Aliya Afrakhteh shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Aliya, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day in my career for me starts early — sometimes before sunrise. I wake up, hydrate, do a light stretch or workout, and check my schedule. My days are rarely the same, but they always require me to be ready to perform at my best.
If it’s a shoot day, I’ll head to set, often with coffee in hand and a tote full of essentials: heels, skincare, a book for downtime. The morning begins in the makeup chair — an hour or more of transformation while chatting with the team and reviewing mood boards. Once the lights are up, I’m fully present, moving through poses, taking direction, and finding those subtle shifts that make a frame come alive.
By the time I get home, I’ll either check in for events and head to hair & makeup. However that’s usually only on the weekends or what my team likes to call, “high season.” Usually If it’s a calm night I’ll start by unwinding in a silk robe, hair in bun, and makeup off. Tomorrow will be completely different, and that’s exactly why I love this life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Aliya Afrakhteh— a print and runway model based in Tampa and New York City. My work lives in the space where edge meets elegance. I frequently travel back and forth from Florida in the Summer to NYC in the fall. Whether it’s creative photo shoots, or couture runway shows; I approach each project with my entire heart. I work closely with designers, photographers, and agency teams to bring a vision to life. For me, modeling has always been a huge part of my life and is my top priority. I’ve always been enticed to high-fashion and what goes into that behind the scenes. Over the years, I’ve finished multiple fashion weeks and swim weeks. I’m currently prepping myself for New York Fashion Week coming up in September. I’m working with various magazines and shooting interviews for some new designers which is beyond exciting. I could never express my gratitude for how blessed I am to receive the opportunities I’ve been given.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
From a young age, my mother was not only my biggest supporter but also my first manager. Modeling was more than a career choice—it was something I was born into. My mother was both a model and a couture wedding gown designer, and growing up in her world was like stepping into a private atelier where elegance, creativity, and discipline were part of everyday life.
She carried herself with the kind of grace that couldn’t be taught—only observed—and I learned by watching her. Whether she was walking a runway or hand-finishing a gown, she treated her work as an art form, and that philosophy became the foundation of my own career.
When she began managing me as a young model, she brought that same sense of refinement and professionalism into my world. She didn’t just open doors—she showed me how to walk through them with purpose, presence, and respect for the craft.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to take more credit in my own poise. I like to believe I’ve always grown up humble, however I remember a younger version of myself always in the lime light. In which I had no breaks or pauses to stop and enjoy each accomplishment. As a competitive based personality, I’ve always wanted more for myself and not only that but to be the best at whatever I did.
Little me would be star struck at my new accomplishments since then and I know theirs only more to come in my future.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
People often assume there’s a divide between the public me and the private me — as though the woman in the photographs, on the runway, or in the feed is some carefully constructed façade. In truth, the version you see is entirely, unapologetically me.
Modeling and influencing are not disguises; they’re extensions of my own sensibilities. The poise, the styling, the way I inhabit a frame — these aren’t acts I step into for the sake of an image. They are an articulation of how I see the world and how I wish to be seen in it.
Yes, my life is curated, but so is every art form. The stories I share, the aesthetics I gravitate toward, the collaborations I choose — they are drawn from a very real place within me. The camera captures all these moments for me that are not always seen publicly.
I think that I’m always recognizing my influence on others in society. I really love when a friend or colleague of mine becomes interested in modeling because it lets me know that I’m doing my best at authenticating my life as a model.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People have a lot of misunderstandings about modeling, so I hear these myths all the time.
First, people think I just stand there and look pretty. The truth is, modeling takes stamina, body awareness, and mental focus. I’m holding poses for long stretches, moving in a way that feels natural but works for the camera, and telling a story without saying a word — often in heels, heavy gowns, or freezing weather.
Another one: it’s all glamour and luxury. Sure, there are magical moments — walking a runway in Paris or seeing myself in a campaign — but there are also 4 a.m. call times, delayed flights, or hours of castings.
A lot of people also assume that if you’re attractive, you can be a model. In reality, it’s a craft. You have to know your angles, how to work with lighting, take direction, and keep your energy up all day while staying professional with the team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/aliyaafrakhteh
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliyaafrakhteh?igsh=Y2YzeWU5bzFmdDdw&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aliyaafrakhteh?_t=ZP-8yrJsALfkAp&_r=1
Image Credits
The Art of Po
