INTERVIEW with Amy Aela || Model, Social Influencer, Fashion Director
Photo by Street Wala
SD: HI Amy, so good to have you on here. Can you please introduce yourself for my readers who don’t know you yet?
AA: Thanks Suzanne! Well, a bit about me...I wear a few hats, to say the least! I am an Internationally published model, I am a social influencer on Instagram and Tik Tok, I am Director of Brisbane Fashion and I work professionally within the marketing and design space for the last 15 years!
SD: Tell us about where you grew up?
AA: I grew up between India and Australia. I feel very blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to be exposed to my culture from a young age because when you are an adult you truly appreciate your roots.
SD: How did you fall in love with dance?
AA: I have always danced, but particularly in the last few years dance became an imperative part of my life because it helped me to overcome depression, anxiety and I lost over 20kgs just from dancing. It has really changed my entire life and now dance is a regular part of my everyday. I also love that dance provides you with an opportunity to express yourself however you want, to try different things and lose your inhibitions!
SD: What has been your greatest achievement?
AA: My greatest achievement has been Brisbane Fashion, which I run with my Co-Directors, Tanya Bali and Kulbinder Singh. I love that we have been able to create a grassroots platform which connects emerging designers with industry and create connections which otherwise might take years to garner. Designers, models and all participants in our show have been awarded incredible opportunities from Milan Fashion Week to modelling contracts and we will continue to work with Australian designers to help mould the future of Australian fashion!
SD: And what about the worst failure? What did you learn from it?
AA: I do not like to use the word failure, I feel failure is actually better referred to as a growth opportunity. Without the growth opportunities, we would never be better, we would never know what success really is. My most challenging time, was certainly when I was 17, I remember having absolutely no money. I did not have enough money to eat. I remember that day, sitting in the car crying to myself - and I told myself that I would never be in a position to worry about money again. And indeed, I chose to create a life which did not accept a lack of abundance. I have always attracted and worked hard for a career which has provided me with the freedom of choice.
Photo by Pixel Punk Pictures
SD: What are your interests outside dance?
AA: My interests outside of dance include human and animal rights, coffee, wine, drawing, photography, modelling and making prank videos!
SD: I believe you are also a vegan. What are your top 3 tips for being and staying vegan?
AA: Yes, I have been vegan for 15yrs! Before that I was kind of a vegetarian. Then one day, someone asked me 'why are you not vegan?' and I was really taken aback...I did not really have a suitable answer. So then, I watched a documentary called Earthlings. It was narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. Immediately after that documentary, I went vegan. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my health, the environment and of course for the animals. My top 3 tips for being vegan would be to 1) Understand WHY you are vegan. Once you know your why (with anything in life) your perception changes. For example, my WHY is so strong, that I do not 'miss' animal products - I do not consider them products, so there is nothing to miss. 2) Have a basic understanding of your dietary needs. Don't just decide to be vegan and eat crap. You need to look after your body...as a vegan, its super easy to be unhealthy because you get excited about all the vegan options and overload on eating! But its also super easy to be healthy and you do not need supplements...but just understand some basics. I.e eat plenty of leafy greens, plant based protein - and have FUN with your food! I suggest to refer to a nutritionist if you have any concerns or pre-existing health issues. Being vegan these days in Aus is SO easy.....in our supermarkets there are so many mock meats, dairy free options...it is incredibly easy! 3) Read up on some useful FAQ's and good answers. Because, people will always talk nonsense when someone does something which goes against the grain - so, be prepared! Read up on good responses to silly questions when it comes to veganism, and you will be ready to roll at the next morning tea when Jan has a ridiculous comment about your vegan cupcake!
SD: Where do you see yourself in 5 year’s time?
AA: I see myself living between India and Australia - possibly having invested in other businesses with Tanya, continuing with Brisbane Fashion on a larger scale and enjoying every moment of life! Possibly children...let's see what the future holds!
SD: Was there ever a time when you thought you wouldn’t achieve a goal or dream of yours? What did you tell yourself to keep going and not give up?
AA: In my professional career I have had times where I have felt I am not good enough and had absolute meltdowns...then in my modelling career that's been a real doozy, because in Bollywood you're up against women who look like they have descended from the heavens. So, it is very natural to doubt yourself. The reason I always maintain my composure and get through rejections, is by always remembering - what is my USP? What makes me special - what is it that nobody else has?
You see, everyone brings their positives and negatives to the table, but that is the point - everyone has positives and negatives, so you need to KNOW what your positives are and just remember they are what make YOU. And most importantly - OWN that.
Photo by Sev Coban
SD: What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
AA: My advice would be to keep dancing! Put yourself out there and do not be afraid to fail or embarrass yourself by not being as good. You only get better. Keep dancing, follow online tutorials, record yourself and put it online, get feedback - just keep doing it.
SD: Overall, what have you learned about yourself — both your strengths and your vulnerabilities — through dance?
AA: I have learnt that I am extremely resilient. Dance has helped me to seriously overcome depression, it has allowed me to lose a lot of weight and find myself as a person. I owe everything to dance. I have learnt the value of creative expression and how dance affords you the ability to really explore who you are and lose your inhibitions.
Follow Amy on:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amyaela/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amyaela/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/nippalony
Brisbane Fashion Runway: http://www.instagram.com/brisbanefashionrunway/
Tiktok: AmyAela