Trevlig fredag (That’s “Happy Friday” in Swedish) - because this week for #apparentlyinterviews we are traveling to #Sweden to interview Mona M Ali (
@monamali_ ) the founder of Scandinavia’s first #inclusive model & diverse talent agency for BIPOC,
@FIIRIAgency !
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For the full interview click the link in our bio, and please go follow FIIRI Agency!
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AJ: What does “inclusivity” mean to you?
MA: Inclusivity for me is to involve everyone, in this instance and for the agency, our main focus is everyone who is underrepresented.
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AJ: How do you think the responsibility of an agent plays into achieving inclusivity in the industry?
MA: I think the fact that I have such broad experience in the Fashion industry, being a woman of colour and former modelling myself, I offer a safe space for our models. I can understand their struggles and their desires more than any regular agency….continued in full interview.
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AJ: What is one piece of practical advice and one piece of emotional advice you would give someone looking to work in your industry (Q provided by previous interviewee
@mrnickduarte )
MA: My practical advice would be to do your research, follow the people who inspire you and aspire to get there yourself.
My emotional advice is don’t ever let anyone tell you you can’t do it. YOU are the only person that has the power to do anything that you desire.
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AJ: Who, currently working in the industry, inspires you?
MA: Caryn Franklin (
@franklinonfashion ) has been a huge inspiration to me. She was the former fashion editor of i-D magazine and a professor in diverse selfhood, and a fashion activist. How could you not just love her? We met a few years ago in Iceland when she came to our fashion event as one of the mentors. That was a major highlight for me, she inspires me so much.
