Meet Sakeenah Baahir | Model & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sakeenah Baahir and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sakeenah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I see risks as an opportunity to grow. You never know the outcome or success of something you want until you take the risk in trying. Even if it’s an outcome you do not want. I had a personal experience back in 2020 where I flew to Washington D.C for my first model casting call. I was nervous the entire time where I wasn’t able to shoot my best photos out of fear of the outcome. If I had focused on just enjoying the shoot and being present in the moment I feel as though it would’ve showcased in my photos. Although I was not chosen for the casting call the risk was a beautiful experience. If I had not put myself out there in the first place, I would have never learned what I know now. Risks to me are really the gateway to endless opportunities. That is also what happened after I was rejected for the casting call. Other doors opened up for me. I was able to explore the modeling and fashion world even more than before. Networking has also become a major part of my life as a creative and aspiring model. I plan to take more risks now that I am not afraid of the outcome. I look forward to all of the challenging risks and experiences I may come across in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an aspiring model who is not yet signed to an agency, I am working towards networking with small brands in order to gain more exposure and social media following. I am most proud of staying authentic to myself and my own brand. I love luxury content. However, I feel like social media has enough of that and there isn’t a lot of people showcasing their actual selves and lives. I think the media needs to bring back more relatable content. Challenges I face today would be gaining exposure. Sometimes I lack in networking with others because of other priorities such as school, that I am trying to finish. This takes a lot of my time away from going to events where I can exchange my information with the right people in order to become more successful. The lesson I am still learning is time management. Both modeling and school are important to me. So in order to be successful in both I have to discipline myself with my time so that I am able to give enough effort to both. What I would want the world to know about myself, my brand and story is that it is a dream. Not only is it a dream, but a true passion and goal of mine, that I am eager to achieve. I look forward to the opportunities that are to come. I know I will be something great.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
An ideal itinerary for me would be starting off the day by grabbing brunch in Midtown at the 5Church, then going to the botanical garden (I love everything nature). Afterwards I’d probably head to both the Atlanta selfie museum and the Trap Music Museum. Since I of course, love taking pictures. After these activities I would probably go home, change and head to Bowlero (Bowlero Atlantic Station) with my friends. We would bowl, and have food and drinks for a few hours. To end the night off I would go to one of my favorite Afrobeat clubs in the city, Ace (Ace Atlanta). I would also go to either Mr Soul or Luv2 Lounge for after party vibes before heading home. That is what an ideal itinerary looks like for me.

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?
My shoutout goes to Dallas Robinson and Tori Jackson. Dallas is a childhood friend and in high school she was the first to know about my modeling and creative dreams. I was shy and in-confident taking pictures. Dallas pushed me and always encouraged me that I could do it. She took my pictures until I liked them. If it wasn’t for her I honestly do not think I would have even pursued trying to model. She doesn’t know she was the encouragement I needed. Tori Jackson is also another friend of mine. My best friend throughout college to present day. She herself, is a creative individual and inspires me to think outside the box. She even inspired me through my traveling endeavors. She knows my style and aesthetic the best. She constantly helps me find creative places to shoot as well as poses to perform while taking pictures. I am so thankful she is apart of my circle.

Instagram: Keenahh_

Other: Tik tok: keenuuhh

Image Credits
The last picture is to be credited by ORAY models photography (black skirt dress where I am wearing red lipstick and grabbing my braided ponytail)