ALEKA WARD “ORIGINAL SUPERMODEL”
ABOG Salutes the amazing flow of Super Model Aleka Ward as she fearlessly takes her genre and her competition for a spin around the block and back!
We caught up with Aleka as she is expanding her horizons to include a “Who’s Who of Modeling industry Heat Seekers!
Let’s Dive Right In!
ABOG: Aleka, we can see you were born to do what you do, but what ultimately lit that spark for you to pursue modeling as a career?
Aleka: As a child, I was constantly in the mirror, posing, and trying on crazy clothes, like I spent an annoyingly crazy amount of time in the mirror. When I saw America’s Next Top Model for the first time, I knew modeling was the thing I wanted to do in life.
ABOG: Where are your Roots?
Aleka: I’m from Atlanta, GA. My entire family is from Georgia dating back to at least my great-great grandma. Most people think I’m from Senegal, so I want to look more into that, but for now I’m just a regular African American girl.
ABOG: What was your first Modeling experience and what did it feel like?
Aleka: My first real modeling gig was for this Prom Fashion Show at this college when I was a senior in high school. It was so fun, and I felt so beautiful and important having everyone pampering me doing my hair, nails, and makeup. In my head, I’m thinking “yes I can get use to this, haha”
ABOG: Was there ever any obstacles that discouraged you from pulling the trigger and just going for it?
Aleka: Once I started college for Fashion Design, I was modeling all the time, whether it was for school projects or just cool shoots with photographers. Back then (2013) it was a lot of creeps doing photography, so I was always scared I’d have some traumatic run in with one of them. Or even moving to NY, being afraid to move to this big city by myself, not knowing anyone and having to pay my own bills for the first time. But that was short lived, because I honestly have a mindset of whatever I put my mind to, I’m gonna be one of the best, if not the best at it.
ABOG: What was the driving Force behind your decision to have the confidence to believe that you had what it takes in an industry that like all other avenues of beauty, talent and entertainment have become over saturated?
Aleka: Honestly, growing up I always hated my skin color; I wished my skin was lighter and hated being dark-skinned all the way up until I was 17/18. Once I realized my skin was actually sooooo amazing, nobody could tell me nothing. I believe I was the full package. I was tall, skinny, and my skin was popping, “TALK TO ME NICE!” (LOL).
ABOG: What sets the “Aleka Ward” brand apart from others?
Aleka: I can confidently be myself. I’m not scared to be me or make mistakes. I don’t have to be glammed up or wear makeup all the time to feel “pretty.” I can be happy with just being out of the house in sweats and slides. I can get on social media and just tell a story and make people laugh. But also, I’m not a gate keeper. I want to see everybody win, and I give advice and suggestions to people who ask and people that look up to me.
ABOG: What would you say was your greatest obstacle while on this Journey?
Aleka: Trying to keep a strong mind and confidence while receiving so many No’s. Having to realize that “No” is a part of the experience but knowing that you only need that one Yes and that one right person to see you.
ABOG: And your greatest accomplishment thus far?
Aleka: I think that this whole journey is my greatest so far. Having the courage to move to NY, getting signed after only 6 months of living here, booking I-D magazine on my own, shooting for a major beauty brand, and walking in countless NYFW shows. I’m literally living my childhood dream right now, and better is yet to come.
ABOG: Were you discovered by an agent? And if so, what did it feel like?
Aleka: I remember getting discovered through a site called Model Mayhem and the agent reaching out asking to set up a meeting. I was so skeptical it was fake or a scam and looked deeply into it until I found out it was legit. I remember going in for the meeting and them wanting me! I got signed and then the agency randomly closed after only 2 weeks of being with them. That day, 2 agencies reached out to me via Instagram asking to meet with me. At that point, I got the big head and went to open calls for other agencies so I could have a lot to choose from. It was so crazy because just a few months before, I’d went to these same agencies and everybody told me “No”, but now with my one “yes” from an agency that’s now closed, it has set me up to have all these agency options.
ABOG: What would you tell your 18-year-old self?
Aleka: Be patient, consistency is key, never give up, and keep going!
ABOG: If you were given the opportunity to mentor up-and-coming models who wish to enter modeling as a career, what advice would you give them?
Aleka: IF this is something that you really want to do, get use to the “No’s” but do NOT let “No” define you. Be patient and really love yourself. Practice, practice, practice. Study your body, movements, and poses, know your angles, never ever give up! And most of all, I repeat, “Have Patience! “.
ABOG: What projects are you currently working on:
Aleka: Right now, I’m finding a new agency, so I know once I sign to the right one, a lot of beauty campaigns will be coming in. I’m just working on looking like my best self!
ABOG: Have you done any acting? Is that something you would like to evolve into?
Aleka: The only acting I’ve done was in my high school drama class, but I really did enjoy it. Also, a lot of my actress friends and IG followers tell me I should really get into it and that I’d be great for it, so it’s something I’m thinking about looking into.
ABOG: What is your absolute greatest passion?
Aleka: Just being genuinely happy and successful in life. Having a positive effect on the people around me and the people that look up to me.
ABOG: And your biggest turn off?
Aleka: Negativity and insecurity!
ABOG: What can we expect from you in future projects:
Aleka: A lot of campaigns and seeing me work with a lot more beauty brands.
ABOG Salutes the “Original Supermodel” Aleka Ward and look forward to seeing her beauty shine on others who possess that spark to let your passion, poise, and purpose light your way to being all that you desire!
Aleka can be reached across all social media platforms.
You can also link with her here:
https://models.com/models/aleka-ward
Lamar Coaston Jr. is Director of Internet Marketing for www.alwaysbeog.com For all media requests as well as info on being featured on our site, contact him
