Background
I am Maryam Elisha. I am a former beauty queen but I have turned a designer. I also publish Urban Style, a fashion magazine. I am from Kebbi State. I am the last of seven children- six females and a male. Our father was in the military, so growing up was fun for me. I had my childhood in Kano, which was the last place my father worked before he retired. I studied English at the University of Lagos. I was a model.
Modelling
About eight years ago, a guy who convinced me that I would excel as a model approached me on the street. I decided to try it and I got a mouth-watering pay for my first job. It was N5m! I was a photography model and I was still in the secondary school. I had my parents and siblings to guide me so there was nothing like wasteful spending. I decided to quit eight years after when the younger models would tell me that I had paid my dues by virtue of the big jobs I had done and I should quit the scene for them.
Beauty pageants
I won Miss Valentine Nigeria in 2007. At some point, I fell in love with pageantry and I decided to try it since I was already a model. Both worlds are similar in some ways. It was a fun experience and I liked the aspect of doing charity work, which was a motivating factor for me. During my reign, I set up a foundation, Save Tomorrow Today, where I was caring for less privileged children especially those on the streets. The foundation is still in existence and we have not relented in rehabilitating street kids.
Fashion designing
My fashion house cropped up while I was sourcing funds for my foundation. Five years ago, I opened a fashion house because I needed a major source of income. I had to go to the New Jersey Fashion School in the United States America to be trained. When I started, I met with many designers who are on top of their game and they advised me on how to carve a niche for myself. I started with people I know and gradually, I started having other clients.
Publishing
I just thought to myself that since I have a clothing company, why not start publishing a fashion magazine? I believe it would help sell this brand and promote fashion in Nigeria and Africa. So, I started a fashion magazine in partnership with a friend.
Fame
It has had both positive and negative impacts on me. Firstly, I do not even consider myself famous. Fame comes with many responsibilities as people look up to you and everybody wants you to help them, which is not exactly possible. Apart from that, it has been fun getting recognition and respect from people when you go to places. I get favours and recommendations from people.
Leisure
I love to hang out with children. I go to the movies with my nieces and nephews. Sometimes, we just stay back at home, I cook for them, and we watch cartoons and play video games together. I also like to travel and Paris is my favourite destination.
Fashion
Style is how you want to portray yourself and how you want to be viewed. I wear all kinds of things from simple to not so simple outfits. My mood and occasion determines what I wear. I do not really have a fashion fetish but I know I like Louis Vuitton products.
Relationship
Though I’m wearing an engagement ring, I do not intend to talk about my personal life but I am hoping to get married soon. My Mr. Right has to be God fearing and well behaved.
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