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

Alright, Ameera thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

I just recently signed with an agent about a year ago, and it took my career to places I never imagined in such a short amount of time. Takiyah Green and I met through a mutual photographer at a brand photoshoot for her company, that I just happened to pop in on! And thank goodness I did! The relationship was organic and I saw lots of promising qualities in just our first meeting. I think we work so well together because we are able to communicate clearly and effectively and she knows I’m here to work hard and produce content! Mrs. Green has helped me perfect my craft, book paid jobs and most importantly; make my way into the runway space. I walked my very first runway at New York Fashion Week in September of 2021 with the help of Takiyah and her brand LERMYSH Lip Balm. I walked again in February and September of 2022. Our working relationship has been fruitful and she has served as a wonderful educator and liaison.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ameera and I am a petite fashion model. I have been in the industry for about 5 years now, serving the Carolinas, New York, Atlanta and surrounding areas. I began modeling at a time in my life when I really didn’t feel beautiful. It began as a hobby; I loved being in front of the camera, and dressing up. I started to feel beautiful and wanted to explore what the industry really had to offer me. So I set out on a mission to shoot with as many quality local photographers as I could, build up a portfolio, and have a book ready to present an agent. And that’s exactly what I did. There was a period of time where I was shooting every week just to build a quality portfolio, decide I hated it, and start again. Over time, I learned how to pose, how to angle myself within a frame and most importantly, how to maximize my light. I finally had a portfolio I was happy with and ready to show the world. I began freelance modeling and after about a year I signed with an agent—and the world changed. I now specialize in runway, print, lifestyle and commercial modeling; providing services such as promo videos, promo photos, advertorials, etc. I take most pride in providing my client with quality content in a timely matter for a fair rate.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

If I could do it all again, I would have liked to have a guide in my beginning days of modeling, to navigate the mass of photographers to shoot with. Anybody can hold and shoot a camera, but few people can create photos. There are a lot of wonderful people in the industry but they are matched by equally terrible people; and it’s sometimes hard to spot the difference. I wish that I had someone who had been in the industry where I primarily served to tell me the do’s and don’ts of photographers. I have definitely had my fair share of unpleasant experiences with photographers.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creator has been seeing other people do the things I have done after I have done them. My first fashion week in New York, I was the only model at 4 of my shows from the Carolina’s. By the third fashion week, I was seeing at least 10 other people I knew in my city that were walking as well. It means the world to me to have other models in my area reach out to me for advice on the industry. And my most rewarding moments are those in which I get to be the resource I wish I had had when I began modeling—nothing could beat that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.akmodels.org
• Instagram: @aks.themodel
• Facebook: AKS The Model

Image Credits
Christina Armani Photography Young Gemini The Brand Spencer Oliphant Monica Schipper Takiyah Green Vanna Co. Photography