Tell us about yourself.
I am 23 years old, I am Egyptian and live in New Jersey!
You’d mentioned that you’re still in school. What are you studying?
I am currently still in school studying business marketing, and my goal is to own my own business in the future. I would love to have my own cosmetics and fashion line in the future.
Would you further pursue modeling?
My goal is to work with big brands such as Chanel and Dior. I believe I would definitely still pursue modeling, but for multiple things like in beauty, commercial, and high fashion!
How, or when, did you notice your content taking off on Instagram?
I noticed my content taking off about two years ago. The funny part is that it wasn’t intentional! I would just post photos of myself with cute outfits on, my relationship, and lifestyle. I noticed people starting to engage and ask questions about my life, or what kind of make up I use, and even where my favorite travel spots are.
When did you decide to become more of a social media influencer that focused on fashion and beauty?
I started about a year ago. I enjoyed the feedback I was getting from people and I wanted to share with everyone the things I loved to wear and use.
What have been some of the best comments you’ve received from your followers?
I get a lot of amazing comments from my followers about how they love and support me 100% in everything I am doing. It honestly makes me so so happy to see most of my followers supporting me and give me amazing feedback. That’s why I feel like it’s so important to connect with your followers on a more personal level.
Tell us about your experience on America’s Next Top Model.
My experience on ANTM was very different for me because I’ve never been away from my family for that long. It was pretty tough. I felt like the experience taught me a lot about myself, and how I can truly push myself to the limit and do whatever I put my mind too!
How’d you get involved?
The casting director contacted me and asked me to sign up for the season.
What was it like living with the other girls in the house?
It would get really tough at times because all of us were all so different, but I am happy I made some friends through the process!
Was it as dramatic as it looked on TV?
Yeah, it was pretty dramatic, but what do you expect when you put that many girls in one house?
Tell us about the challenges. Do you feel they pushed you out of your comfort zone?
To completely honest I am actually a really shy girl so most of the things I did I wasn’t really used to, but I feel like I definitely needed it.
You won the chance to do a photo shoot with Ashley Graham – What was your experience like working with such an impactful model and activist in the industry?
It was amazing working and shooting with Ashley! She is such an amazing person inside and out, and she really helped me on the photoshoot.
How much do you feel you learned about the industry and modeling from your experience on the show?
I definitely think I learned a lot from the judges, but mostly I feel like I learned a lot about myself throughout the process just from being out in Los Angeles alone for such a long time without seeing or speaking to my family.
You’ve mentioned on the show that you were Muslim; do you feel your religious background will affect the types of jobs you’ll accept?
I think the only thing that will affect the types of jobs I accept will be what I truly allow for and what I feel comfortable with.
Tell us about your activism and encouragement you strive to show young Muslim models wanting to break into the industry.
I personally don’t see a lot of Muslim models in the industry and that really bothers me because I don’t think they shouldn’t be scared to get out there and do what they love. Most girls are afraid to pursue modeling because it isn’t allowed in the Muslim world, and I believe that any male or female should do what they are really passionate about because at the end of the day they will be the ones living out their future, not their parents.
What’s next?
In the future, I’d love to work with big fashion brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. I also want to do a lot of beauty campaigns and commercials. As of right now, I am working really hard to build myself up to where I want to be!
Words & Photography: Laura Ersoy
Assisted by: Jason Tezgerevski
Styling: Mike Adler at Angela DeBona Agency
Assisted by: Nicholas Dyer
Hair & Makeup: Amanda Wilson at Opus Beauty
