First THOUGHTS? She’s amazing!
We first thought she might be a very powerful woman but after talking with her we can definetly say that she is adorable and she is more than just powerful! So here we are, talking about Career, Love, Modeling, Acting, Entrepreneurship and many other spicy subjects with this inspring gem.
photo by Demar Watson
Q: Describe yourself in one word !
A: If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be resilient.
[blockquote align=”none” author=”Afiya Bennett”] “Inspiring others is what motivates me to continue to push forward in the fashion industry.“[/blockquote]
Q: What have you been most satisfied with in your life?
A: In my life I have been the most satisfied with the ability to inspire others. Inspiring others is what motivates me to continue to push forward in the fashion industry. Making a way for not only my own future but for others that look like me.
Q: Who influences you the most ?
A: Seeing and meeting others that have achieved things that I aspire to do, influences me. It shows me that it’s possible, not matter how big or small it’s possible.
Q: What have you learned about yourself since you’ve become a celebrity ?
A: Since I’ve become a celebrity, I have learned that it’s okay to not have it all together. As a celebrity it appears that we have it all together and live a picture-perfect life, when in actuality we are most times trying to figure things out just like the next person.
Q: tell us about your luxury hat line!
A: “The Afiya Collection” is a luxury hat line that’s meant to encourage women empowerment. Inspired by a trip to London “The Afiya Collection” has started with military style brim caps with room to expand in the near future. So… stay tuned!
Q: What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
A: My key driving force to becoming an entrepreneur was a chance to redefine and redirect my selfworth. For as long as I can remember my self worth has been completely invested in and defined by my acceptance in the fashion industry. Starting my own line gave me a chance to invest the same energy I place into building other brands back in to self.
Q: What has been the most satisfying moment in your business ?
A: The most satisfying moment in my business is when someone purchases a hat and they love it. I hate ordering something online and get it in person and be disappointed. I love receiving pictures from clients in there pictures and seeing how happy clients are, it truly makes it all worth it.
Q: How do you generate ideas for your hat designs ?
A: I generate ideas for my hat line based on what I like or what is most requested. For instance this season I sold black leather and black patent leather caps but a black wool cap was highly requested. Being that it was requested, very shortly we will be selling a black wool cap. Being a entrepreneur means offering not only what you like but what the customer wants as well.
Q: What was is it like working on the movie ‘ANON’?
A: Working on the movie “ANON” was a bit surreal. Although I had been on television before, reality television and filming a movie is very different. There was a ton of cameras everywhere, and a ton of people working in production. Everything is extremely planned. Even people that may be passing in a movie are accounted for. Working on ANON allowed me to gain a lot of respect for everyone on set not just the cast.
Q: Tell us about your love Lloyd Dickenson – how do you best support each other in your industry ?
A: Believe it or not My fiancé and I met on set, shooting for Nike. It’s pretty refreshing to date someone that understands first hand my obstacles but also shares in my victories. He is beyond supportive and has helped me grow so much as person and as a brand since we have been together. He shares my aspirations and desires for me just as much as I do, and I feel like I can conquer anything with him next to me.
Q: What Kind of work situations make you feel most satisfied?
A: I love seeing my self in store and being able to show my mom and my dad my Campaigns. There will always be little girl that just desires to make her parents proud. Outside of Campaigns, I love shooting Editorials. Editorials allow me to tap into my
creative side and appreciate fashion for what it was meant to be, artistic expression.
Q: Your work with the Make A Wish Foundation – what kind of roles do you play ?
A: Last year I was fortunate enough to host the Make A Wish Gala here in New York City. Together we helped raise millions of a dollars toward granting wishes to children that suffer with terminally ill diseases.
Q: What project has had the most impact on you in your life ?
A: I can’t say that one project in-particular had the most impact on my career, more so my body of work. Shooting for brands like Tom Ford, Neutrogena, Fenty Beauty, Nike, Nine West, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Etc has had an impact on my life.
Q: what is your favourite quote ?
A: My favorite quote is “I Can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 This Bible versus is so dear to me because the world makes us feel so limited, that we can’t reach our hearts desires. But this quote lets me know that all things are possible through Christ, all things that strengths me, adds value to me, and uplifts me. No man can limit what God has for me or you.
Q: Can you tell us a few of your current successes, challenges and major responsibilities ?
A: Some of recent success would definitely be my new Neutrogena campaign in stores. Some of my difficulties would be finding a healthy balance. My heart desires to be great, to be an amazing model, actress, Host, entrepreneur, community service advocate, etc. Sometimes I feel like I’m spreading my self to thin and I’m not able to give my all because I have my hands in so many pots. I’ve learned to write things down, knock them off the list one by one, and know that I’m doing the best I can with as much ambition and love in my heart.
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