Not long after featuring a potential future tennis champion, Amina Nurmakhan, it’s worth considering that it is not only sport that captures the imagination of so many people, and not only sport that inspires the younger generation to the extent that they too want to emulate their heroes and achieve the same, or better.
Consumer preferences (and the competitiveness of human nature) ultimately decide that top sports professionals get more exposure and make more money than top models, but the latter invariably earn a lot more than shop assistants or bank cashiers, which adds to the allure of the work and the appeal of the profession.
It stands to reason, therefore, that a lot of young people would like to become models when their years in the classroom come to an end, and they are finally left to their own resources.
Trouble is, just as with those who want to be footballers, you have to be really rather good to get anywhere near even the back of the queue.
Working hard to build on an encouraging start in the job is a model we featured recently as part of another article, but thanks to her manager (also her mum), we have been able to get to know Adel Ablaykhan a bit better in a brief online interview.
This young model from Kazakhstan doesn’t let the side down, as the reality that her work entails is so fascinating for her.
“I really enjoy fashion, creativity, and the stage. I love participating in fashion shows, photo shoots, and representing my country at international events. For me, modelling is an opportunity to grow, learn, meet interesting people, and inspire other children.”
She gave the work a try because an offer to do so enabled her to try unusual looks and perform in front of people, both things she had enjoyed anyway, and the desire to discover her talents led her to do photo shoots, both locally and internationally.
This was when she and her mother started to take note and understood that what had started as just a bit of fun could take her to places she’d only dreamed of.
“After my first international shows and photo shoots, I realized that modelling could be more than just a hobby. I love this work, and I’d really like to develop in this field professionally.
“Most of all, I enjoy the opportunity to travel, meet people from different countries, work with talented designers, and create beautiful images, especially those that will last in people’s minds.
“I have participated in international fashion shows (Milan, Paris, Seoul, Istanbul, Moscow, and other places), photo shoots, advertising shoots, and creative projects. Each of them helps me gain new experience, improve my skills, and become more confident.
She reports that each show brings new emotions and a new experience, and believes each to be a step forward as this type of collaboration helps her gain professional experience, participate in new shows, meet famous designers, and develop her career.
Understandably, there are those who point out the inherent downsides of the world of modelling, its painted smiles and all, but with the right safeguards in place, Adel Ablaykhan has always felt at ease working, with her mother there for her every step of the way. According to the 12-year-old:
“Mum allows me to participate in shows😁. She also organises trips, helps me prepare for my shows, supports me during difficult times, and always believes in me. Thanks to her, I feel confident, both in myself and in the role.”
Both Adel and her mother are keen that her studies remain crucially important on her timetable, although sometimes a little help from her mentor, Sholpan Orazbakovna, comes in handy as trips across the world do necessitate a little catching up from time to time.
No child should neglect their education, but those who have a true talent and real potential should be given the chance to develop on both fronts. Thanks to understanding teachers, Adel gets everything done for school too, perhaps via a little creative scheduling here and there, but her results are good.
With what free time she gets, Adel loves to spend it with her family and friends, but her passion for fashion isn’t just for show, so to speak, and she is a keen student of her future profession when time is available.
As with many youngsters, her future plans are impressive, but unlike many, she has already agreed some of them, and her collaboration with Turkish designer Hakan Akkaya has already commenced.
“I’m currently working with Hakan and will be the face of his new junior collection. I’m open to new interesting offers and international collaborations, and as part of this I like to be an inspiration to other young models, and I hope they also get some of the opportunities I have enjoyed.”
