"Balancing Dreams and Staying the Course: Aysia's Journey”
PHOTO BY JAMES MONETTE
At just 12 years old, Aysia took her first step into the world of modeling, diving headfirst into an industry known for its fierce competition and high expectations. While most pre-teens are busy navigating school and friendships, Aysia found herself balancing photoshoots and auditions—all before entering her teenage years. But it wasn’t all glamour and glitz. Along with the spotlight came the pressure to meet perfection, the challenge of staying grounded, and the need to juggle a demanding career with the everyday struggles of growing up.
Education was always a priority for Aysia, as she was determined not to lose sight of her academic goals. And, like any teen, she faced the ups and downs of self-confidence, battling doubts and insecurities. Yet, through it all, Aysia found a way to balance the demanding world of modeling with the simple joys of being a teenager. She learned the importance of patience, staying true to herself, and how to embrace both her strengths and vulnerabilities. This is the story of how Aysia navigated the complex world of modeling while staying rooted in what mattered most.
Models of Canada: Aysia, you started modeling at such a young age. What was it like beginning your career at just 12 years old? How did you balance modeling with school and growing up?
Aysia: At 12 years old, I was starting middle school and began embarking on a new chapter of independence, so beginning a modeling career at the same time was overwhelming and intimidating. However, it was actually to my benefit to model during this period because modelling was a fantastic way to grow and explore my independence outside of school. In some respects, modeling helped me mature faster than I might have otherwise. At such a young age, I was still growing into who I was both physically and mentally, so I struggled at times with confidence. Despite this challenge, modeling became a significant factor in building my confidence gradually over time. Balancing modeling in middle and high school was definitely tricky. However, learning to manage two completely different aspects of my life from such a young age was incredibly valuable for my personal development and I truly believe I wouldn’t be who I am today without that experience.
Models of Canada: You mentioned certain insecurities were present when you were younger. Can you share more about how your confidence evolved over the years and what helped you get to the point where you are now?
Aysia: I faced a lot of insecurities when I was younger, not just about my looks but also about my personality. I was always a quiet kid, and for a long time I believed that was a negative thing. These feelings made me constantly worry about what people thought of me and whether they saw me as “too quiet” or “awkward.” As I grew older and began to truly understand myself, I realized what matters is the way you see yourself and to believe in who you are. A big turning point for me happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when I spent most of my time with my closest friends and family. During this time, I recognized I have an immense support system of people who love me for who I am. Having this type of love and support helped me build my confidence and change how I perceive myself, both inside and outside of modelling. I won’t deny that I still get discouraged by others’ opinions at times, but it’s much easier now to set those feelings aside because I’m happy with who I’ve become.
Models of Canada: At 19, you’ve clearly built a strong sense of confidence. What do you think was the turning point where you realized you had truly become comfortable in your own skin, both in front of the camera and off?
Aysia: As I mentioned earlier, there was a significant shift in my confidence during and after COVID-19. When the lockdown started, I was 15 years old and had very little experience in the modeling industry. With life on hold due to restrictions, I had the time to get comfortable with myself. Once the lockdown ended, my modeling career gained momentum, and I started booking more jobs, both in Canada and internationally. These job opportunities taught me so much, including how to work and communicate with all kinds of people, how to express myself, and how to navigate challenges independently. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone during this time helped me develop confidence in front of the camera, which naturally carried over to my life off camera as well.
Models of Canada: In your journey, how important has education been to you alongside modeling? How have you managed to prioritize both?
Aysia: Since I began modeling, I’ve been in school full-time through middle school, high school, and now university. Education has always been incredibly important to me because I genuinely enjoy learning and value having options for the future. Pursuing a business degree has helped me grow in many ways. I’ve developed important skills like time management, organization, self-discipline, and dedication. Interestingly, many of these skills overlap with what I’ve learned through modeling, and applying them in both settings has helped me a lot. Balancing school and modeling has become more challenging since starting university, but I’ve found ways to make it work. My agencies have been incredibly supportive in helping me use my free time wisely. For example, this past summer I traveled to Greece for modeling while I was on my summer break, which was a great way to maximize my time. During the school year, both my agencies back home in Toronto and in Montreal provided me with job opportunities that align best with my school schedule.
