Today we’d like to introduce you to Imran Rai.

Hi Imran, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I would say my journey started off in my first year of university. I found myself diverging between modelling full-time and hopefully pursuing law school. I was so young and filled with so much pressure that I allowed validation and prestige to take myself away from what I truly wanted. The fashion industry was giving me validation at this stage and I quickly fell into a pattern of restriction and toxic habits which led me to an eating disorder. I wanted to do well so badly that I dismissed my basic needs as a human. With what I call rock bottom, I was blessed with the decision to heal. I recovered from my eating disorder, left the industry, and focused on school. I fell in love with sociology and law, and the hope to one day educate and change lives through legal advocacy and sharing my own story. I did not realize that I chose a traditional path because I wanted to choose something more “realistic,” I thought I had to grow up and let go of my dreams, especially ones that had fostered a negative relationship with my body and sense of self. I went on to stay disciplined in my studies, wrote my LSAT and began to intern at a global law firm. Then, beautifully so, the pandemic hit and derailed my plans. I was laid off, forced to sit with my future decisions, and began to see how much I rushed success. I then decided I wanted to model again, not to just share my resilience but to do it on my own terms. Representation as an Indian woman was always the core of my purpose as a model and somehow, I forgot about that. I took the pandemic to restructure my relationship with the industry and every day, I thought about ways I can change it as someone who is passionate about law, sociology, representation, and advocacy.
When the world opened back up, I moved to London, signed over 6 international contracts in a year and began to work as an international model. This was one of the most beautiful, chaotic years of my life, however, I still saw changes I wanted to make in the industry. I did not want to be a part of a system, I wanted to shake it up a bit.
in 2022, I started Resilient, a holistic modelling and marketing agency that functions as a platform to inform, connect, and inspire individuals in the industry. I believe all humans are capable of resilience and this industry tests us all. I aim to create a space where brand scan foster more authentic environments, branding, and representation while supporting talent towards their goals. Resilient is also dedicated in the holistic aspects of modelling such as art, health, mental health, and the life of a talent outside of the industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating my journey has been anything but smooth. I’ve faced countless challenges, from spending extended periods away from my family to traveling alone and starting a business from the ground up. Each hurdle has taught me invaluable lessons, underscoring that doing something for the first time is rarely easy. Despite the constant learning curve and the moments of doubt, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step, every struggle has shaped me into who I am today, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. If anything, I have learned that failure leaves room for more resilience and beauty and that is just the essence of what we are doing here. We are all human and we are all doing our best.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main role is being a full time model and advocate in the fashion industry. As an Indian model, my primary goal is to create waves and proudly represent my culture on the global stage. Fpr this, I am most proud of my ability to take generations of women before me and represent them in the industry. There are few of us in this space and every time I cross paths with my culture, I make sure I stop and champion it. The industry is very reflective of trends and mindset so to see diversity is extremely crucial. Alongside my modeling career, I am also the founder of Resilient, a holistic modeling and marketing platform dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and fairness in the industry. Through Resilient, I aim to build a supportive space where talent from all backgrounds can thrive, showcasing the beauty of individuality and cultural heritage.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting out as a business person is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. Here are a few pieces of advice drawn from my own experiences as an Indian model and the founder of Resilient, a holistic modeling and marketing platform:

1. Embrace Your Identity: Your unique background and culture are your strengths. Use them to differentiate yourself and bring fresh perspectives to your industry.

2. Be Prepared for Sacrifices: Success often requires spending time away from loved ones and navigating through periods of solitude. Stay focused on your goals and remind yourself why you started.

3. Learn Continuously: Every new venture comes with a learning curve. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and never stop seeking knowledge.

4. Build Inclusivity: Strive to create a space that values diversity and fairness. Whether through hiring practices or business collaborations, inclusivity should be a cornerstone of your enterprise.

5. Stay Resilient: The road to success is rarely smooth. Persist through challenges and stay adaptable. Your resilience will be the key to overcoming obstacles.

6. Network and Collaborate: Surround yourself with supportive individuals and seek out mentors who can offer guidance. Collaboration can open doors and provide invaluable insights.

7. Be Authentic: Stay true to your values and vision. Authenticity resonates with people and builds trust, which is crucial for long-term success.

Remember, every step of your journey is shaping you and your business. Embrace the process, stay passionate, and never lose sight of your dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifewithimran.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithimran/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imran-rai-baa854162/

Image Credits
Scott Dennis Lana Photoset