She was this close to locking lips with R&B performer Usher, she snagged a cameo in rapper Drake’s music vid. She’s the face of reality TV star Kylie Jenner’s makeup line and teamed up with Riri for ‘Fenty Beauty’s hottest ad campaign yet. Carmen Solomons has spilled the tea on her rise in the modeling game, revealing the hurdles she’s cleared and the big dreams she’s chasing.
How did your modeling career begin? Did you always dream of becoming a model?
My modeling career started at the age of 16, where I was scouted in a local mall. I always knew that I had a different look, which I didn’t always receive praise for but through modeling it helped my confidence and finding my voice. After a couple of years of working locally in Cape Town, I started to travel internationally as a model after finishing high school.
Today, your beauty is admired all over the world. But how were you treated as a child? We often hear that beautiful and successful people faced bullying in their childhood. How was your childhood?
I would say that I received both positive and negative comments about my looks growing up. I knew that I didn’t look like many people or even my family so growing up I was teased a lot about my appearance. I had long red hair which I would straighten instead of naturally leaving it curly which I later embraced, I would cover up my freckles with make up to where I now am appreciative of my features and uniqueness.
Which well-known brands have you collaborated with over the years?
I have worked with a variety of amazing brands and publications from Glamour and L’Officiel to Kylie Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, YSL Beauty, Skims by Kim K, Patrick Ta and the list continues for beauty brands, I also appeared in music videos with Usher and Drake.
Can you share about the most memorable fashion show or photoshoot during your career?
One of my most amazing and memorable photoshoots was working with and meeting Rihanna. Fenty Beauty is one of my favorite beauty brands and Rihanna is such an incredible role model, mogul, and businesswoman that I really adored getting to work for the brand,
Another amazing photoshoot I did was with the brand Aerie by American Eagle, we were shooting at the Grand Canyon, one of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever encountered. My eyes were in awe of the beautiful canyons formed by nature.
What helps you maintain your physique? Do you engage in any sports?
The older I get, the more I adapt to what my body requires. I have recently started doing Pilates and this had helped me stay toned, while also incorporating HITT and strength training for muscle. I also watch what I eat by mostly having a Whole Foods diet with minimal gluten and dairy for healthy skin and less bloating.
GCDS
Tell us about your hobbies.
My hobbies include all things self-care lol, painting cooking, taking a new class to explore and challenge myself eg pottery. I enjoy hiking, working out, going to museums, traveling and creating content. And I also volunteer in my free time.
In your opinion, what qualities are needed to build a successful career in the fashion industry?
The qualities that I have built over the years of being in the fashion industry is to be resilient, ambitious and a go getter. To believe in yourself even when others don’t, and to take everything with a grain of salt. Being gracious and kind always.
From the outside, it seems like a model’s life is perfect. What challenges do you face in the modeling business?
Modeling has and always will be perceived as an perfect career, but there are many challenges that we endure. The instability of not knowing when your next job is can be challenging. Having to travel to different markets can be stressful, being away from family and other commitments. Being in a very competitive field can always be difficult, but there are so many amazing opportunities when you really get into the momentum of it all.
What are you striving for? What career heights do you want to achieve?
I have so many incredible dream brands that I would love to work with. Walking in a renowned fashion show and starting an modeling agency in Cape Town specially catered to POC girls, is a long term goal of mine.
The interview was conducted by Michelle Armand.
Credits:
- Model Carmen Solomons
- Photo Olya Helga
- MUA Vadym Kravchenko
- Hair style Antonina IIlchenko
- Stylist Iana Vyshniakova