We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ismatou Diallo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ismatou, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
what is believed to be the modeling industry is that you’re expected to be tall and only do high fashion or editorial shoots. I want to show though through my own modeling journey on social media, that it is more than that what makes the industry special. I myself of course went through a lot of rejections especially, because I wasn’t sure myself, that I could make it. What shifted it was my mindset around it and also realizing my biggest dream wasn’t to be on a runway as a model, it is to be in beauty campaigns.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Ismatou and I work as a petite model. I also want to inspire specifically young women on social media through my journey as a petite model to follow their passion. I believe strongly, that when a goal is set into your mind it is there for a reason. I had that dream for so long and I feel like everyone around me was also confirming me in my belief, that this is what I am meant to do, so one day I took the leap of faith and decided to do everything it takes to get there.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that rejection are bad. I had to learn pretty quickly, that rejection is just a part of the modeling world no matter what height or size you are. Clients are always looking for something specific and that realization made me not take it too personal anymore. I also try to understand if there could’ve been anything at all in my power, that could’ve changed the outcome and if yes I know for the next time if not I just move on.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Yes, I think business is really connected to your mindset, so one of my first reads to get into a mindset shift was the book the mountain is you. I can recommend it to people who are just starting their journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/icyprincipesa
