We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anaya Roy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anaya, thanks for joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The fashion modeling industry can seem glamorous and lucrative from the outside, but profitability is often a significant challenge for several reasons:
1. The Prevalence of Unpaid or Underpaid Work
Many opportunities in the early stages of a modeling career are unpaid or compensated with “exposure.” For example, new models often participate in test shoots or fashion shows that don’t pay, hoping these gigs will lead to paid jobs. A personal experience: When I started, I traveled to multiple castings and worked long hours for free, only to be told, “This will look great in your portfolio.”
2. High Upfront and Ongoing Costs
From agency fees to maintaining a professional portfolio, the expenses are substantial. Models are expected to cover their own travel, accommodations, and even wardrobe for certain gigs. I remember booking a shoot in another city and realizing most of my earnings would go toward airfare and lodging. By the end of the project, my profits were minimal.
3. Inconsistent Work
The industry is project-based, meaning there are often periods of downtime between gigs. This makes income unpredictable. During slower seasons, models might not have any income while still needing to maintain their professional image—gym memberships, skincare, and styling don’t pause just because work is scarce.
4. Intense Competition
The modeling world is saturated, and rates can drop due to oversupply. Clients often negotiate lower fees because they know there are always others willing to work for less. This creates a race to the bottom, making it harder to achieve sustainable profitability.
5. Lack of Control
Models often have limited control over their earnings and careers. Agencies take a significant cut (20–30% is standard), and bookings can be canceled last minute without compensation. I recall a large campaign I was cast for, only to have it fall through a week before the shoot. I had already turned down other opportunities for that time.
The solution lies in diversifying income streams—partnering with brands, leveraging social media, or even starting a business outside of modeling to create stability. It’s a challenging industry, but with resilience and strategy, profitability becomes more attainable.
Anaya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely! My name is Anaya Roy, and I’m a fashion model with a deep passion for creativity, self-expression, and storytelling through fashion. My journey into modeling started with a love for the art of style and a desire to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty. It all began when a friend suggested I try out for a local runway show, and from that moment, I was hooked.
What I Provide
As a model, I collaborate with brands, designers, and photographers to bring their creative visions to life. Whether it’s showcasing high-fashion looks on the runway, editorial shoots for magazines, or campaigns for lifestyle and beachwear brands, I aim to embody the essence of every project I’m part of. Beyond modeling, I also focus on creating engaging content for my followers, sharing tips on styling, confidence, and the behind-the-scenes magic of the fashion world.
Problems I Solve
For brands and designers, my role is to help their collections and campaigns connect with audiences by bringing authenticity, energy, and versatility to their vision. I also aim to solve a deeper problem for my audience: the need for inspiration and empowerment. I encourage people to feel confident in their own skin and embrace their personal style, no matter their background or size.
What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets me apart is my storytelling approach. I don’t just model clothes—I strive to convey emotion and narrative, creating moments that resonate with audiences. I’m also committed to authenticity. I believe in promoting body positivity, self-love, and inclusivity, values that align with the brands I work with and the messages I share online.
What I’m Most Proud Of
One of my proudest moments was being part of a campaign that celebrated diversity in fashion. Seeing how that project inspired others reminded me of the impact we can make as creators. I’m also proud of the community I’ve built with my followers—people who share their own stories and find confidence through our interactions.
What I Want You to Know
My work isn’t just about wearing clothes—it’s about connecting with people, inspiring confidence, and showcasing the beauty of individuality. I want my followers and potential clients to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a genuine passion for empowering others through fashion and storytelling.
Thank you for supporting my journey—I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us next!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience on social media has been an exciting and evolving journey. When I first started as a fashion model, I knew social media would be a powerful tool to share my work and connect with people who love fashion as much as I do. Here’s how I grew my presence and what I’ve learned along the way:
1. Finding My Niche and Voice
I realized early on that I needed to be authentic and consistent. For me, that meant focusing on fashion modeling, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes content. I also wanted my page to inspire confidence, so I shared moments of vulnerability—whether it was a candid talk about the challenges of modeling or tips on embracing body positivity. This authenticity resonated with my followers.
