Shahnila M.
Shahnila M.
New York, USA
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Shahnila M. and I was born in Montreal, Canada where I lived most of my life. At 15, I moved to New York for a couple years to finish my education, but this is also the place where I launched my modeling career and I never looked back. I have wanted to pursue it at a younger age but always hesitated due to my height. Now that I see how far I can go, nothing is stopping me from achieving my dreams.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to be see myself on billboards one day, especially for beauty campaigns. I want to be able to travel the world and walk runway shows even if my height is a setback.
What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?
To be your own kind of beautiful is to step outside of the box and be uncomfortable because that is how you grow! It is to embrace every flaw you have and make it your own. To be beautiful is to never hesitate in something you believe in. Reach for the sky.
Tell us about your modeling experience.
I started to model in the beginning of the year of 2019, and this is where I finally took it seriously. I was able to do photoshoots with various photographers and even participate in music videos with major artists. I truly enjoy creating stories with every image taken and seeing the concepts come to life is the most fulfulling.
What is your dream brand to model for?
My dream brand to model for would be Milano and Nike shoes because I absolutely love shoes as well.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion is quite a statement, whenever I dress, I always like to have a garment or a piece of clothing that would make you remember me. I love to dress!! I do not have one style, as I have a whole sprectrum of styles that I pull off on the daily.
How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?
To me, having self-confidence is most definitely important, especially when you are walking into an industry that has strict standards. You have to remain confident in what you do, and stand firm in your beliefs. Once you have that confidence, everyone around you will notice and applaud you for it.
What makes you beautiful?
I believe what makes me beautiful is the drive that I have. Not only do I model, but I am also majoring in engineering at a prestigious school, thus balancing both passions can be quite difficult at some times. I keep it pushing no matter what, even if it is hard, I continue on doing it because it is what makes me happy at the end of the day.
What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?
I would say that I your a person struggling with confidence, start small. Appreciate the little things such as your nose, your smile, your hair, your walk, anything! Remember that absolutely no one is perfect, and if they are, it is most likely fake!!! Always hold your head up high and if you fail, well keep going because success does not come easy.
