Meet Kawthar Salma Naiga | Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kawthar Salma Naiga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kawthar Salma, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Hello, thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I started modeling about three years ago, and at the time, I was only doing print work, mostly collaborations with photographers and other models. I had always loved runway but with me being pigeon toed and also 5’2 at the time, it was discouraging. I tried to push it to the side but I just had that fire within me that wanted to explore all areas in the modeling world. I took it upon myself to practice my walk every chance that I got regardless of my environment, I made anywhere my runway. I soon gained a level of confidence that comes from consistency and hard work. I started to see my practices paying off when I showed up at castings and when I watched back and could visually see the growth. I also did alot of research and still do up to this day because knowledge is power and as a brand, you want to know your way around the industry and still leave room for growth because everyday is a learning experience. I believe having the right mindset, setting goals, staying consistent and forming those connections/ relationships with other creators is what helps me succeed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ofcourse, thank you!! I love what I do. I am a model/brand ambassador, content creator, vlogger, among other things in the industry. I have always been passionate about creating since I was younger. Growing up in an African household, parents expect you to have your priorities straight and by straight that means go to school focus on getting into college and getting a degree in either law, medicine or engineering. Anything outside of that isn’t good enough or ideal. I always knew that I didn’t want to do any of those things to be my career although I did go to college, but I got my degree in sociology because I love people and human interactions, and I plan on going back to get my masters as well in psychology because I’m big on mental health and would love to be a therapist. After getting my degree, I felt as if I owed it to myself to now cater to my wants and needs, and that’s is when I decided to start taking modeling more seriously. I plan to use my knowledge and life experiences to inspire and motivate people who feel stuck or even scared to follow their dreams or passions that it can be done. You just have to try. And once you try, you have to keep trying because nothing good comes easy so you will have to work for the results but also if it’s something you are truly passionate about then you will love the journey as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the city, downtown Atlanta has a lot to offer. I am more of a grab drinks and food type of person so I would go to Chattahoochee Food works, you can create content, while enjoying a variety of different foods, and they also have an open bar. I like beat the bomb, they actually have a few studios in there as well so after you are done with whatever activities you chose for the day you can always book a studio session right next door. Ponce City Market is also a place I would go for chill vibes and views. If you are into nightlife, the buckhead area has nice bars and lounges to check out, downtown Atlanta also has a variety of clubs with different vibes from old school to Afro beats like Rum punch brunch, Peacock lounge, etc. It’s definitely a vibe, be sure to check them out.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Daniel M Photography, I would say he is my main photographer, he is very passionate about what he does, and always delivers. He has been in this in industry longer than I have so he always guides me whenever he gets the chance. I love his personality, professionalism and work ethic overall. I have worked with Daniel for about 3 years now and last year was when we truly started working a lot more consistently. I believe that we have some great accomplishments together and individually and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I would also love to give credit to my best friend, Air Trawick, he has always been in my corner since day 1, encouraged me through my journey even when the closet people to me didn’t believe in me, he did! I am truly blessed to have the support system that I do and I’m genuinely grateful and thankful for the love and support from my family and model sisters and brothers. Thank you God!

Image Credits
Photographers
@danielmphotography
@photrenzo
@daposhotit
@tdvisualarts
@iam_jugoo