Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Imran Rai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Imran, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I began my own business very organically as my life as a model took me toward a path of impact and change. I wanted to make changes in the industry and knew I had to start by helping people who entered it and creating a more positive future. When I first began to manage myself as a model, I became extremely vigilant of how people treated me, if they took me seriously or not, and the ways that people tried to take advantage of my position. I used myself as a guinea pig so that I could take these skills and lessons and promote others in a healthy way and train them to become the future change makers that I wish I could’ve been at the beginning of my career. When I signed my second model, I told myself that I would give her my all and protect her energy. She gave me the confidence to take on more and this role became extremely fulfilling for me. After this step, I realized I needed to create a platform and voice for people who wanted to share their stories and that is when I created my business, Resilient Agency. Resilient is not only an agency, but a movement and platform that offers podcasts, management, media, and marketing. Now, a lot of people will question my focus and power as I am also myself a current international model. My life is busy and unpredictable and I will not allow myself to lose focus on my individual goals. However, I have found a way to use my experiences for good and hopefully create a further impact beyond myself in the modelling industry. I never knew what it would be like to have a “regular job” because I have always wanted to make my passion my profit and a typically 9-5 is just not simple for me. I believe everyone is put on this earth to do something that fulfills them. For some – It’s a 9-5 and for me, it’s this.

Imran, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Imran Rai and I am an international model, businesswoman, and owner of Resilient Agency. I got into my craft when I decided to take my passion towards modelling and experiences in the industry to create impact and change. I took an interest in Law during my time in university and my goals revolved around going to Law school, becoming a criminal prosecutor and fighting for justice. As I grew through university, I had my own path that took me down a toxic road in the modelling industry. My side hustle eventually became my life and when I caught myself, my eyes opened wide to a need for justice for models, creators, and dreamers. I soon embarked on an international modelling career, saw the need for legal advocacy in entertainment law, and began a platform for people like me. I offer bespoke casting, marketing, management, and media services for creators and talent. I create a variety of opportunities for my talent and clients and my purpose is to “represent unheard voices.” I have learned that everyone has a hidden potential that just has not been promoted adequately. I make it my goal to create these opportunities and connect unheard voices with their hidden potential.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was scouted to model at the age of 16 with no real guidance or expectation of what the industry would be like. I experienced the obvious stigmas of toxic body ideals and criticism and eventually headed down a path of self-hatred and unfortunately, a very unhealthy eating disorder. I could have let this experience ruin my love for modelling, diversity and my purpose here. However, I took my experience to wake up, heal, and bounce back harder. that is what resilience is. Life will test you but the way you bounce back is what will define you. I am constantly inspired by the people who have used their experiences to create a life or business of impact. A standard business model will cater to a market need. If you take your struggles and find a solution, I guarantee you that this may be your purpose. Your struggle may be the market need. For me, I saw a need for body positivity and the developmental stage for models and talent, furthermore, I saw a need for legal advocacy, representation, and mentorship. My life as a model, student, and Indian woman led me here.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My initial “life plan” was to become a lawyer and fight for justice. I was extremely passionate about the legal system and felt as though it was my purpose to minimize threats to society. However, I began to model during my time at university. As I studied law and sociology, I took an internship in a law firm, I looked at the people around me and began to envision my life. As I went to work every day and studied for my LSAT, I became more and more disinterested and honestly, I feared I had chosen the wrong path. In parallel, I began to love modelling and the purpose I had as an Indian model in the field. I heard of all the travels and places I could go, the work I could do, and the experiences I could have. I was torn. I was passionate about law, fashion, sociology, and marketing. I felt stuck. I felt as though I had to choose one but that is completely untrue. Society will teach you that you have to heavily associate with one goal or one job ut think of how much of a dishonour you would be doing to yourself to not mould to the tumultuous stages. The pandemic helped me take a break to realize the 9-5 law firm life was not for me but law was still something I found valuable. It helped me realize that I wanted to see the world but I wanted to have an impact. It was not easy but I thought long and hard about my pivot and somehow, I bridged together modelling, law, marketing, and sociology. If you want to pivot, don’t be hard on yourself, rather take it a point to empower yourself and figure it out. If you do this, I guarantee you, something beautiful will come out of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: lifewithimran.com
• Instagram: lifewithimran
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-rai-baa854162/
• Youtube: [email protected]
• Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCygrzcw6U0rkqvPfFHuJO5Q

Image Credits
Clay Boutte Sabrina Fenster Fraser Stephen