Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobi Jaiyeola.
Hi Tobi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my modeling journey in late March 2023. A friend of mine, Kallie Beltre, hit me up one day asking if I could participate in a few photoshoots for College Daze’s annual HBCU Spirit Week for her organization turned collective/community, called iseeblackcreatives, she had just started. During this time, another friend of mine, Myles Edward, wanted to start building his portfolio as a photographer since he was fairly new to the game. I was starting to experiment with my style then and wanted to post them more on my feed, so I saw it as a win-win for everyone. I told both of them I was down, and since then, I’ve just been flicking up with different photographers and have done some fashion shows here and there. I’m grateful for the people who helped me begin my journey and those who inspired & motivated me to keep going.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This two-year journey hasn’t been the easiest. Without an agency or manager, I’ve been doing this thing on my own. Driving to casting calls, updating my comp card, applying for shoots/shows, etc. I believe the people who support me and my love for fashion are what have kept me going despite having to get myself out there pretty much alone. On top of that, all my work is voluntary (for now). I have never been compensated for any of my work. Sometimes, working as long as I do for some shoots and shows, but not getting paid, can be discouraging. And then there was the comparing and wishing I was working with the people or getting the deals other models got that I’m mutual friends with. Eventually, I learned that my time is coming and that I just have to leave it up to God to guide me and be patient.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My journey as a creative started a long time ago. When I first started dancing, you know, back in the day. I still dance, of course, and actually plan on getting my minor in it. As I started to come out of my shell entering college, I began to discover my style. I started playing dress up, posted my fits here and there, and made some content. It was mostly focused on my makeup because I wanted to start pushing my business, Ọ̀ṣun’s Touch. I dye hair, do makeup, and I’m starting to get more into doing other people’s hair. I started styling my friends for parties, and now I’m asked to style people for events. What else? Ahhh, content. I started with just posting myself for fun in summer ’22, then it turned into doing small and simple challenges/trends. Now I work with brands to promote their products and post content featuring other people. I’m really a jack of all trades.
What I’m most proud of is that no matter what I have picked up, I’ve progressed in it and have started to make a name for myself. The ultimate goal is to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One characteristic I feel is most important to my success is listening to my gut. Sometimes I get gut feelings about casting calls or photographers. Or maybe I have an itch for a concept or fit. I have to listen to my gut and move accordingly, whether it’s a good or bad feeling. I believe that feeling is God telling me what’s next or if something is meant for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetobijaiyeola
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.jaiyeola.1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oyindamola-jaiyeola
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yorubabetj
Image Credits
1. @goodie_photo
2. @shotsbymideee
3. @theirishpov
4. N/A
5. @kt.shotit
6. N/A
