Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)

My name is Imani and I am originally from Detroit, MI but I currently live in Louisville, KY. I am 20 years old and currently enrolled at Grand Valley State University. I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in Juvenile Justice and I plan on getting a my masters in Occupational Therapy.

What is your biggest dream?

One of my biggest dreams is to become a professional model print or runway.

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

To me, being your own kind of beautiful means to be yourself. You should never feel like you have to change yourself whether it be appearance wise or characteristic wise. To be your own kind of beautiful is to embrace the things you cannot change about yourself and wear them confidently.

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

I didn’t really take modeling seriously until I came to college. I joined a modeling organization on my campus and from there I have been modeling for almost three years. I have done a few fashion shows in the Grand Rapids area as well as an abundance of photoshoots.

What is your dream brand to model for?

My dream brands to model for is Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, Fendi, and Moschino.  

How would you describe your fashion style?

I would describe my fashion style as a combination of urban and comfy. I love a good oversized sweater or hoodie with pair of leggings and gym shoes, but I love a good pair of baggie pants that I can dress up or down. Also, depending on the occasion I like to go all out with dressing up and pulling out a fur coat.  

How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?

I feel like being self-aware and confident in my everyday life is very important. I used, to be very insecure and always felt as though I was being judged in some way, but I came to learn that the opinions of others do not matter, the only one that matters is yours. I also came to understand that someone is always going to have something to say about you so it’s up to you to either ignore them and continue to do you or listen to what they’re saying and continue to stay in your shell.

What makes you beautiful?

What makes me beautiful is my character as well as my personality

What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

I would tell her to stop listening to that little voice inside your head that is telling you that you are not pretty enough or not slim enough. Embrace yourself flaws and all and release that energy that is holding you back from being your true self. Know your worth because once you know that you’ll be unstoppable and surround yourself with people you are uplifting, has good energy, and are willing to help lift you up when you are not feeling as confident as you should be that day. I would also tell her to find words of affirmation that are uplifting and repeat them to herself every day.