it stands out.

What is your favorite style of clothing to model?
Jazz: I don’t think I have a favorite, I like being adventurous and trying new things. I like crazy fashion because it’s fun and different.

Tierra: Me either. You could give me anything to wear and I will pull it off—whether it be hairstyles, clothes, makeup—I got it, for sure.

What’s the hardest part about being a model?
Tierra: That you don’t get paid for everything that you do. You got to book your own makeup and hair appointments, find your own outfits. It was convenient that I was already in Chicago when we had to do this shoot.

Jazz: Our first show that we did together had makeup artists, designers—they had everything for us and we didn’t really have to put money into it. Except for, like, gas money. After that, we haven’t had anything like that. Also, rude designers, bad photographers, and bad makeup artists are hard to deal with.

What’s your biggest modeling accomplishment?
Tierra: I don’t have an end goal with modeling, I just want to take it as far as I can go. So, taking the first step into the modeling world was definitely my biggest accomplishment.

Jazz: I found out about modeling in high school. This lady came up to me and she was like, “You’re very pretty. Go to this.” And that’s how I met Tierra. From there, it’s been going good. Like Tierra said, it’s the first step. At first, I was like, “They’re not gonna want me.” But, then I did it and now I’m here, today.

What are your long term goals for your performance/art?
Jazz: With me, I really want to do runway modeling, but I can’t really right now because of my height. But, yeah, mainly runway and I really want to do Victoria’s Secret and be an angel. I don’t really have an end goal, but that’s pretty much it.

Tierra: Long-term, I want to be on the billboards and walking in Paris fashion shows, wearing exotic clothing rather than basic stuff—like, that one Balenciaga fashion show with the mud. So, yeah, no end goal for me either, I just want to do as much as I can.

How do you prepare for photoshoots and stay motivated?
Tierra: Music and model affirmations. Also, vision boards, so you have everything that you want to do already planned out visually. Then, it’ll go smoother for you and for everybody.

Jazz: Just make sure you’re working hard towards everything you want in life because you can’t get anywhere if you’re not working hard. Also, making friends so you can help each other. Like, I got this if you don’t have it. And, always bring a hairbrush.

Bashir wearing our Kwame Dress Shirt at our last shoot.

What is your favorite part of modeling/dancing?
Bashir: My favorite part of modeling is getting to work with other model and photographers to come up with cool concepts and shots.
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What made you want to become a model/dancer?
Bashir: I started off taking pictures for others but eventually stepped behind the camera.

How long have you been modeling?
Bashir: Been modeling for a year now.

How did you get in touch with Obioma Fashion?
Bashir: One of my friends sent me a flyer of a Obioma shoot.

What’s your favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion?
Bashir: My favorite part about working with Obioma Fashion is getting to model unique garments and also doing a bit of dancing.

What’s the hardest part about being a model/dancer?
Bashir: The hardest part about being a model is you sometimes have to model clothes you don’t want to and run away modeling can be a bit stressful sometimes.

What are your long term goals for your performance/art?
Bashir: My long term goal is to get into fitness modeling.

What is your biggest modeling accomplishment?
Bashir: My biggest modeling accomplishment so far is walking Chicago Fashion Week.

How do you prepare for shoots and stay motivated?
Bashir: I prepare for shoots by getting a model bag together and going over a couple of poses.

What’s your favorite style and clothing to model?
Bashir: My favorite styles of clothing to model are fitness and formal wear.