We had the good fortune of connecting with Alysha Hemani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alysha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking risks are a necessary part of growth. My personal and professional career would not be where it is today without me believing in myself and taking the leap of faith to move to New York and demand better for myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m Alysha Hemani. A 5’3 South Asian, Muslim-American model based in NYC. I grew up in a small town in Arkansas where not so many people were able to relate to me, and I am not just talking about the way I looked. It was the mindset as well. I strived to be in a hustle-mindset environment, one where creatives could come together and support each other, one where having wild dreams of success seemed common place.

When the pandemic hit, I made a plan to move to New York city. That’s the place where opportunities are a dime a dozen. The place where competition fuels you. I wanted to work with larger brands in advertising for my day job, and see if I could get better at my hobby (modeling). Most people laughed behind my backs when they heard, but I was determined.

Fast forward 3 years later, I’ve been able to walk in NYFW multiple times, worked with countless well-known brands, and even just walked the runway for Paris Fashion Week this past fall season. Regarding my day job, I’ve landed at one of the most successful marketing guru’s/entreprenuers agency, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I came here with no money, no friends, and just motivation and belief in myself that I could give myself the life that I wanted and pursue the goals that I had set out for myself no matter how many rejections I had to face.

My message to others is this: The biggest person you can let down by not taking a risk, is yourself. And the most important person you can make proud by succeeding is also yourself. So take the risk. You owe it to yourself. Prove it to yourself that you have what it takes to reach your goal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New York is so beautiful that it’s hard to just pick one spot or neighborhood. No matter which season it is, we are going to start the day with a walk in Central Park while eating Zucker’s Bagels and drinking some coffee. We will always skip seeing Time Square and instead go to Chelsea Market and Little Island. If we have time, we might hit up some thrift stores in Williamsburg along with the best Chinese food at Birds of a Feather. Then we will end the night with some Lychee Martinis from Verlaine and bar hopping in the Lower East!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It takes a village and I have had no less than that in support for my dreams and goals. My family, my partner, and my childhood best friends have moved mountains to help me achieve my goals. It starts with their unwavering support and continues with their pep talks, their guidance, and their encouragement for me to keep pushing towards success in my modeling career. One that to many seems like a unachievable feat as a 5’3 South Asian model.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyshakeyz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshahemani/

Image Credits
Ryan Kell Evan Gurnan JP Trent Campbell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.