Aalaa U.
Aalaa U.
Oklahoma, USA
Age: 24
Measurements:
Waist: 26
Hips: 34
Bust: 34
Height: 5'9
Weight: 120
Hair/Eye Color: Brown
Tell us about yourself
I am a 24 year old Arab-American woman who was born in Germany. I came to America when I was 4 years old and lived in Virginia for several years. Then I moved to Oklahoma and have been here ever since!
Tell us about your modeling experience.
I have wanted to try modeling for a long time but only recently started. I've done photoshoots with a few different Oklahoma photographers and have my first NYC photoshoot planned very soon. I also make my fiance take pictures of me for practice!
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to pursue modeling as a successful full time career and use this platform to inspire other women to follow their dreams and to be as confident as ever. I want to live in a major city in the very near future so I can live around the "culture" of modeling. I dream of walking for fashion weeks in NYC, LA, etc. I aspire to work with big designers like Gucci, Versace, Chanel, etc.
What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?
Being your own kind of beautiful means overcoming things that you thought should make you insecure when in reality they are things that make you proud to be unique.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I have various styles. Half of the time my style is very athletic because I exercise frequently. The other half of the time I love dressing elegant/sexy. Sometimes I just want to be cute and comfortable.
Who or what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from people like Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez because they started out with nothing and went through several hardships. They never let any negativity get to them and stayed focused and passionate about their careers. It truly goes to show that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.
What have been your greatest accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishments have been my fitness journey and having the opportunity to get signed with two modeling agencies this year!
Do you have any special talents?
I have a special place in my heart for makeup. I am a self-taught makeup artist and have worked for makeup brands such as Estee Lauder and Clinique.
Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.
Growing up, being bullied for my appearance and my middle-eastern background was an obstacle that I had to overcome on the daily. This didn't really start happening until I moved to small town in Oklahoma. I was the only arab in the entire town which was a shock among the students around me. I am thankful that I was able to overcome the negative impact of bullying and turn it into something positive. Now I have learned to be proud of the fact that I stand out and am an amazingly unique person! I wouldn't have it any other way.
My biggest obstacle overall that I have had to overcome is the fact that my parents disowned me when I was 18. I met an American guy and started dating him during my freshman year of college. I came from a strict middle-eastern/Muslim household and in my culture, dating is not acceptable. Still to this day, my parents refuse to talk to me. This is a detrimental situation that I have had to go through and it resulted in me having to take a break from college because I was not able to afford it. This situation has made me a stronger, and a more independent person. Taking a break from college made me develop a passion for modeling which I have successfully started pursuing. Everything that I have been through has given be an extreme drive for success and has taught me to follow my heart and dreams.
What makes you beautiful/handsome?
What makes me beautiful is the fact that I am a kind, caring, and genuine human being who has a passion for helping other people.
What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?
I would say that life is too short care about what other people think about you! Own your uniqueness, normal is boring. Confidence comes from within! What really helped me with my own confidence is going to the gym and making healthier lifestyle choices. So this is something that I would recommend to everyone who is struggling with self-esteem.
