Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliya Afrakhteh
Hi Aliya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi!! My names Aliya Afrakhteh, and I am a seasoned runway & high fashion editorial model based in Florida. My story as a model starts at a very young age. My mother has always had a long history in fashion design and decided to encourage me into modeling when I was only 9 years old. My family background has always played a major part in my career. My beauty as a model has often been nicknamed “exotic” and “naturally beautiful,” as my dad is Persian and mother is German, thus creating my look to be very desired and eye catching in the modeling industry. I have always loved the spotlight even as a kid, and remember looking through my mother’s fashion magazines and dreaming on being on the cover of one. My mother managed my career for as long as I can remember, and took me to attend open casting calls as a kid. I soon found my first desired modeling agency: BMG MODELS. I shot some of my first photoshoots with BMG in Orlando! This was a big moment for me, as I learned that modeling was exactly where I wanted to be. As I grew up, I began working on more projects and wanted to make modeling my top priority. Although I was told to keep my focus in school, I knew that I wanted to balance both. Every weekend after I finished my school work, I would attend online castings and meetings with my management team from all around the world. I would travel most weekends during the month, and had a full packed schedule that didn’t always allow me to have a “traditional” high school experience. Soon, I finished high school at the top of my class along with some years in homeschooling due to my travel schedule and modeling. Once I turned 18, I decided I wanted to pursue modeling full time as well as being a full time college student. I wanted to create a name for myself, and signed with my current agency: Hannah Noelle Models, in 2022. Some of my first endeavors with my new agency included many editorial photoshoots, where I met many reputable clients and got published in my first magazine. I was then introduced into the world of runway modeling. Within the past two years, I was able to secure many high profile events such as modeling for Fashion in The Tropics 2023, Miami Swim Week 2024, Tampa Bay Fashion Face Off 2024, Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2024, and this past New York Fashion Week 2024. I have also built relationships with brands such as Krissy King The Label, who personally invited to become an Angel Energy Girl ambassador for the brand. These newfound accomplishments of mine has skyrocketed my modeling career, and has enabled me to build my own resume with a professional agenda.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From what I have discovered, modeling has always been my dream and I have never let obstacles get in my way. Some challenges that I have had to overcome, has been my triumphs balancing school and modeling. I have always been an avid student, and began to worry when I was being called in to different cities every month for meetings, castings, photoshoots, etc. I knew that traveling would have to be something I paid attention to, and that became an obstacle with my school schedule. During one day of my Junior year of high school, Me and my family sat down with my school counselor and made an agreement on homeschooling for a remainder of my school years. I always had a lot of friends in school, and was also a cheerleader for many years at different schools. So even though homeschooling was not in my original plan, I saw modeling as a life changing opportunity that came with sacrifices that I had to make along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a seasoned runway and editorial model, who is currently signed and working alongside modeling agency: Hannah Noelle Models. I am also a social media influencer and content creator on platforms via Instagram and TikTok. I am known for my expertise in fashion trends and showing off my lifestyle as a model. I often post daily “Get Ready With Me” and “Day In The Life” videos, as well as shopping hauls and glamorous fashion pieces. I am recognized in the modeling industry as someone who likes to bring fire to my personality on the runway. I am admired behind the camera as a girl with an open heart that’s full of energy. I always like to connect with my friends, family, and supporters by showcasing my modeling journey and how exactly I’ve gotten into modeling. I am mostly proud of my strive for embodying positivity on my platforms. I have always considered my life and achievement’s a blessing, However I like to stay very transparent on my personal journey in my career and want others to see that. I enjoy engaging myself with others, and networking with more models and content creators in the industry. What sets me apart from the rest, is my passion for my career and having the ability to create content that makes others feel connected to my lifestyle. My most asked question by others is “How did you get started in modeling and content creation?” I enjoy answering this question to my fans, since I believe I can use my platform to not only encourage others to follow their dreams, but to put 100% effort into whatever those dreams in modeling or social media may be. When I started my career, I noticed that not a lot of other girls at my school were in the same line of work and it’s really refreshing to see more young women step up and pursue modeling at a younger age.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey has been to never give up on yourself and to always fight for goals in life. I have been met with a multitude of challenges. Perseverance has been my greatest strength. Social media and modeling is tough, and not everyone in these industries is going to understand or support your accomplishments, Although it’s important to see past this and remember that you are your biggest supporter at the end of the day. Never giving up on what you want for yourself, and never letting any of the negativity get the best of you. The lessons that have came with my journey have completed me and matured me professionally. The more I grow throughout my career, the more I have been rewarded and sought better success in finding myself and what I can achieve. Always remember, You are the prize!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/aliyaafrakhteh
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliyaafrakhteh
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliyaafrakhteh
Image Credits
Dez Santana | @modelfidelity
