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At the Yale Africa Innovation Symposium (YAIS), Maysa Shems, a model from Atlanta, Georgia, with roots in Eritrea, East Africa, shared her journey in the fashion industry and insights on the evolving landscape of African fashion.
A Journey in Fashion
Maysa Shems began her professional modeling career in 2019 when she signed with Select Model LA. Specializing in beauty, high fashion, print, and commercial modeling, she has spent over five years navigating the industry while embracing her African heritage.
African Fashion as Cultural Expression
During the symposium, Shems emphasized the importance of sustainability, African prints, and the growing influence of African designers and influencers in the global fashion space. She highlighted how these elements are essential in defining cultural identity and pushing African fashion onto the international stage.
Inspiration from YAIS
Reflecting on the symposium, Shems expressed admiration for the enthusiasm and innovation demonstrated by the students. “The students are very inspiring. They have so many ideas, and it’s exciting to see them working hard to bring their visions to life. When young people are motivated, it opens doors to new opportunities and progress in the fashion industry.”
Faith, Boundaries, and Navigating the Industry
As a model who is also deeply committed to her faith, Shems spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing religious values with industry demands. “It has been a journey because many aspects of the industry conflict with my faith, but I believe there is space for both to exist. It’s crucial to be strong in your boundaries and stay true to your morals,” she said. Shems emphasized the importance of prayer, education, and remaining firm in one’s beliefs to navigate challenges. Her advice to aspiring models facing similar struggles is to “stay true to your values and not let opportunities pressure you into compromising your principles.”
The Role of Media in Amplifying African Fashion
Shems highlighted the power of media platforms like The Voice of Africa (TVOA) in showcasing African designers and models. “Representation matters. There are already many talented African designers and models, but their work needs to be showcased more prominently. Media platforms can elevate their visibility, inspire interest, and influence global fashion trends.”
Closing Thoughts
When asked a fun cultural question about Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine, Shems playfully noted that “injera is the same!” and kept the debate lighthearted. On African music and artists, she left the audience intrigued, smiling at the diversity of African talent.
Through her journey, Maysa Shems continues to champion African fashion and identity, proving that faith, culture, and innovation can harmoniously coexist in the global fashion industry.