Models of Canada: You’ve emphasized the importance of patience, balance, and staying the course. Can you dive deeper into what staying the course has looked like for you personally in the modeling industry?
Aysia: Everyone in all sorts of careers must recognize the importance of patience and staying the course, even when things seem to be taking forever. My modeling career has been a slow and steady process, and while I’ve been modeling longer than some girls who are further along in their careers, I don’t see that as a bad thing. Balancing both modeling and school has taught me that patience is essential throughout my journey to success. Without patience, I would have rushed into modeling before I was ready. I keep reminding myself that achievements come at different times for different people. Even though I’m constantly reminded that my career has taken a slower path, that doesn’t mean I should stop progressing toward my goal. I believe there’s no need to rush, success will come when the time is right. This mindset is something I think anyone with aspirations should live by.
Models of Canada: Looking back, what would you tell your 12-year-old self as she started this journey? Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you wish you knew back then?
Aysia: Looking back, I would tell my 12-year-old self to keep being herself and not worry about what others are doing or thinking, focus on what makes you feel good. When I was younger, I often did things to make other people happy rather than prioritizing my happiness. Over the years, both in modeling and outside of it, I’ve learned that you can never truly be happy unless you do things that you find fulfillment in. With that being said, it’s also important to be accommodating and recognize the value of compromise. While doing things for yourself is crucial, every career and relationship requires some give-and-take. I would also tell her to stay present and not overthink the future. Even when it feels like nothing is going to work out, I believe that with the right mindset, everything has a way of falling into place. Since the start of university, I’ve been surrounded by many people who seem to know exactly where they’re heading after graduation. It’s been challenging at times to remind myself that I don’t need to have everything figured out right now. I’m becoming much better at accepting uncertainty, especially after realizing there are many others still finding their way.
Models of Canada: You mentioned that people often don’t understand how long it can take to reach the status of a supermodel. What are some common misconceptions people have about the path to success in modeling?
Aysia: I think it’s a common misconception in many careers, not just modeling, that there’s a single fast route to success. People often assume that if your path doesn’t align with the majority, you’re somehow off track. However, what many don’t realize is that everyone’s journey is unique, and success doesn’t come from following the same journey as everyone else. Success comes from finding what works best for you. This is especially relevant in the modeling industry, where it’s common for models to skip university after high school and pursue modelling full-time. When I was deciding between going to school or focusing solely on modeling, I struggled because it felt like I was going against the norm. Although, once I realized there isn’t just one direct route to a successful modeling career, I decided to do what felt right for me which was balancing both school and modeling. Ultimately, I believe that as long as you’re driven and committed, you’ll end up where you want to be even if that means taking a different or longer route than most.
Models of Canada: What challenges did you face in the early stages of your career, and how did you overcome them? How do you view challenges differently now that you're older and more experienced?
Aysia: In the early stages of my modeling career, I struggled a lot with expressing myself in front of the camera. I’ve always felt a bit awkward in new situations and I vividly remember this in my first shoot. I was terrified that the photographers and others on set would see right through my insecurities. I also found it difficult to feel comfortable talking to people on set because I was a quiet kid at the time. I overcame these challenges by gradually pushing myself out of my comfort zone. With each new job, I made small efforts, like experimenting with different expressions in front of the camera or initiating conversations with people on set. Over time, these small steps added up, and I started to feel more confident and at ease in my work. Now, with years of experience, I see challenges differently. I view them as opportunities to grow and improve. I’ve also learned that challenges often become easier to handle when you give yourself the time and space to work through them at your own pace.
Models of Canada: As you’ve grown in your career, how have your goals for yourself changed? Do you have a clear vision for where you want to take your modeling career in the next few years?
Aysia: Starting modeling at such a young age, the beginning of my career was more about discovering who I was and determining if modeling was truly for me. As I grew more comfortable and started to enjoy modeling, my initial goal was to simply take on jobs that felt fun and exhilarating. Over time, those goals have remained, but they’ve also evolved. Now, my ambitions include working with brands I admire and traveling to places completely different from my usual environment. I wouldn’t say I have a clear vision for where I want to take my modeling career in the next few years, but I do know I want to work on a more international level and collaborate with as many well-established brands as possible.
