Today we’d like to introduce you to Azhai Boggs.
Hi Azhai, Thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for art. From being a self-taught dancer, artist, and now a model, I started in my bedroom at the age of 15. I decided to start posting my inspiration from Shalom Harlow and Zendaya on Instagram.
At the time, I used school, art, and dance as an outlet due to family issues and abuse at home. I wanted to create a space where I could have peace and control. After moving from one abusive household to the next at 16, with no structure, and on the verge of failing High School due to moving, my Father decided to drop me off in Florida at 17 to fend for myself. Neither of my parents wanted to enroll me in school, so I enrolled myself.
For me, being on my own and figuring out how to survive was a chance for me to create the life I always wanted for myself and my siblings. I stayed with an old childhood friend for a while and was able to get a job, miraculously, without any identification. While working every day, I competed in dance and maintained my studies. I graduated with a 4.0 and continued to pursue my dreams of becoming a model through social media.
Many have asked me how I did it and how I’ve gotten to where I am today. I tell them, I would not be here or be the person that I am today if it weren’t for God. I couldn’t tell you where my strength and perseverance came from in the midst of it all. All I knew was that there was more out there than that specific moment. I knew God wasn’t done with me and that he had made me for something great in this world.
I am now 19, living in Austin, Texas with my fiancé, grounded in God, and continuing to pursue my dreams as a model. I am utterly grateful for the wonderful people I have met along the way who have been essential stepping stones for me to be where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that when you’re doing what the majority won’t do, due to a scarcity mindset or fear, you’re going to have some sort of obstacle along the way. It’s also your outlook on the idea of challenges.
Take my story for example, you can either take what you’ve experienced to grow and heal from it or you can use it as a crutch to paralyze you from what God has set out for you. I believe that your ability to adapt and your mindset are what distinguishes you from others looking to achieve a common goal.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Freelance Fashion Model. I work with brands all over by creating content for their products! I specialize in anything from modeling for brands and creating films to promoting brand products.
I’m known for my style and dancing and I’m most proud of the goals I’ve accomplished being fresh into the industry such as debuting in a magazine, walking a runway, traveling, building an accumulative community of 500K, and working with magazines like Voyage shedding light on upcoming creatives!
What sets me apart from others is my ability to stray away from the quotas. I want to bring something that isn’t what many people are used to and create a whole new category for it. I enjoy the journey as it is right now. I love that it’s hard, that you have to work for it and meet people who know people.
I didn’t have the best guidance as to what a young lady should be and represent herself until I grew deeper in my faith and now I have the opportunity to be that representation for other young women looking to pursue the same career.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
I believe risk-taking is mandatory if you want to cap your success. I’ve risked not going to college, thousands of dollars, and years to grow a brand for myself with the uncertainty of whether I will actually become successful. Not only that, but it depends on your definition of what a risk is. A risk could mean moving to another state, quitting a job to pursue your interest full-time, or even doing something small completely out of your comfort zone, etc.
“Everything’s hard in the same way. It’s hard to be in the wrong career. It’s hard to be in the right one. It’s hard to be broke and miserable, it’s hard to achieve your dreams. Everything is hard, but you choose your hard. You choose what’s worth it. You don’t choose whether you’ll suffer or not, but you do choose what you want to suffer for.”
Pricing:
- Insta Photo Promo/Collab – $300
- Insta Reel Promo/Collab – $375
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Christopher Harris (@alligcoldphotography) and Antonio Ancira (@antonio_ancira)
