[interview] Adaeze, This Month’s Model

We also got to chat and learn a bit more about Adaeze – this month’s model!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?

I am Nigerian. And I am Igbo – a tribe in the eastern part of Nigeria.

Your name is so interesting! Can you tell us where it comes from and how to pronounce it?

Oh thank you! It’s an Igbo name that means ‘Princess’. I usually ask people to say ‘A Daisy’ and when they do, they get the pronunciation of my name 😊

What got you interested in modeling?

My friends teased me about it and would call me ATM (Adaeze the Model) and then I got to a point in my personal development where I decided to put myself out there, do things, expand my horizon, have a dream and live it … and I started with modeling lol!

Here’s a link to one of my blog posts about why I started modeling

https://www.adaezethemodel.com/post/here-s-looking-at-you-43

“I started modeling at midlife, after I turned 43. Why?

Because I gave myself permission, the audacity to try new things .. and learning new things is incredibly alluring to me.

because I was willing to be vulnerable… to failure…or success.

because I have an amazing tribe that cheered me on and said I could!

because truly anything is possible if you want to do it (corny … but true)

because what is living if we’re not taking chances, living fully, intentionally, indulging our passions, facing our fears .. and watching what happens.

because I am a scientist (I have a post graduate degree in Engineering) who is enamored with creative art … ooh the irony lol!”

Have you always modeled?

No. I started modeling at mid-life. Facing the challenge was the fun part.

What are some other things that you enjoy doing?

I enjoy running (though recently, I walk more) and I have run about 14 Full Marathons (26.2 miles) in races in the US and across the world. I have done so many other half marathons and 10K races as well. I thoroughly enjoyed running the NY Marathon, that was my most fun one. I love doing the Marine Corps Marathon in DC and another memorable one was the Berlin Marathon because that was my first time in Berlin and I thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing and learning so much of the history in Berlin. I enjoy reading (Yea I’m somewhat of a closet nerd lol) and I love love sharing my personal development journey (I think I talk my friend’s ears off with it lol!) and so I started a blog to share my journey and learning experience. It’s a quick read blog at www.adaezethemodel.com/blog. I love singing and sing in my church choir. One of my passions is Personal Finance – My major in college was Engineering and I always loved Math as a kid so I’m intrigued by the strategy around planning finances and making the most out of it.

Are you married? Do you have any kids?

I am divorced. I have 3 wonderful sons whom my family fondly refer to as my bodyguards cos they tower over me!

It sounds like you’re very busy! How do you make sure you take care of yourself too?

Yes I am. But as much as possible, I try to keep busy with work that gives me joy so that even though I’m busy, it’s still fun right? That’s the first step with reducing stress. Running is also very therapeutic for me and I work on my landscape – which has been the site for quite a few of the Knotions shoots and garden. I have a 3 acre lawn and handling the landscape is incredibly therapeutic for me. I always joke that the only time I don’t miss my phone is when I’m working outside. I could be there for hours and lost in either gardening or trimming or planting a tree. I sleep very well and I do other non-running exercise. And lastly, I usually have a strategy and plan that helps me organize what I do so I don’t feel overwhelmed

What made you choose Maryland?

My husband at the time moved to Maryland so when we got married, I came to Maryland.

Do you either knit or crochet?

I don’t. I remember a VERY long time ago in elementary school I used to knit, small things like caps or scarves, back then in Nigeria then, we’d knit, loosen it and make something else but now I have forgotten everything about it. These days I’m just fascinated by the creativity that goes into it

You always seem like you’re really enjoying the shoots! But, I’m sure there are a couple things that you enjoy less. Which parts feel more like work?

The parts that feel like work are when I have to shoot in really cold weather, you know when you need to keep a sunny and bright disposition but your whole body is shaking and shivering lol! That’s work! Changing from one outfit to the other isn’t that much fun – I actually had learnt to do a visual assessment to buy clothes just to avoid trying them on at the mall. Also going to auditions for a runway show can be work especially if I have to wait. The other parts of it like the make-up, accessorizing, hair, poses, etc. those are work too but they are FUN work.

How many outfits do you bring to a shoot?

About 3 to 4 depending on the pieces

I’d guess that you likely have a large amount of clothing since you can say it’s for “work” (kinda like many of us and yarn). Have you seen an increase in your wardrobe because of that?

Oh Yes! And then these days when I buy clothes, I’m thinking how it would look in a shoot. Also coming up with styling ideas can be more about putting what you already have together and not always having to buy new ones.

You need to stay topical so you showcase a modern look. We all struggle with that and how to incorporate newer things in with the rest of our wardrobe. How do you stay on top of trends?

There’s a part of my brain that’s on the lookout for style that interests me or is fun when I’m watching TV, reading a magazine, browsing social media and hanging with my friends – I pick up a lot of tips from these influences. Sometimes it may be an accessory that inspires me. I also have a VERY stylish sister who always sends me tips and loves to dress me up

You always seem to show Knotions designs in a very modern yet approachable style. Any tips for us?

Thank you so much. I usually think, how can I make this interesting to someone that sees it? and that inspires me. I think sometimes when people think knitting, they think boring sweaters. Meanwhile just from my experience as a kid, I know there’s a lot of creativity in knitting and you can apply that creativity in so many ways. For example, I love the sunglass-case cover and mug cover from a previous issue, that was really cool! Knitting incorporated into hanging Art work in some form could be fun or for home decorations, or styling accessories, wristlets, hair bands, strapless tops for the summer, fun tops. Also I love when you play with colors in those intricate designs, that’s so nice. Let your life experiences, the outdoors, color and utility (how you could use it) inspire it with that gorgeous knit item that people would find interesting and want.

Knotions Editor: You really give us great ideas on how to use our crafting in fun and different ways! Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your story and taking us down memory lane too! I have to admit it was hard just to pick three designs that you’ve modeled for us – there were so many to choose from and you really made them all fun and different 🙂