In an exclusive interview conducted by Eze Uwaezuoke, with Ms Elora Augello Williams, an international Caribbean Model based in Paris - France, who has held the ace for the likes of Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Gucci, Unilever, Mercedes Benz, Coca-Cola, and Nike featured on zeeny360.com’s FACE OF ELEGANCE, touching on issues ranging from the controversial feminist movements, to how as a beautiful woman she deals with men who want intimacy with her.
• NIGERIA'S foremost female writer Chimamanda Adiche drew fireworks from Fox News, CNN and other media space, by saying... What's your take in this regard?
• As a pretty woman, how are you able to manage varied attention from those who would like to get a bit more intimate with you?
• Can we get to meet you? Who is Elora Williams?
Eze:
It's a pleasure having you here. Can we get to meet you? Who is Elora Williams?
Elora Williams:
Elora is a young entrepreneur, model and image consultant based in Paris.
Eze:
How long have you been in this industry?
Elora Williams:
This would be my 4th year.
Eze:
We understand you have modelled internationally. Is that correct?
Elora Williams:
Yes.
Eze:
Interesting! Have you always dreamed of being an international model? When and how did the spark towards this journey start?
Elora Williams:
Honestly, I didn't even know I would become a model. It happened so fast. Initially, I was introduced to the Industry by my best friend, Tara Falla who thought I would greatly fit in. I loved the experience and decided to give it my best. This was after high school.
Eze:
Oh... Really! What can we say were your initial childhood career goals?
Elora Williams:
You know where I come from. Things weren't so good. What I really wanted is to become financially stable, be able to provide for my family and siblings. I had no plan but I knew somehow gotta make sure my family lives the good life.
Career-wise. I really had no plan. Was quite a stubborn kid.
Eze:
Waoh! How would you describe the level of competition you faced coming to the limelight in the modelling industry?
Elora Williams:
Very Competitive! I'm not really in the limelight yet, but getting to where I am has drawn quite a fight from the team and me.
Competition is tough. Everyone wants to be a model nowadays. Everyone wants to outdo the other. It is healthy though.
Eze:
What will be the top, the limelight for Elora?
Elora Williams:
Not really after the limelight, as a model the top would be working with eminent brands across the globe, whether I'm in front or behind that camera.
Eze:
Initially, you said you are an "entrepreneur, model and image consultant." How are you able to be all these at the same time and lead a regular life? How are you able to juggle all these at the same time...
Elora Williams:
I am a heavy ‘multi-tasker’, which is an added advantage. Well, I have managed to set these things in a way that they, in lack of a better word, "support each other." I run a few businesses back at home, Martinique. Have some help from my mom and brother who oversee their activities. As I travel the world with the modelling errands, I use that opportunity to network with different people, see what people do, borrow some ideas, and if something is needed ship it over or whatever. And an added advantage thanks to the internet and all, it's easy to do all these at the same time. Like when a company from let's say Africa needs my input on their image, I don't have to be there physically. Everything happens online.
Eze:
Wow! • Would you like to tell us which brands you have modelled for?
Elora Williams:
Oh so many! I doubt I'll remember all of them but the most memorable ones. Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Gucci, Unilever, Mercedes Benz, and Coca-Cola, recently worked with Nike. Just to mention a few.
Eze:
Another wow!
With this resume, Elora still doesn't think she's in the limelight yet.
Many aspiring models dream of being where you are and even to get ahead. What steps will you outline should be followed to achieve success in the industry?
Elora Williams:
*Laughs. Not yet there man.
Gotta stay hungry you know. Stay hungry. Be consistent. Pray. Build a network. One mistake that many models make is, they start sleeping after getting the first, second, third gig... Waiting for their agent to go out there look for another job for them as they sleep. Instead one should go out there, build on that network and maybe look for errands, learn the tricks of the game from people who have been around and stuff.
Eze:
Interesting! Looking at the four-year journey, what changes have you witnessed in the modelling industry and what would you like to see changed?