Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliyah Gowdy.
Aliyah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always loved taking pictures with my sister Camille. She used me as her “test model,” so she could get more familiar with her camera. It gave me another avenue in creativity. The second shoot that I’ve done with another photographer was with Kervins Martin in Spring 2019. After him, I was excited to shoot with others, but soon after that shoot, I met my pageant coach at my first fashion show. I modeled for a clothing company called Melanin Edge and met talented models and future friends from around Broward County. Grace Silverman, my soon to be pageant coach, was there assisting Jodi-Ann Wright, the founder of Melanin Edge. Grace asked me if I had ever thought about being in a pageant and I said, “If I wanted to, then I’m sure I could, but I’m not sure about that.” She gave me a couple of days to think it over, but when the time came for me to answer, “no” wasn’t an option.
I became Miss Deerfield Beach USA 2019 and it all came so fast, but we both felt in our spirit that it was meant to be. I literally started practicing a day or two after the fashion show. I didn’t have time to explore modeling how I had anticipated, but I was still in front of the cameras taking pageant photos. I was able to work with other photographers and I learned very fast how to be comfortable with them. I had to learn what kind of model I was and that it was okay to be different from the other talented models that I followed on social media. Fast-forwarding to the pageant, there was a modeling agency there that really helped me confirm what kind of model I wanted to be. Their name is MMG Model Management Group, and I loved them! They told us that they were going to choose one additional girl, out of the eighty-plus girls who ran for Miss Florida, to represent. I didn’t place top 15, and I didn’t win representation, but I won “Best Dress.” More than anything, I was just grateful for the experience and to be surrounded by these strong women! After the pageant, I was inspired to work harder for myself, but then the pandemic started.
I met up with Kervins again and we took photos that were later published into Evon Magazine in May! The founder of the magazine wanted to do a live video chat segment on Facebook and we talked about various subjects, including pageantry, if I were signed to an agency, cooking, etc. On May 18th, he asked me if I could be signed to any agency which one would it be? I had a hard time remembering if it were MGM or MMG since months had passed by, but my sister Ashley clarified that it was MMG. Two days later, on May 20th, MMG contacted me to see if I’d be interested in them representing me! I honestly couldn’t believe it!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been a tough one. My passion was cooking and baking. I definitely regretted not going to school for it, but I told myself that when I move to New York one day that I would pursue it. I felt like time was wasted going to colleges I knew I wasn’t even supposed to be attending, but I earned that A.A Degree so I’m happy with that. I’ve had long days, months and years, not knowing what I wanted to do with myself. I often found it hard to understand how people in high school knew what they wanted to be in life. For most of my college career, I can only remember being depressed. I could sing, act, paint, cook and make this annoying little baby voice, but I didn’t have a clue in the world what to do with it. It made everything 10x harder.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a social media influencer, pagent girl and MMG model. I am most proud of my will to get through every mental obstacle that I’ve faced, being a leader and example for women and young girls hence allowing Jesus to lead me! I am myself and I don’t try to be anyone but me. In a world that’s afraid to be affectionate, I love to love on people and show the world my various talents.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that’s it’s full of diversity and people are seemingly always happy. I’m really not a fan of the driving!
Contact Info:
- Email: missaliyahgowdy@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missaliyahgowdy/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/aliyah.gowdy?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Cmillyproductions
Martinmedia_
Mrcarloscollins
Cashmere_images
Chrisdiamondphoto
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