If you’re not familiar with the name ‘Iman Sheik’ then where have you been hiding?
Q&A with Iman Sheik | Model, Fashion & Lifestyle Consultant, Marketing & Industrial Psychology Graduate and Gateway Umhlanga Ambassador.
The Durban born model is well known within the local Entertainment and Fashion Industry. We chat to the 21-year-old about her modelling journey, love life, future plans and career tips.
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Iman’s modelling journey began…
Iman’s modelling journey began when she entered a school competition & won a modelling contract with Ice Model Management.
“I honestly think it was my destiny. I was named after the model Iman. I always came alive in front of a camera,” said Iman.
Growing up she said she was always tall and skinny and was actually bullied because of it.
“My confidence was low at times but I used the criticism to my advantage. Channeled something that could have hurt me into a career,” she said.
Iman also drew her inspiration from her mother, saying, “My mom, Rene, truly sacrificed a lot for me. She at times, growing up, was the only person who believed in me. I think she gets to live her dreams through me too,” she said.
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Career and studies…
Iman isn’t just a model. She has a BSS degree in Marketing and Industrial Psychology from the University of KwaZulu Natal.
“I really love helping people see their true potential and helping them to understand who they are. The marketing side of my degree is business related & can be used in everyday life. Be it our behaviour as consumers, or with my career plans,” she said.
Iman is currently studying Programming.
“With my plans to move into the marketing industry, I believe it will aid me in understanding the “back end” of digitalization.”
Love life…
Iman Sheik is engaged and is looking forward to getting married next year.
“I’m getting married at the end of next year in Bali. I cannot wait to marry and continue to build our future with my gentleman,” she said.
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Iman is a very busy woman…
Iman is currently a model for Ice Models Management, a Staff Events manager for Webtickets and she’s often referred to as a Social Media Influencer.
She is also the Brand Ambassador for Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
“I host self-funded workshops & talks for young women. The aim is to empower these ladies into understanding the importance of choices, opportunities & to empower of our girls to become leaders,” she said.
In the future…
Apart from being excited about her wedding, she would love to work in marketing, “I am aiming towards a digital media manager or social media manager position,” she said.
“I would also love to do more workshops,
hopefully reach out to schools & organizations. Work with them to ensure we are creating leaders,” she added.
She also plans to spend a lot of time with her mother who has a rare blood disease.
“I really want to make more memories and share lifelong moments with her,” she said.
Tips for upcoming models…
Iman acknowledged that modelling is not as easy as it appears and offers advice to aspiring models who are interested in joining the industry.
- It’s hard work. You have to really want it. You work crazy hours and a lot of people will try to exploit you.
- You have to be willing to make sacrifices.
- Use social media to your advantage post, and tag brands. This provides exposure & brand awareness.
- In saying that, be aware of what you post. Keep it clean & be classy.
- I always say you get to play dress up on the grandest scale and meet the most incredible people along the way. Enjoy the journey.
- Lastly and most importantly stay humble, be punctual and always be kind!
