Fayz
Agencies
Mother Agency (MA): Massardo Model Management
TORONTO/MONTREAL: LANG MODELS
Answers to Q&A
What inspired you to become a model?
Funny enough, modeling was never even thought in my mind of it being an actually career choice. My inspiration for modeling came from the constant comments by strangers who would come up to me and ask if I’m a model or if I modeled. One time last summer I was playing some pick up soccer and during the game, the guy defending me stopped and told me “Bro, you look like you can model for Gucci or something”… which definitely took me aback since my only goal at the moment was to score one (a goal).
Another time, I was at the grocery store and after a few glances a gentleman stopped me and ask me if I model in which at the time I didn’t, so I said “No, I don’t”… in which he replied, “ Please do. Do it for our continent. I know you will be successful and make our people proud”. I’ve had other encounters like the examples I mentioned throughout random moments in my life.
What finally pushed me to apply, was after my trip to New York Fashion Week last year where I went with a friend to visit for the first time. While I was there, signed models, photographers, and even a designer randomly spotted me walking down street and stopped me to asked me if I model, or assumed I was signed and wanted to work with me. This was the validation that this career path may be one to pursue. Shortly after returning from New York, I immediately began my search for an agency, in which a day later I received a call back from Massardo Model Management (my current agency). A few days later , voila! I was officially a signed model.
What are you most excited about when it comes to modeling?
Honestly, when it comes to modeling and this industry as a whole, I’m really excited to work with some of my favorite designers like Tom Ford, Rick Owens, Junya Watanabe, Peter Wu, Gucci, Louis Vuitton.. just to name a few. I’ve always been into fashion and dressing up so modeling is essentially me taking that to another level.
Also, I see a career in modeling as a stepping stone to help me achieve other dreams I have of being a musician and cultivating relationships with people who share similar ideals and aspirations as I do. Eventually I want to bring to fruition to a long time passion of mine for education in philosophy and architecture and interior design. My eventual hope is to build my own school one day (just to name a few).
Can you share with us some advice you have for models wanting to get into the industry?
Great question! My advice to aspiring models thinking of pursuing a career as a model would definitely be patience. If there’s one quality to be successful in this industry and even life in general, I think it would be patience. You will have moments of doubts. I believe that to be universal for all models at some point starting out. But understanding everyone's career moves at their own pace and your blessings may not come in the same form as the other model you may be comparing your career to today. Your timing is your timing. We can control the remote to our televisions. We can control the toppings we put on our pizza, but what we cannot control is what is meant to be.
Finally, I would say DON’T TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. There is more to being a model than just modeling. In fact I would argue that’s what separates a good model from an extraordinary model. The choice is yours . As for me, I would rather be extraordinary.
Share a fun fact about yourself!
So every time I tell someone this about myself, I receive the same look of bewilderment.
Moreover, on the earlier pizza comment, when I order pizza, which is literally everyday, my order goes like this (doesn’t matter the size): extra cheese on one half, the other half pepperoni. I ask for NO sauce on the base. Some say it’s essentially just bread and cheese which defeats the whole point of pizza, but I say it’s because they haven’t tried heavens touch. I advocate for no sauce on pizzas. So the next time you’re feeling a classic Italian pie, remember what I said about the sauce and thank me later. P.s the only stipulation is the removal of the sauce. You can change up the toppings as you please.