CHATROOM: There Are Lots Of Opportunities In Entertainment, Holyfield, Founder Aim Model Management Tells Youths
Firm That Propelled An Ika Son To International Stage
This piece features the story of a young Deltan, Okoh Kanikwu Holyfield from Ilah in Oshimili North Local Government Area. He is the Chief Executive Officer of AIM Model Management, the agency responsible for launching Success Chukwuwuikem’s successful modeling career at the Milan Fashion Week AW25 and Paris Fashion Week, where he strutted the runway for popular fashion houses PRONOUNCE and MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO.
During a conversation with our correspondent, Nicholas Ebegboni, Mr. Okoh Kanikwu Holyfield shares his journey into the world of modeling and how he persisted in bringing undiscovered talents into the spotlight. He explains his motivation and driving force, emphasizing that AIM Model Management is driven by passion rather than profit in the entertainment industry.
In addition, the CEO addresses the youths who rely on traditional desk jobs, revealing that there are abundant opportunities for talented individuals in the entertainment world.
Enjoy reading!
What’s your name?
Ans: My name is Okoh Kanikwu Holyfield.
Where do you hail from?
Ans: I hail from Ilah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
What’s do you represent?
Ans: I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer, Aim Model Management.
We are a global modeling agency dedicated to discovering and nurturing exceptional talent. Our mission is to develop these individuals into internationally recognized models, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in the fashion industry.
How many years have you been in operation?
Ans: I have been doing this for 8 years now.
Tell us about your educational background?
Ans: I did my primary education in Lagos, where I obtained my First School Leaving Certificate. My secondary school was in Agbor, where I bagged my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE)
Who are your role models?
My role models are Pastor Victoria Orenze, and Funke Akindele
How do you scout for talents?
For me it’s all about spotting a raw potential with raw talent, unique features and great personality. In all, I look out for someone that will stand out.
Mention some names of those you have brought to limelight?
We have had the honour of working with some incredible talents who have made a mark in the industry, persons like Halimat, Dami, Tunmise, Samuel, Napari, and now Success. It’s been rewarding seeing these individuals rise and establish themselves in the modeling industry.
What’s your driving force or motivation?
My primary source of motivation comes from my parents. They taught me that there are no excuses for failure, and that, pushes me to keep striving for success.
In what ways did your parents inspire you?
When it comes to hard work and persistence, my parents have always been the epitome of these qualities. From a young age, they instilled in me the value of dedication and the importance of never giving up on my dreams. As I grew older, I realized that these traits are not only admirable, but they are also essential for success in any aspect of life. Their ability to embrace individuality has also had a tremendous impact on my life, teaching me the importance of being true to oneself and standing out from the crowd.
Your skills, training people in modelling was acquired, how?
Ans. I must say it comes from my personal experiences in the industry, and constant learning from the top professionals in the field. Watching ANTM, studying runway techniques, and understanding the different type of modeling, be it fashion, commercial or editorial.
Tell us more, how does your organization operate?
Ans: We as a mother agency, our role is nurturing every model, we scout from the ground up before they hit the larger market, we focus on scouting, developing and mentorship.
How do you fund your operations or activities?
Ans. It’s very flexible, in some situations we do and sometimes the parents.
Does your organization train these people for free, or they pay for the training?
Ans. We always make sure to inform all models we scout for, that what we do is free.
What attracts you to your prospective interns?
The determination in their eyes, and the readiness to learn. When you come across someone who has the desire to succeed in life, you feel the aura around such a person. Some people are not ready to develop themselves. A lot of people are really comfortable in their comfort zones.
Life itself is dynamic, and if you want to succeed in life, you must learn to adapt, you must learn how to learn new things and broaden your horizon.
Those you mentioned their names as products of your agency, like Success and others, can you tell us their achievements?
Ans. Tunmise:
Tunmise made a remarkable debut for Bottega Veneta in 2022, as a worldwide exclusive girl. Being an exclusive for such a high-end brand is a huge deal.
Halimat:
Halimat has made her mark in Nigeria, working with commercial brands and also high fashion, appearing in magazines. Her career is a great example of how consistent work and versatility in the commercial modeling industry can lead to success.
Samuel
Samuel has walked on the runway at major fashion events like Arise Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion Week, which are two of the biggest fashion shows in Africa. His work with top Nigerian brands further solidifies his place as one of the rising stars in the industry.
Dami
Dami is also a successful model who has broken so many shows the world over. Nothing can stand as a barrier once one is determined to succeed. She has successfully worked with so many brands both in Europe and Asia market.
Success:
Scouted from Agbor, he made history as the first model to debut in both Paris and Milan from Ika land. That’s a major achievement, showcasing his ability to break into some of the most competitive and iconic fashion capitals in the world
Does your organization engage in other areas of the entertainment industry, like movies, music and so on?
Ans: Yes, our agency is involved in multiple areas of the entertainment industry, including movies, music, television, and other related sectors. We are very flexible and open to exploring various opportunities based on the model’s skills, interests, and ability to diversify. Whether it’s acting, music videos, brand collaborations, or other creative projects, we aim to support our talent in expanding their careers across different fields.
Where do you see your organization in ten years’ time?
