Content Creator, Blogger and Model Mirian Njoh is radiant on the cover of Beyond Fashion Magazine’s latest issue. The Albino model born to a Nigerian father and Liberian mother is known for using her platforms uglyducklingdiaries to speak out on albinism and the stereotypes surrounding it.
“I stand out and look different which a lot of people like and some clients might be drawn to but sometimes standing out and looking different can hinder me because a client wants someone that looks more generic.” She said in the interview following her cover feature.
Mirian is an inspiration to many and talks about the difficulties working as an albino model because, diet restrictions, her personal style and much more.
Read excerpts from the interview below:
On modelling and how it all started
I’ve been modelling on and off for years. I’d have a friend that was a fashion designer and they’d ask me to model their pieces or meet a photographer and decide to collaborate on a shoot. I also picked up photography and began modelling for myself a lot. I studied fashion in post-secondary school and have been in the industry for a few years so that helps too because I cross paths with a lot of the same people whether I worked with them as a stylist, photographer, blogger, or in any other capacity.
On the difficulties working as a model because of albinism
I would say my albinism can both hurt and help in my career depending on the situation. I stand out and look different which a lot of people like and some clients might be drawn to but sometimes standing out and looking different can hinder me because a client wants someone that looks more generic. Also, sometimes I feel exoticized and/or made to feel like a token because of my albinism which is something I’m still processing my feelings about.
On the best compliment she’s ever received
Some of the best compliments I’ve received have been from people who were deeply touched by something I did or my work in general and they reached out to tell me how it affected them. It always resonates so much with me when someone tells me that because they saw my work, it gave them hope or more confidence or just helped them to find more beauty, peace, and strength in themselves. Either that or when artists are inspired by my look to paint or draw me. To be a muse and inspire creativity in someone else is humbling.
Read the full feature on www.beyondfashionmagazine.com
Credits
Photography: Margarita Menard
Makeup and Hair: Veronika Polianska
Styled by Bianca Brown
Location: The Atrium at Queen Richmond Centre West