As GhanaCelebrities.Com redefines its structures and content to focus much on celebrating the very best in our world of Entertainment by throwing more light on positive endeavours of the various Ghanaian celebrities, socialites and upcoming celebs, our 2011 and years ahead would be all about celebrating achievements.
It is all about positive vibes and celebrating the best.
In the light of the above, GhanaCelebrities.Com recently caught up with Ashanti Ameyaw, a Ghanaian UK-based model who is set to take the global Fashion industry by storm.
With an incredible amount of experience- including participating in Ghana Fashion WeeK and also fashion shows in Italy- we caught up with Miss Ameyaw to find out her day-to-day life as a model, and the challenges faced by Black models in a predominantly White industry.
Below is our chit chat interview with Ashanti Ameyaw + photos.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: For those who do not know you, who is Ashanti Ameyaw ?
Ashanti: I’m a UK based model who is known for working the catwalk professionally with my crazy hair style (laughs). I have been modelling for 5 years now and I am loving every part of it. I’ m into fashion very much, and I’m also know for my unique and bold dress sense. I’m model because I have love for fashion and I make it look good. Who is Ashanti Ameyaw? She is a girl who is in love with everything about fashion (laughs)!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: When did you first decide that you want to be a model?
Ashanti: Well I only considered modelling because every time I used to go out, even up till now, people come up to me and ask if I’m a model, and that if I’m not then I should give it a try. It wasn’t until one day when a designer stopped me to ask me if I would model for her in a fashion show she was putting together. I said yes, so from that one fashion show other designers who were there wanted to work with me, and then it all started to pick off.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: What have you been up to lately in terms of both your professional and personal life?
Ashanti: What have I been up to lately? Hmmm…. well professionally, I have been doing photo shoots for designers for their websites, and have been working on some magazines also. In terms of my Personal life, I’ve just been travelling around the world as it’s something that I like to do, and I’ve just been living life to the fullest- model behaviour (laughs).
GhanaCelebrities.Com: How were you able to balance your studies as a student, and being a model?
Ashanti: It was not easy at all, but I made sure all my university work so done before I take on a modelling job. Also, my teachers knew I’m a model so they helped me to balance my studies and my modelling. With the understanding of my teachers and the designers I work for, everything became easy and smooth.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: Are there any aspects of modelling you find particularly difficult?
Ashanti: I love every aspect of it; I’m so daring so I think that’s why a lot of designers love to work with me, because I do want they want me to do, not want I want. You can’t go to a job and tell the designers how you want do the job, so I have learnt to love every part of it and that’s what makes a model professional!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: What designers have you worked with or which grand events have you been featured in?
Ashanti: Well I have worked with Nkya designs, Cut & Swallow, Ivana Elle Couture and many more. I have done lots of fashion shows- I can’t even remember half of them (laughs). I also took part in Ghana Fashion Week 2009, Afro hair and beauty show, Nkya’s launch party… we will be here forever if I was to list all of them.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: Who has been your favourite designer to work with and why?
Ashanti: I think everyone that has been following my career will tell you Nkya is my favourite designer, the reason being that she designs sassy, sexy, stylish clothes made with love, and made in Ghana! A Sense of Africa…a touch of you!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: Which designer is your “dream to work with” designer?
Ashanti: It would be a dream come true to work with Vivienne Westwood, I love her crazy creations and I love her as a person, and the way she dresses for her age- I just love it!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: Have you participated in International fashion weeks? If so, which ones? Which one has been your favourite to date and why?
Ashanti: Of course I have (laughs). Well, I started with Ghana Fashion week, then Senegal Fashion Week, a show in Italy and a few others. My favourite one will have to be Ghana Fashion Week, not because I’m a Ghanaian, but because of the people- I didn’t know we had some good models and designers in our country and the designers- I was just speechless the whole time! It was beautiful, and everyone was so friendly…it made me feel really comfortable!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: Africa does not really have a lot of well-known International supermodels apart from Sudan’s Alek Wek, and Liya Kebede of Ethiopia. Why do you think this is the case?
