Nala Wayans on Life as An American Fashion Model
BORN IN NEW YORK CITY,
Nala Wayans is a 22-year-old model set to make her mark in the ever-changing fashion industry. The daughter of popular American actor Keenen Ivory Wayans and TV reality star Daphne Wayans, is the second oldest of four siblings. Nala’s previous on camera work includes co-hosting The Guest House with friend and Instagram star, Jordyn Woods. Now, Nala set her eyes on her modeling goals. Raine took a moment to speak with Nala about her latest projects what inspires her to move forward.
RAINE: Can you describe your experiences with modeling and how you have fine-tuned your craft?
NALA: When I was 19 or so, I decided to take my interest in modeling seriously. Whenever I am interested in something, I want to learn more about it. I study modeling in order to get better at it. I read magazines and anything else that I can learn from. I am one of those people; when I want to do something, I obsess over it and want to learn everything about it. I am a visual learner, so watching behind the scenes interviews and flipping through magazines like Harper Bazaar inspire me. I think Harper Bazaar still takes the art of modeling seriously. It’s one of the few big magazines that are still very true to the fashion industry, and for that reason, I appreciate it.
RAINE: If you could change or impact the modeling industry, how would you do that?
NALA: At the moment, there is so much change in the industry (especially due to social media), which is great. However, it’s a double-edged sword. For example, social media gives so many people a chance who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to model and that’s amazing. On the other hand, these same changes can reward people who didn’t necessarily work hard for the opportunity given, which others have had to work so hard for in the past and I think that gives the wrong message.
RAINE: Who is your guidepost in the modeling industry?
NALA: I think there are a lot of models that I look to and admire, but I’d rather make my own path and not try to base my career off of someone else’s. For example, I have studied Naomi and the ‘90s era of supermodels but I don’t want to be them either. I think long term; my path in life is different from most models. Another model I love is Chrissy Teigen, especially because she has cookbooks and cooking accessories, and I have a passion for cooking.
RAINE: How would you describe a creative entrepreneur in your own words?
NALA: Someone that makes his or her own job in a specific field in which that job doesn’t currently exist. For example, Creative Director was not a job that existed 50 years ago. Those individuals had to create that opportunity for themselves.