Advice: Figure out what makes you unique and let that shine through. Don’t try to copy others—your authenticity is what will set you apart.
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2. Creating High-Quality, Engaging Content
I invested in creating visually appealing and meaningful posts. Whether it was a beautifully styled photoshoot, a quick fashion reel, or a thoughtful caption, I made sure my content was relatable and professional. I experimented with trends but always kept my style consistent.
Advice: Quality over quantity. It’s better to post fewer, high-quality images or videos than flood your feed with rushed content. Also, learn about lighting, angles, and editing to elevate your posts.
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3. Building a Relationship with My Audience
Engagement was key to growing my audience. I replied to comments, answered DMs, and regularly asked questions to spark conversations. I also shared stories and polls to make my followers feel like they were part of my journey.
Advice: Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about building connections. Treat your followers like friends and supporters, not just numbers.
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4. Collaborating with Brands and Creators
Partnering with brands and creators in my niche helped me reach new audiences. Whether it was modeling for a brand or collaborating with another influencer, these partnerships added credibility and expanded my reach.
Advice: Reach out to brands or creators who align with your values and aesthetic. Even small collaborations can lead to big opportunities.
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5. Staying Consistent and Adapting
Consistency was a game-changer. I posted regularly, stayed up-to-date with trends, and adjusted my strategy based on what resonated with my audience. For example, I noticed my followers loved behind-the-scenes clips, so I started sharing more of them.
Advice: Post regularly, analyze what works, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Trends change, so stay flexible.
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For Beginners: Start with These Steps
1. Define Your Niche: Know your focus (fashion, lifestyle, beauty, etc.).
2. Be Authentic: Share your personality and story—it makes you relatable.
3. Engage: Reply to comments and messages to build a loyal community.
4. Experiment: Try different types of content (photos, videos, stories) to see what resonates.
5. Stay Patient: Growth takes time, so focus on quality and consistency instead of instant results.
Growing an audience is about connection and authenticity. Share your story, stay true to yourself, and have fun with the process!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn as a fashion model was that perfection equals success. For a long time, I believed that every pose, look, and aspect of my work had to be flawless to make an impact. I thought that being “perfect” was the only way to succeed in an industry that often feels obsessed with unattainable standards.
The Backstory
When I first started modeling, I put immense pressure on myself to fit a mold—perfect body measurements, flawless skin, impeccable posture. I overanalyzed every photo, critiqued every minor “flaw,” and worked tirelessly to meet what I thought were the industry’s expectations. I remember spending hours at castings feeling like I wasn’t enough because I didn’t match a certain ideal.
This mindset took a toll on my confidence and mental health. It wasn’t until I started working with brands and photographers who celebrated individuality that I realized how wrong I’d been. A turning point came during a shoot where the creative director said, “We’re not looking for perfect; we’re looking for real.” They wanted to see my personality shine through, not a rehearsed version of what I thought they wanted.
What I Unlearned
I learned that success in modeling isn’t about fitting into a cookie-cutter definition of beauty or perfection. It’s about authenticity, confidence, and being comfortable in your own skin. Clients and audiences connect with the real you, not a manufactured version of yourself.
The Impact
Once I embraced this, my outlook—and my career—changed. I started focusing on bringing my personality and energy to every project. I stopped striving for impossible standards and started celebrating what made me unique. This shift not only improved my work but also deepened my connection with my audience, who appreciated the raw, unfiltered side of my journey.
The Takeaway
Perfection is a myth, and chasing it can hold you back. Whether you’re in fashion or any other industry, authenticity is what truly resonates. Let go of the need to be flawless and focus on being real—you’ll be amazed at the doors it opens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://itsmeanayaroy.directmsg.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmeanaya
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anayaroyofficial
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/anayaroyy