Ashanti: Well, it is very difficult for a black person to break through in the modelling industry- as we know there are only a few! In the western world,a perfect model is skinny, small nose, fair skinned, blonde hair and blue eyes (laughs)! That is what the industry has portrayed, so for you to be dark-skinned, with hips, big nose and big lips, in order to be noticed, you have to be very different and unique, which I give that to Alex Wek!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: What are some of the problems you face as a young black (Ghanaian) model?
Ashanti: (laughs) The only problem I will say is me going to casting and sometimes being told that my bum is too big; because of that I didn’t get the job but that doesn’t stop me from getting jobs at all. I wouldn’t really say this is a problem, but I always have to watch what I eat, and make sure the body and skin is always looking healthy. That can be stressful at time, because I can’t eat my banku and my fufu (laughs)!
GhanaCelebrities.Com: What height, size and physical outlook do you think a person needs to have to break into the modelling industry?
Ashanti: Hmm…Height you have to be from 5”8 upwards and size 6/8/10- this is the size a model should be I think. Physically you should look like me (laughs) – only kidding. Physically, your body has to be toned from head to toe, skin tone has to be one colour, and you have to be unique and have your own personal style.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: How do you keep your body structure and appearance this gorgeous?
Ashanti: It’s not easy to look this good trust me (laughs)! I work out a lot in the gym- about 3 times a week- and I do a lot of walking which works the whole body. I also drink a lot of water to hydrate my skin, and of course I eat healthily- I hate it but I have to (laughs). I also wear the right clothes to compliment my body.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: Do you have any events or shows coming up which you think people should watch out?
Ashanti: What I am planning next is to take part in BNTM (Britain Next Top Model), so look out for that and hopefully by God’s grace you will see me in the house.
GhanaCelebrities.Com: What advice would you give to upcoming young African models?
Ashanti: What I will tell an upcoming young African model is, it’s not as easy as it seems and a lot of people in the industry will try to bring you down but hold your head up high and believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in your first then how can someone else believe in you. Never give up if that is what your heart tells you your profession is, and with God on your side you will make it through!
You can follow Ashanti Ameyaw on twitter via http://twitter.com/AshantiModel
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Interviewed By Reggie Sackey Addo on Behalf of GhanaCelebrities.Com
woooooow, loving this gal. this is what Ghana need!!!!!
God bless your mother for blessing Ghana with as a talented model!!!! LOVE IT!
Every1 nowadays says they are models but i have been following this gal through out her career she is what we need. She very professional unlike these so called wannabes! KEEP IT UP BABY GAL!
LOVE IT!!!!!! keep it up
Great interview, keep it up girl. And it is nice GC is bringing us all this. Hope to read and see more of various Ghanaian models
Thank u babe:-)
Personally she looks ok not a wow factor. nd i think she is big could lose like 5 lbs.
Well,she’s ok.
LOL, the person that said this gal is big i think needs help dats all i will say. The haters are there to keep you strong gal, we luv you. keep it up!!!!!!
i’m supa excited dat finally Ghana is blessed with a super model with great confidence…….stay @ da top sweetie and do what u got to do.Dont listen to what da hatters might say and remember i got ur back like a spinal cord……..dnt stop eating da banku and fufu tho but make sure u laugh alot……dance and drink water alot…..U will then keep up ur appearance and free ur mind whenever.Dont forget to play LUDU as well……lol Looking forward to seeing you in hollywood. 1luv
This is a very cul interview! and will defo look at for her in BNTM. I think she’s great bod and that model look. if ppl come upto askin if your a model then who is anyone to question right? The model scouts know what they want so good on ya gril! At least many chicks spend tones of money on portfolios and photographs and still don’t get to work as a model so if she out there she is well worth it. Yep great interview…best of luck!
Ashanti is the definition of Model…She walks the walk literally!!!
Love the interview…Can’t wait for the U.S. debut!
she’s beautiful but she needs to wrk more on her poses….cuz if i compare her pics to american next top model..aint all dat..dun get me wrong she’s really beautiful
i Agree with you…compared to American models, she’s no where near a “top model”….buh all the same good looks .
True
go girl.the sky is ur limit.xoxo
Interestin……. Well done.. Go on till you reach the sky Ashanti… Am proud of u!!
Beautiful sista wit great body keep up the good work.
She has got the looks but not the height but all the same she looks nice in the pic