Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliya Penn.
Hi Aliya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is a unique one compared to most. I haven’t had the easiest life but I truly have been the definition of “rising above”. I grew up in a city called Pittsburgh, PA. I moved around a lot throughout the years seeking stability. My parents passed away when I was younger. I lost my Dad at the age of 5 from a drug overdose and my Mom at the age of 10 from cancer. My grandmother raised me from there all on her own. We weren’t always the closest but she did her best and even though we didn’t always see eye to eye, I appreciate her stepping up when no one else would.
I have always been very motivated and independent. I’ve kept a job or two since the age of 14. I was a pretty good kid for the most part but I struggled with a lot of things growing up including anxiety, depression, anger & self-esteem issues, identity crisis, normal teenage shenanigans, and more. A big part of it was the absence of my parents. I was sort of lost for a long time and I didn’t even realize it until I got older. I barely had any family or guidance and it affected me greatly. Even in my early adult years, I overcame grave challenges such as defeating homelessness once at the age of 17 then again at the age of 19.
My aspirations changed a lot while in school. All my life I wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals. I later changed my mind to become a vet tech instead due to it being less schooling. I was always naturally gifted in school but I disliked school at the same time so I wanted to spend as little time in college as possible. After going to a technical school while in high school I realized that it wasn’t worth learning all that knowledge to be paid hardly anything. I then changed my path thus again to becoming a Web/Graphic Designer since I’ve always been naturally good with computers.
That same year (11th grade) I was provoked and got in my 1st ever ‘school’ altercation which was super-heated and led to a teacher being injured (accidentally) and ended up in me being expelled & sent to an alternative school. I was never a problem child, especially in school. I was a straight-A student with a clean record. I felt like it was unfair to be expelled over 1 fight but it was more of a suburban school and I never felt like I truly belonged there anyhow so I was honestly eager to leave.
It also helped me to realize my anger issues and got me into therapy which was a good thing. I did so much better at my alternative school which surprised me. They were such a great establishment that actually cared and were very invested in each student’s wellbeing and future.
That same year is when I discovered modeling. I feel like the universe was pushing me into that direction for a while. Random strangers would always come up to me and ask me “Do you model? You’re so beautiful you should model! Etc.” and I enjoyed taking pictures often! Local photographers started reaching out to be interested in shooting so I took a chance on it and fell in love with it.
After my first shoot more & more opportunities started coming my way and I felt like I finally found my talent/passion. I was a natural! And it felt so empowering being in front of a camera. I did my first show/pageant that year called “Miss Fashion Week Pittsburgh” and it was such a fun experience. Since then, I’ve been in numerous shows, designer/portfolio shoots, and played as an extra in Seth Rogen’s “Pickle Movie”. I also have been a brand ambassador for multiple designers in and out of town.
I feel like this is what I was meant to do. When I was younger, I would’ve never thought I’d be modeling. I had bad self-esteem issues and was often unhappy with my appearance. Modeling helped me to get past that and be more confident in myself. As a matter of fact, that is a part of my platform.
I want to empower others through my work and show them that you can do anything you put your mind to regardless of your circumstance and to inspire confidence in those lacking or wanting to build more. I have so many future business plans to impact the world and I can’t wait to bring them to life!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I shared the first part of your question in my last entry as well. I’m known for modeling.
All I’ve been through would destroy most people, so I’m very proud of the fact that despite all the crazy things I’ve lived through, I’m still here aspiring & working towards building a legacy. My story itself sets me apart from others.
Not many have experienced the things I have so early in life. It’s been hard but my circumstances have molded me into the strong person I am today so I’m thankful for that side of things.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I aspire to be international with my modeling and businesses! I have many business ventures I would like to start up that I want to keep confidential for the moment. Just know they’re gonna be big!
Contact Info:
- Email: modelliyaap@gmail.com
- Website: https://sheamanagement.modasphere.com/package/view_gallery/z17lo6/5085105/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/model_broad/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foreign.liyaa
Image Credits
Steve Blanks, Donald Keys, and Harvey Butts
