The modeling industry in Accra, Ghana, is vibrant and rapidly evolving, yet it is often misunderstood by many. Despite its growing influence, the fashion and modeling industry faces stereotypes, particularly from religious communities. Many people perceive modeling as incompatible with religious values, leading to a general reluctance among those with strong religious backgrounds to participate. This is especially true for women, as modesty and cultural expectations can clash with the industry’s demands. However, individuals like Khaissah, a Muslimah model, are challenging these notions. Khaissah has used her platform to advocate for a balance between her faith and her work, showing that it is possible to succeed in the modeling industry without compromising religious beliefs. Her journey highlights the need for more nuanced conversations about faith, culture, and professional identity in the Ghanaian fashion scene.
How would you describe yourself?
I will describe myself as a smart, fashionable, creative, and fun Muslimah who loves good food and anything that will make me smile.
Growing up, was this always the dream, and what was the reception from your family then, and how do they feel about it now?
I will say I have always loved anything fashion-related. In school, I have always been that girl who was always getting the good grades and always having the exemplary character, so when I first got bold enough to try pageantry for the first time, in my university, my dad only said that provided I don’t go against everything I stand by and don’t stray away, I have his support. And that’s all the support I needed to keep me going. Now after trying to get into the modeling space in Ghana, I have decided to take a different approach. So many times, when people want to put me on a show or book me for a shoot, all I get is “Can you take off your veil?”, and it gets tiring constantly explaining why you can’t.
What was your introduction to the modeling industry? Did anyone or people influence your decision regarding joining the industry?
I used to watch “America’s Next Top Model” keenly. I didn’t miss any season and will be in our backyard singing “You wanna be on top!” but I always thought its not possible for me to be a hijabi until I chanced on Halima Aden the first Hijabi pageant queen in the USA boosted my pursuit of this. Fast forward I went for a professional modelling class with Obsession Models and just put myself out there from photo shoots to runways and finally to Miss Malaika.
Looking back at your career, what are some of your fondest memories of your early days in space?
Ouuuu, I’d say one of my fondest moments was auditioning to be part of Obsession Models. I walked into the room with my veil and had a lot of questions about my veil and my principles, and the feeling I had when leaving that audition room was amazing. I felt proud that I stood my ground regardless of what the outcome was going to be, I was ok with it.
Aside from modeling, you also create content on social media including YouTube. How do you balance all these parts of your life?
I think I am blessed to have a team that assists me and that helps smooth things out for me. It’s stressful because aside from all this, I have a 9 – 5 so I still struggle. But with my team, we usually plan towards bulk shooting, and spreading them across the month, which helps release the stress a little.
Let us talk about modeling. What is your assessment of the Ghanaian modeling industry?
The Ghanaian modeling industry is a lot. I have had a glimpse of it and to be solely living off modeling is somewhat impossible, don’t get me wrong, some amazing models can make it but that is like 1 out of 100. I feel the main issue is that models don’t truly understand how to brand themselves for the bigger picture. Brands and designers also don’t respect the models enough to pay them as they should. A typical example is a Fashion show which booked both Ghanaian and other African models for a show. After the show which ended very late, there was a bus to drive the other models to booked rooms and ensure their security but no one asked about the Ghanaian models and their pay which is not more than GHc 500 after showing up for rehearsals a week before the show. If this doesn’t tell you how the industry is, I don’t know what better way to explain it.
Other industries in the creative space in Ghana share how challenging the space is. Have you experienced any such challenges in your career so far?
I’d say with how I move and how I carry myself the only challenge has been to get people to understand my brand and accept it for what it is.
There are some negative connotations attached to modeling and the fashion industry. Looking at your religious background, how do you deal with the contrast between the two worlds?
Every industry has negatives I believe and the fashion industry is no exception. I do my best to not focus on any negative and so long as my dad and my soul is at peace with what I do, the rest is background noise.
What are some assumptions about Islam and fashion you would like to debunk? So, girls of your faith who have a passion for modeling and fashion can take some lessons from you.
I am no scholar concerning Islam but I believe that the faith and religious journey of everyone is different. As far as you are doing what your soul deems is right, and you are not doing things outside your faith, just go for what you want.
A quick tour of your social media shows how you constantly use your platform to not only exhibit your talents but also to educate people on several issues. One of which was about the hijab. How was the reception for that particular content?
That particular content was received better than I thought. I had some bad comments but most of the comments were ladies agreeing with it and that’s what the goal is. So I am just focused on the positive.
What do the months and immediate years ahead hold for you? What should people expect from you?
I am a multi-talented creative so I’d say a lot but narrowing it down to great fashion content, and my YouTube show. Get Wet is going to be the biggest game show pretty soon and just watch out for my Vogue cover. I hope you come and participate in my show one of these days.
