We recently connected with Sefora Adjaho and have shared our conversation below.

Sefora, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The biggest risk has to be following my dreams. There’s a lot of ups and downs in the career path that I’m going in that can be mentally draining. There are times where you’re forced to wonder when your next booking will come but something in me will not allow the little version of me down. I’ve wanted to do this since I was three years old. Every time I feel down or lost, I think about how proud the three year old version would be of me because I didn’t let us down. Essentially, taking any risk, especially one that’s your dream is truly worth it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

So, let’s start with the most important thing: I suck at Bios.

Honestly, I never know what to say when I’m asked about myself. So here goes nothing!

I was born in Lome, Togo, and moved to America when I was three years old. I always loved the industry and knew acting was (still is) my end goal. So, I decided to start modeling in 2017 to get comfortable in front of the camera. Things were rough at first, I was fresh out of high school, trying to find myself and sometimes I would try to convince myself the industry wasn’t for me. Thankfully, something in me would not let me give up. I mean shit, I’ve wanted this since I was five years old watching Raven Symone on my tv screen! I invested, I networked, I took as many classes as I could, any and everything to learn the craft, and still felt like nothing was working. Still, I refused to give up hope. Then, COVID-19 hit the world, and everyone felt the heat of it. It almost became the end for me until one day, I came across the afro wig that you see me in. It’s as if, once she came into my life, things changed and quickly. I took a picture with one of my favorite photographer’s Ida John (still my favorite) and the rest is history. The photo is the one with me in a black turtleneck and the brown background, you know the one ;). The photo blew up and people started paying attention. I would get people drawing me, recreating the look, and just reposting it on their pages or blogs. I am not putting all my hard work on a wig, but let me tell you, she did help.

Anyway, since then, I have signed to several agencies, some did not work out and unfortunately, I had to drop them (for the better), and some have made my dreams come true. I am currently signed to four agents, two in Florida, one in Atlanta, and one in New York and of course, I do not plan to stop there! Since signing with them I have been honored to work with Disney World, Glow Recipe, Central Florida College, Madison Reed, 4IMPRINT, and so on. I have also grown the confidence to begin my acting career, it is starting slow since I have been modeling more but I am slowly getting there. I am constantly taking classes and am currently at Anthony Meindl’s Acting Workshop. It has been troublesome to find a good class to attend, so if you are struggling like I did. I highly recommend them, it’s almost like therapy attending classes there.

Look at that, “I suck at bio’s” but I gave you a whole book! I truly hope you enjoyed it and if you didn’t read through it, that’s okay, I wouldn’t have either. Anywho, here’s my website and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns! Cheers to everyone working on their dreams!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A very hard lesson I learned is that you can’t trust everyone in this industry. There are a lot of people who act as if they are on your side and it turns out they are just hungry for money. Lots of people who wear a mask knowing you are fresh and eager. It makes me sad but please if nothing else, do your research. I was so naive and ready to believe anyone who told me “pay this much and all your dreams come true” simply because of the phrase “money makes the world goes round” which can be true, but in this industry, it’s a partnership. If anyone is telling you they can help you make your dreams come true with a small price (agents and managers specifically) run the other way. There is no need to rush, this career is not a race, you can make it a reality in your own time. Your hard work and dedication will always bring the right people in your life, just don’t give up.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Although I have a website and other accounts where I can get work, social media has been the best place to connect with new clients. Instagram specifically, I have worked really hard to brand myself and also make it clear that I am not just a pretty face, I have personality as well. I believe clients can see that. I used to think only posting my modeling pictures or my acting videos was the way to go, but showing that you’re human has been the most successful step for me. Keep posting what you want but don’t forget to be yourself and the work will easily gravitate to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.seforathemodel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seforathemodel/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/sefora-magee-adjaho-a39524178

Image Credits
All photos: @the_klark_ Film shot with Hijab: A SAG called “A Train to Nowhere”