Leih LLC Dubai Trip 2024
Seventeen years old was when I first started carefully and quietly pursuing my passion for fashion and modeling. Had I told myself then that, in the years to come, I would be able to take a dream trip to the Middle East, I don’t think I could have even fathomed that reality for myself.
For me, because I lost my mom only months before my 17th birthday to ovarian cancer, modeling became so much more than just a career requiring confidence, grace, and artistic expression. It became the way I transcended the traumas of my childhood into post-traumatic growth. It was my opportunity to choose fearlessness and boldness—even when I didn’t feel those things inside. It also gave me the time and space to mend and heal the broken relationship I had with myself and to begin defining what my place in the world would be without a mother.
I guess you could say I was inept at knowing myself because, with my story, there hadn’t been much room for inner world development. So with every direction and correction I received from photographers, designers, or stylists, I was slowly claiming my identity.
Modeling, for me, is the ability to own and express my femininity and spirit. It’s a way for me to place myself into the art of being present—and to stay there—with a true transcendence over the broken thoughts, feelings, and old stories that no longer served me. I’ve always respected the professionalism of the modeling industry and carried a work-hard mentality—always striving to give the very best that was asked of me, while offering positivity, energy, and enthusiasm to everyone I worked with.
Meeting Shahida Parides through one of my favorite photographers, Jim Hesterman, for an e-commerce shoot was an encounter I’ll be in awe of forever. Not only did I get to learn from such a respected, world-renowned fashion designer, but I also found an extended family. When you experience loss, it can sometimes feel like you’re missing out on life—or that life won’t find other ways to support you in your journey toward joy and fulfillment. I can honestly say that having Shahida in my life over the past few years has given me mentorship, experience, and reassurance that life will open up to you in beautiful ways—so long as you stay focused on good intentions, a high-integrity work ethic, and genuine curiosity and delight in each moment.
So much love and gratitude to the Shahida Parides enterprise for giving me some of the best memories of my life. From the camaraderie during travel downtime to the synergy we shared in creating high-quality content—looking back, I know I’m truly blessed to have found my way to this beautiful country of Dubai, all thanks to the loved ones who believed in me and wanted me to experience the best life has to offer. All things become worth it in time, and I can’t wait to see all the new experiences that are still ahead.