In this edition of Portraits of the City, we meet Rodiat Adewunmi, a 5’7 model aspiring to make her debut on the international runway and work with several international agencies. Living in Fagba, Lagos, has strengthened her resolve to go all out in seeking her opportunities. In this conversation, she discusses her career pursuits and the Lagos influence on her modelling journey.
Can you tell us more about your modelling journey? What inspired you to start, and what keeps you going?
My modelling journey began around 2021, driven by my passion for expressing myself through fashion and creativity. I like the confidence that comes with fashion. When you dress properly, the cameras are on you, all eyes are on you, and the confidence that comes with it is on another level. I started with face modelling, and along the way, the agency I was with crashed, so I stopped. Last January, I came across a modelling academy on TikTok, Law Model Africa, and I joined them. Another thing that inspires me is how models could tell a story and inspire confidence just by the way they carry themselves.
My passion has kept me going, although height has been a barrier as most of the agencies, creative directors and Nigerian directors want models that are 5’9. 5’7 models are mostly in demand in the Asian Market but I am a Nigerian. It has been very hard, but my passion for this keeps me going, and I don’t see myself giving up soon.
I also believe that every opportunity, no matter how small, brings me closer to my goals.
You’re based in Fagba, Lagos. How has your environment influenced your dreams and identity as a model?
My environment has made me realise that opportunity wouldn’t come easily. I have to create it for myself, I have to put myself out there even though it is hard and draining. The environment constantly reminds me that if I can thrive here, I can thrive anywhere. I mean, Lagos is full of energy, diversity and style, and it has pushed me to always focus on standing out and chasing my dream both in modelling and in anything else I am doing.
What are the unique challenges or opportunities you faced as a creative living in Lagos?
I wouldn’t want to call myself a creative yet because I feel I am not doing enough in the aspect of putting myself out there to call myself a creative connected to Lagos yet. However, Lagos abounds with opportunities. It is actually the best place to connect with scouts and agencies because there is fashion and diversity in Lagos. Currently, I am not facing any challenges residing in Lagos. The challenge is the modelling industry itself. Rejection has been a major challenge for me due to my height, but I know rejection is a redirection. My determination and the vision I have for myself, coupled with the support I have from people, have kept me going. I know my journey might be slow, but I will definitely get there.
What do you think people often misunderstand or overlook about Lagos and the kind of talent it holds?
I really can’t tell what people overlook or misunderstand about Lagos, but I know people have different misunderstandings about modelling, claiming that modelling is a dirty job, which is not true. I mean, human beings are always going to be human beings; you are definitely going to meet some bad people in the industry, but it is now left to you to not follow the bad direction. Every work has its disadvantages; even if you are working in an office, some bosses would still make advances at you, so whatever is said to be predominant in the modelling industry is everywhere.
Are there any local brands, designers, photographers, or creatives you’ve worked with or would love to collaborate with?
Yes, there are specific photographers and stylists I would love to work with. They include Tht_glam, Chibuzophotography, Lasalvy, and Thelexash.
What does a typical day in your life look like as an aspiring model?
I am not just into modelling, I am also a professional nail technician. I work from home and have my office set up in my home. I also run, mostly for fun and purposely to keep my body fit. I wake up in the morning, talk to God, and make breakfast for my grandma, because I stay with her. I sometimes get myself on the road running either 6km or 10km (mostly on Saturday), and sometimes I just go to my modelling academy, although I have not been going for a while now due to some personal reasons. If I am not doing any of those, then I am at home working on my clients or just chilling.
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What keeps you going on your difficult days?
The fact that I want to be a great person in life and that I must achieve the goal keeps me going. Having God by my side all the time also keeps me going.
What are the mainstream brands, designers, photographers, or creatives you’ve worked with or would love to collaborate with?
I have not worked with any mainstream or international brands, but the ones I would like to work with are Zara for the commercial shoot and campaign, YSL for a runway walk, Chanel, Jacquemus, Christian Louboutin and Offwhite.
I would also like to do campaigns for all the international brands because campaigns pay more than runway. So yeah, literally all the international brands, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Dior. All of them.
What’s the big dream for you right now, and how do you see your current reality playing a part in that story?
My current reality is a bit scary, but I am just praying and hoping that I get more opportunities from my trending videos. Although I have had a few opportunities already, I got turned down because of my height. So right now, though, I’m a little bit scared and confused, but I am definitely optimistic because I am holding on to God.
What has been the best lesson you’ve learnt while chasing your modelling dream?
The best lesson I have learnt is never to give up. Show up for yourself every time, be consistent and very prayerful because Grace works. Be prayerful while you are showing up. Be prayerful while being consistent. Be prayerful in every aspect of your life.
Portraits of the City is a Moveee series exploring the relationship people have with places and how these relationships affect their personal lives and careers. Do you have a story you would love to share? Get in touch with us today.
