Tell us about yourself.

My name is Mariama S. and I am 21 years old. I am from the smiling coast of Africa, The Gambia. I am I’m college and majoring in international studies.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to be an interpreter and to also succeed in my modeling career and be on the cover of magazine and also possibly start a career in acting as well. I also want to help the less fortunate and create a day care for the low income families which would be free.  

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

To me being your own kind of beautiful means to always be true to yourself and to be yourself everyday. It means to be kind and to always remain humble no matter what.

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

Since I was a child I have always wanted to be a model, but growing up in Africa i didn’t really have any opportunities so I told myself that after graduating high school and coming to America, I would give it a try. I have never modeled for any professional agency before besides for some friends who were studying art and would always take my pictures or draw me and tell me that I was photogenic and from that moment I was like “okay that’s it we’re gonna give modeling a try”

What is your dream brand to model for?

My dream brand to model for would be: channel, Calvin Klein, and Louis Vuitton 

How would you describe your fashion style?

I have a chic fashion style meaning it’s fashionable and trendy. I like to look and dress classy, and also wearing bright colors. 

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

Self awareness and confidence is very important to me. I have to have it in order to keep pushing and try my best and without it I wouldn’t have been here today. Believe in you is the key.  

What makes you beautiful/handsome?

What makes me beautiful is the beauty i see in other people and also because of my heart and my smile. I have a big giant heart and everything I do I do it because of my heart. I am genuine and nice to everybody and my smile has helped brighten many people’s day. 

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

I have been asked this question a lot and what I can say is that you need to believe in yourself. When you want something go after it and never stop believing in yourself and never doubt in your abilities. You are beautiful in every way and you can do anything.