Every fashion model has a story, but not all of them start with a passion for the industry. For me, growing up in North Carolina, fashion wasn’t my first love. Like many, I was caught up in the world of sports. But as life often does, it pushed me toward something unexpected—a love for creativity and self-expression that ultimately led me to the fashion industry.

A Shift in Passion

I wasn’t always drawn to the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. In fact, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that my interests began to shift. Like many teenagers, I had big dreams in sports. But as life would have it, things didn’t go quite as planned, and I found myself looking for something new.

Despite not having a set direction, I’ve always been someone who works hard and is willing to take on new challenges. That’s when I started exploring different creative outlets, and the more I immersed myself in new experiences, the more I discovered my true passion—fashion.

North Carolina, with its mix of southern charm and southern style, has been the backdrop to this journey. It’s a place that taught me the value of hard work and the importance of staying true to myself, and those lessons continue to influence me as I carve out my space in the fashion industry.

Finding My Path in Fashion

My entry into the fashion world didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t a straightforward path. In fact, it started in an unexpected place: attending my friends’ photoshoots. Watching the models, photographers, and stylists work together sparked something in me. I became fascinated with the art of capturing a moment and how fashion could communicate so much through a single shot.

That fascination led me to explore photography, and in turn, to learn more about the creative side of fashion. As I dove deeper into this world, I realized I could do more than just observe—I could create. I eventually launched my own clothing brand, merging my love for creativity and fashion. It was a natural next step, one that felt both challenging and exciting. The experience of building something from scratch taught me invaluable lessons, and it solidified my commitment to fashion as not just a career but a lifelong passion.

Defining Moments in My Career

Every career has defining moments, but for me, two events stand out as the milestones that marked a major shift in my journey.

The first was launching my clothing brand. That moment of seeing something I had envisioned come to life felt like a turning point. It was a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. The second milestone came when I was invited to my first private photoshoot. It was a major moment of recognition, a validation of my dedication and the growth I had made within the fashion world. These experiences have shaped me into who I am today—a model, entrepreneur, and someone with an unyielding love for fashion.

The Best Advice I’ve Received

In an industry that’s as fast-paced and unpredictable as fashion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the best advice I’ve received as a model has been simple yet powerful: Stay sharp, stay calm, stay focused—and most importantly, have fun.

This advice has become my mantra. In this world of constant change and high expectations, staying grounded and remembering to enjoy the process is key. Whether I’m in front of the camera, designing new pieces for my brand, or attending a shoot, I remind myself to stay true to my vision while embracing the journey.

How to Reach Me

If you’re a brand or photographer looking to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach out to me via my Instagram handle @madulahss or email me directly at madulahsss@gmail.com. I’m always open to new opportunities and excited to see where this fashion journey will take me next.