Ans. In ten years, we see our Agency as a leading force in the modeling and entertainment industries, consistently discovering and nurturing new stars. We are committed to not only building successful careers for our models but also empowering them to make a lasting impact on the world.
Do you think the entertainment industry generally is doing well?
Ans: The entertainment industry is doing pretty well. Lots of opportunities for the youths
How were you able to make the foreign contacts for your proteges?
Ans when it comes to reaching out to other agencies or international contacts, platforms like Linkedin, Instagram, and even Twitter are powerful tools for building networks.
These platforms allow people to directly connect with agencies, brands, or even individuals who might be in different countries or regions. Direct messaging, email outreach.
What do you have to say to those youths who put all their hopes in white collar jobs?
Ans; A word for the youths who focus solely on white-collar jobs:
Ans: From a young age, we are told to study hard, get good grades, and land a prestigious job in a large corporation. However, as a professional, I strongly believe that this mindset is flawed. While it is important to excel in whatever career path one chooses, it is crucial to find and pursue one’s true passion instead of merely following societal expectations.
Firstly, let’s define what a white-collar job actually is. It refers to a professional or administrative job that typically requires a formal education and is performed in an office environment. Examples of these jobs include lawyers, doctors, accountants, and corporate executives. While these jobs may offer stability and a comfortable income, they may not necessarily bring fulfillment or satisfaction to an individual.
Many young people today feel immense pressure to pursue white-collar job because of the perceived social status and financial rewards. However, what is often overlooked is the toll it can take on one’s mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that the number of young people seeking treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression has been steadily rising. This could be attributed to the pressure of maintaining a high-paying job, even if it is not something that truly brings them joy and purpose.
On the other hand, following one’s passion can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When an individual is genuinely interested in what they do, they are more likely to excel and achieve success. This is because the work they do is driven by their inner motivation and passion, rather than external expectations. Moreover, engaging in something that one is passionate about can lead to a healthier work-life balance, which is crucial for the individual overall well-being.
Furthermore, the pursuit of a white-collar job can often lead to a sense of unfulfillment because it may not align with an individual’s values and beliefs. Many people find themselves sacrificing their personal morals and values to fit into the corporate world. This can create a sense of dissonance and dissatisfaction, which can ultimately impact one’s mental health. On the other hand, pursuing a career that resonates with one’s personal values and beliefs can bring a sense of fulfillment and meaning to one’s life.
A word also for youths who invest their time and youthful age in nefarious activities?
Ans: It’s a waste of your time and life. Those actions won’t pay off.
Instead, make the most of the little opportunities you have now, and in a few years, you’ll see yourself thriving.
How many persons have you been able to create employment for in your agency?
Ans: I have created employment for so many people that I honestly can’t count them all.
High-light in what ways do you think the government can encourage more youths to go into entertainment?
Ans The government can encourage more youths into entertainment by providing easier access to international opportunities.
High-light some of the brands your agency has advertised for?
Ans Bottega Veneta, Lefties, Mango, Vogue, I-d magazine Italy, Maison Mihara Yasuhiro, The Greatest Magazine, Numero Tokyo, Pronounce, and many others.
At what age and how did you develop the flair for modelling?
As a child, academically my grades were average at best, and I struggled to find my place in the traditional classroom setting. However, there was one area where I constantly found joy and passion, that was fashion and entertainment.
From a young age, I was drawn to the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. I would spend hours flipping through magazines and watching runway shows, fascinated by the creativity and artistry of designers. I may not have been the top student in my class, but I was always up to date on the latest trends and styles.
In school, I found myself daydreaming about the red-carpet events and award shows that I saw on TV. I would often imagine myself sitting in front row at fashion week or attending movie premieres alongside my favorite celebrities. My love for fashion and entertainment only grew stronger as I immersed myself in this world through books, movies, and TV shows.
Now, as a professional in the industry, I can confidently say that my early interest and love for fashion and entertainment has shaped me into the person I am today. It has taught me to be creative, think outside the box, and never be afraid to take risks. It has also given me the drive and determination to excel in my chosen field.
How did you discover or realize you could coach people in this field?
It all began in 2013, when I was just a secondary school student. I decided to take part in a local pageant, not knowing it would be the start of my passion and career. My experience in the pageant world was nothing short of amazing, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of pursuing a modeling career.
In 2016, I took the first step towards my modeling career by signing with a local agency. I worked tirelessly, honing my skills and building my portfolio, determined to make a name for myself in the competitive industry. And in 2017, my hard work paid off when I was crowned the winner of a prestigious pageant.
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But even with my own success, I could not help but notice a stark reality in my country’s modeling industry. While there were many talented models, there were not enough agencies to represent them to provide them with opportunities to break into the international scene.
This realization sparked something in me, and I knew I had to do something about it.
With my experience and knowledge gained from pageantry and modeling, I saw an opportunity to give back to the society, by helping aspiring models achieve their dreams.
I took a leap of faith and started my own modeling training academy. With a professional and hands-on approach, I offered aspiring models the tools and techniques they need to succeed in the industry. From runway and posing techniques to portfolio building and networking skills. I left no stone unturned in preparing my students for the international modeling scene.