Model Watch! Born in Lagos, discovered in Cyprus

by Yemi Olowu

Damilola Teidi hails from Kogi state, Nigeria. A graduate of information technology from Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus where she started modeling, Damilola has done jobs ranging from runway to editorials. Asides modeling, she loves to sing and dance and remains ever grateful to God for all her achievements so far.

How were you discovered?

I was discovered by a photographer, Armagan Orki, at a runway show organized by some students when I was in school. He took pictures of me from the show, took them to the agency he worked with and I got signed to the agency. Funny thing is I did the show because my friends dragged me into it and I thought it would be fun. Things we do for fun and friends!

Who are your inspirations?

I have different people that inspire me for various reasons in the industry although I do specially love Heidi Klum. For modeling; I am inspired by fashionable friends, stylists and their works, photographers and other models. In general, I am inspired by my parents and young people around me that work hard, are doing what they love well and are constantly affecting their environment positively.

Who are the designers you have worked with?

Abdullah Oztoprak (Turkey), Ali k. Yahli (North Cyprus), Orange Culture, iamISIGO, House38, Kiki Kamanu, Remay Couture, Mimi London, Needlekraft by Tese, Lola Buttons, Fablane by Derin and more.

Modelling as a career, how much support do you get  from your family?

Well, I don’t have a 100% support from my family (parents I mean); but I do have some support. They respect my choice to do modeling and we talk over things sometimes. I am okay with that.

What are the challenges you face as a model?

It’s a very challenging job. In Northern Cyprus, it was the language barrier and then generally, having to deal with different people and their attitudes.

What agencies do you belong with?

Currently, I do not belong to any agency.

What job has been your best yet?

Music Meets Runway, it was fun.

What are you working on right now?

Not working on anything at the moment.

Can we know your statistics?

Height: 5ft11

Bust: 34inches

Waist: 26inches

Hips: 35inches

What is the best trick you’ve learnt from a make-up artist?

I learnt how to use a concealer underneath the eyebrow to help bring out its shape nicely. It’s pretty cool if you do it well. I love everything about makeup and you can see more tips and tricks I have learnt on a blog post I did months ago HERE

What makes you feel beautiful?

The fact that God loves me and  the love and care from everyone around me(family and friends) makes me feel beautiful and I’m grateful to God that I feel beautiful everyday.

Runway or Ad campaigns?

It used be Runway but now I love Ad campaigns/editorials. I love photography and I enjoy shoots. I can express myself and be whatever/whoever I want to be.

Have you done anything as a model that you wish you hadn’t?

No.

Your thoughts on the modeling industry in Nigeria?

As I gather, it’s better now than what it was before so it means its growing which is a good thing.

Problems: There’s just a few good established agencies,  loads of fakes/hustlers asking for money they should not be asking for from models and promising all sorts, sometimes casting information come out  from nowhere and late too, castings start late and lateness by models is still being tolerated and there are cases of models not being treated properly or respected. My hope is that the industry does not stay too long where it is now. I know that if it gets better, models will be glad and new models especially, can grow well without having to get a push from one modeling competition or another.

How often do you work out?

Well, I am not very religious with my work out routine and that’s not a good thing *covers face*. I try to do a little bit of workout everyday though and serious workout at least 3 times a week. I love dancing so that helps as I’m pretty sure I do that every day in the privacy of my bedroom

Any advice for aspiring models?

The modeling industry is a serious one. To be honest, you have to do your research about what the industry is about and what is expected of a model. I mean you got to have some knowledge about something you want to do and modeling is no exception. Be passionate about modeling, be natural, have a great personality, be confident, research and be ready to work hard. You’ll go far.

 

Contact:

More pictures from my portfolio: http://damiteidi.carbonmade.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dangelola

Twitter: @dangeldiva

Email: [email protected]

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