Models of Canada: What advice would you give to young aspiring models who are just starting out? How can they balance the pressure to succeed with staying true to themselves?
Aysia: The advice I would give to young aspiring models is to stay true to who you are and avoid getting caught up in societal standards or what is considered “perfect.” One of the most important things to realize, especially for young girls, is that just because there are stereotypes about how girls should act or look, it doesn’t mean those standards are the “right” way. The modeling industry has made significant progress in terms of inclusivity, and while there is still room for improvement, being part of this industry can feel less intimidating than it might seem from the outside. The key is to focus on what feels right and personal to you. Even though I’m still learning, I’ve found that with time and experience comes the ability to succeed without feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic standards. The truth is, no one in the modeling industry is exactly alike, so trying to conform to external pressures, whether it’s through competition or appearance just doesn’t make sense. Embrace your uniqueness, and success will follow.
Models of Canada: We also had the pleasure of asking Aysia’s agents in Toronto (Cathy LeDrew) and New York City ( Marilyn NYC) some questions on how they manage talent and their core principles.
Models of Canada: Aysia’s journey as the youngest model ever signed by LeDrew Models must have presented both unique challenges and opportunities. How did you navigate the responsibility of nurturing her talent while also ensuring she remained grounded and focused on her long-term career?
Cathy LeDrew: From the get-go, we were very clear with Aysia and her parents that this would be a long-term commitment. We emphasized the importance of prioritizing her education, maintaining good relationships with teachers, and staying active through school sports like volleyball. We also encouraged age-appropriate opportunities to enhance her skills and experience. During summer vacations, we introduced her to travel at age 16, partnering with global esteemed agencies focused on her safety. Her travels to Italy , England and Greece helped build her confidence, making her more prepared for larger opportunities.
Models of Canada: As an agent, part of your role is to keep your models motivated and on track. How do you tailor your approach to meet the individual needs of a model like Aysia, who has such a distinct career path ahead of her?
Cathy LeDrew: The team has worked diligently to maintain regular communication with Aysia and her family, answering questions, sharing insights and goals, and providing tools for her to prepare her for the industry beyond her personal experiences. We’ve focused on working with what Aysia feels comfortable with , which has shaped her path and in turn, her opportunities. Each model has their own unique journey so managing expectations and building trust has been the key to this relationship.
Models of Canada: Marilyn NYC has built a reputation for being at the forefront of fashion trends while maintaining high ethical standards. How do you ensure that these values are consistently upheld in your day-to-day operations, especially in such a fast-paced and competitive industry?
Kristin-Marilyn NYC: It starts from within. As a Partner at Marilyn my vision, along with my partners, is to create a business culture that we, our staff, our clients, and models can count on. Some of the methods we use are:
We created a code and vision of what ethical business means to us.
We engage with our employees, clients and models operating out of our code and vision.
We have regular meetings with our staff engaging in conversations on business, discussing not only sales growth but how we interact with clients, casting directors, models and amongst ourselves. At these meetings, issues that have come up are shared and how we handled them. We also foster teamwork, promote innovation and cultivate a culture of creativity.
We actively encourage collaboration and support which creates an open communication office.
Professionalism is rewarded.
Models of Canada: What qualities or characteristics do you look for when considering international models, such as Aysia from Canada, for your roster? How do you navigate the challenges of working with models from different cultural backgrounds and markets?
Kristin-Marilyn NYC: In addition to the physical attributes necessary for our industry, we do our best on zooms and discussions with MA’s (Mother Agent’s) to feel if the potential model is energetic, excited about building a career, and able to get along with people. If those qualities are present, then development on techniques, posing and building books comes easier.
We find that learning about the potential international models’ culture is wonderful. We read up a bit on the country, foods, and aspects about their home city if possible. This gives us knowledge to engage in conversations with a model on subjects that are familiar to them. We take the time to understand how they prefer to organize their days off and explore activities they might enjoy in New York. If they're traveling abroad, we also discuss what they're looking for in their next market.
The biggest thing though are genuine smiles, listening to the models and guiding them on nuances of working in our market.
Written by: Models of Canada