As a professional model with Ice Modelsin Durban, Iman Sheik might only be 17 years old, but we couldn't have asked
for a more qualified guest judge for Phase Five of #ProjectScouted. She's
stunning, yet simple and down to earth, and isn't unwilling to pass on what she
knows about the modelling industry to aspiring models. Having been at the Phase
Five photo session at the Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga this past Saturday
morning, she has had the chance to not only see the #ProjectScouted girls in
action but also to help with their posing while Phase Five photographer RoyEsterhuysen, who you can also read more about on the blog, did his thing behind
the camera.
Lee
Folkard Photography found out more about this beauty who has success for
modelling in her name.
Lee
Folkard Photography: Who is Iman Sheik?
Iman: I'm a 17
year-old-girl from sunny Durban who is currently studying Clinical Psychology.
I was really lucky to start my schooling earlier than usual. I'm also a model
for Ice Models Durban, South Africa. I absolutely love fashion, food, family
and friends.
LFP: How did you hear
about #ProjectScouted and how did you become a guest judge for Phase Five?
Iman: I'm actually friends
with Lee on Facebook and was sent an invitation to the Shoelaced Clothing
fashion show in Phase Four at SMG Rocks. I absolutely love the whole concept of
what #ProjectScouted aims to achieve and I knew I needed to be a part of it! I
couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a guest judge! I love meeting others who
have similar interests that I have and who are passionate about the modelling
industry.
LFP: How did you enter
the modelling industry?
Iman: I was still in
school and my best friend encouraged me to enter a modelling competition that
was taking place. I reluctantly agreed. And to everyone's surprise, I was
suddenly being offered contracts by some of the local agencies. Now three years
in, I absolutely love every minute of it! And its all thanks to my best friend,
Sonam! Its so important to have friends who motivate you and want to see you
succeed!
LFP: Being a model is
tough work. What has been some of the challenges? Would you change anything
about the modelling industry in Durban?
Iman: For me, a challenge
has sometimes been my age. Most of the girls start their careers a lot earlier
on. It is hard in Durban as the fashion community is still on the rise. A model
also needs to have a more mature image sometimes, and I'm still coming to that
place. But I know how lucky I have been!
LFP: What do you love the
most about being a model?
Iman: I love the confidence
it has given me. I have learnt to love myself for who I am and not what society
wants me to be. This can be really hard for a teenager to do but modelling has
taught me how to. At the same time, I'm also obsessed with getting dressed up.
And I get to do it on the grandest scale ever!
LFP: What inspired you to
choose Clinical Psychology as your qualification and what do you plan to do
after you complete your studies?
Iman: A few years back, I
actually had to visit a Clinical Psychologist after being in a hijack
situation. Sitting in that doctor's office, the doctor made me realize in that
moment that one day I could have the opportunity to council children who have
been victims of far worse situations than I had experienced. I intend on
counseling war, rape, and abuse victims. I plan on making a difference!
LFP: How do you balance
your studies and model work?
Iman: I have a really
strict dad who expects nothing less than A's! To be honest, time management and
being a perfectionist comes in very handy! I just believe that if you really
enjoy what you do, you can do it all!
LFP: It seems like the
destiny to be a model is written in your name.
Iman: I was named after Iman Abdulmajid and
from a very young age I have aspired to be at least half the woman she is. Not
only does she have an amazing career, but she truly embraces her African
heritage and being a woman of colour!
LFP: What has been the
highlight of your modelling career?
Iman: Last year I received
the opportunity to enter the Elite Model Look competition and made it to the
Top 3 in Durban! It was such an honour and experience being one of the youngest
girls!
LFP: What will you be
looking for in the photographs of the #ProjectScouted girls when judging?
Iman: I am definitely
looking for girls with a unique factor; I believe that always give you an edge.
LFP: What goes through
your mind when you're posing for a photo?
Iman: To be honest, I'm
usually so focused on my angles and what the photographer wants. But there is
that part of me where my inner diva comes out!
#ProjectScouted is getting more and
more nail-biting as the phases go by. Iman will be a part of making the
daunting and extremely difficult decision of choosing the girls who will make
up the much-awaited Top 10. Along with photographers Lee Folkard, Jerome
Stoffels, and Samantha Duckworth, all of whom you can read about on the blog,
Iman knows exactly what a good photo comprises of. Who better to make that
decision?
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