We had the good fortune of connecting with Nyajuok Kueth and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nyajuok, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue a creative career for many reasons. The main ones being my want to do what I love, and to make a change for those wanting to pursue those fields. This is something I felt only a creative career could offer me.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been modeling for over a decade and started at a very young age. While going through this modeling journey I learned that, though there are many beautiful models in the industry, I can pride myself on my ability to be versatile. I have done editorials, fitness campaigns, commercials, print, androgynous modeling, Ive even done hand/ lip modeling and so much more. My ability to be this sort of chameleon allows me to fit any shoot, campaign, or runway show. This sets me apart from most models, because usually models have their strong points that they focus on, but I focus on all of them. Through my journey I definitely had my setbacks though. One of those being one every POC deals with, and that was the lack of opportunities and diversity, as well as being boxed in. This was hard for me, but I knew the industry was changing and will keep changing. I just had to keep showing up till they saw what I’ve always seen in myself. Another set back was my living in Alaska for most of my life before moving to Phoenix. This made it very hard to break into the industry because we barely had one. But I don’t give up that easily and was determined. I wanted to show the world and especially little girls like me, that your environment and where you come from don’t define you. You can achieve anything as long as you put your mind to it. So in an effort to do just that I started marketing myself on social media and working with other creatives to build a solid portfolio. I also worked in the fashion industry in Alaska and modeled all the shows and campaigns I could while there. Then I moved to Phoenix and was scouted by my first agency Ford/RBA, and from there got with O models and my career grew. It became something I could have only dreamed. I was working with brand and magazine the likes of Nike, Morphe, Schön Magazine, and even seeing myself in store like Ulta. These are my proudest moments because if a refugee of war like me could do all those things, anything is possible. Through all this I learned that we are only limited by how far we can dream. I want the world to know that I am not building this personal brand because of the want for success, but for the sake of those who come after me who just need to see someone like them succeed.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for the week, I’d start her week by taking her on a food tour to get some amazing vegan food in downtown Phoenix and Tempe. We’d probably start at The Pemberton, then The Naughty Vegan, and we’d finish with dessert at Voodoo Doughnut. The next few days I’d show her around town and probably take her to the Phoenix and Scottsdale art museums, they always have great events and exhibitions. Finally we’d finish the week in old town Scottsdale dancing the night away.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In this sometimes hard and lonely journey as a model, I am definitely grateful for those who aided me along the way. My family & friends, my modeling agency especially O models, and of course all the wonderful creatives I worked with alone the way. I know to achieve your goals it takes a village backing you, and I definitely had mine.
Website: https://www.omodelsagency.com/talent-detail.html?q=8b215a6d63a51d3bf9fb7641abac888b3484
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyak143?igsh=Y3JoeHQyaWdhejlx&utm_source=qr
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyajuok-kueth-7032b22a9?trk=contact-info
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nyak143?si=5J68KzrH9Rx_jTSF
Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nnyak143?_t=8jAt1Y07ZM2&_r=1
Image Credits
Photo 1: Hassan, Photo 2: Ocean, Photo 3: r.e.m. beauty, Photo 4-6: Roberto Cowan, Photo 7-9: Michele Laurita Personal Photo: Michael Buckner