• Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Sumaiya Nasrudeen, a 23-year-old software undergraduate who has completed a Pearson BTEC HND in software engineering with a distinction. I’m currently working full-time for an IPG solution firm as a system support engineer. Additionally, I’m a freelance model. I had different aspirations as a kid about what I wanted to achieve and who I wanted to become but I think I was mostly driven by curiosity and different interests as I grew older.

• Tell us a little about your career apart from modelling.

I’m a software undergraduate. And I was a high achiever of the Pearson BTEC HND I hold. I’m a full-time system support engineer who deals with payment solution support. Since I was 17, on a day-to-day life basis, I have dealt with a lot of numbers, coding, and queries more than anything else, I’d say.

• Did you jump into the modelling world as a freelancer from day one, or were you modelling full-time initially?

I started off as a freelance model a year and a half ago. Although I always wanted to become a fashion model, I had to go slow and was only able to commit part-time as I always had a full-time career that required my commitment. And to be honest, I have had a very slow and smooth run as a model. I believe in the idea that the right opportunities will find me rather than trying to grab just any opportunity.

• What do you believe is the most undervalued aspect of freelance modelling?

In general, freelance modelling is undervalued as people assume it’s easy and nothing much. Just like full-time models working with agencies, I believe freelancers play a significant role too, especially with all the barriers to access to the industry and lack of opportunities. As a freelancer, you have to do every bit of work all alone – from the initial conversations, planning, negotiations, etc. Even when it comes to building your portfolio and planning on concept shoots, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes that people fail to see.

• How do you balance freelance modelling gigs with your full-time career?

I’m actually so thankful and happy about having a very supportive work environment. They understand and support my side hustle. And I always believe you need to choose your career path based on how you’d want things to be in the long run. As much as I’m passionate and very much interested in the idea of being recognised as a successful fashion model in the future, I also give prominence to my full-time job and the tech field as I’ve always wanted to pursue my career in data science.

• Tell us a little about the brands you’ve worked with in the past. Which one is your top favourite pick, and why?

As a freelance model, the opportunities available are very limited with high barriers to access to the fashion industry. I have worked with a very limited number of clients and brands. So far, I have worked with ethnic/Indian wear brands, emerging designers, and on catalogue shoots. I love desi looks on me so I’d say those shoots have been my favourites.

• What is one piece of advice you’d give to people who are looking to get into freelance modelling? 

It’s not as easy as it seems and not as hard as you think if you really want to succeed in it. Be creative and passionate, build a good portfolio, always try to stay connected to the industry, and more than anything, be patient. It’s okay to have a very slow and smooth run; you don’t have to compare yourself or be successful like someone else, just make sure you’re doing better than you did yesterday. Believe in yourself and trust the process. Also, be ready to face the negative/hate comments and criticism; trust me, that will always make you do better the next time, particularly when you take them in the right way to build you rather than to break you.

PHOTOS © JASON EARDLY PHOTOGRAPHY