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Mayowa Nicholas: Victoria’s Secret Model Who Made History Despite Multiple Rejections

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Mayowa Nicholas, a supermodel from Nigeria, solidified her reputation when Victoria’s Secret announced that she would be returning to the cast of their prestigious fashion show in 2024.

The 26-year-old, who is represented by Beth Model Africa, made history as the first Nigerian model to appear in ads for premium brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, and Saint Laurent.

Her remarkable resume, as reported by Duchess International Magazine, includes partnerships with luxury labels like Chanel, Prada, and Versace, displaying her dynamism and appeal on a worldwide scale.

The model debuted on the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2018 and became the second Nigerian to walk in the most coveted fashion show in history after supermodel, Oluchi Orlandi, NAN reported. Nicholas is currently expected to make a successful return this year.

Reflecting on her experience and upcoming participation, she told Victoria’s Secret, “For me, it’s all about hanging out with the incredible women backstage. One of the coolest parts of fashion shows is the backstage vibe with the girls—it’s like a sisterhood. And of course, I’m super excited about the glam, the wings, and honestly, just everything!”

The young model was featured on Elle UK Magazine’s cover in 2021. In an interview with the magazine, Mayowa declared that her childhood dream was to become an accountant. Nevertheless, her life was turned around when, at the age of 15, she ran into scouts for the Elite Model Look competition while on her way to a salon.

She recounted, “I remember holding the flyer, like, ‘Okay.’” A year later, she went on to win Nigeria’s edition of the competition and placed in the top 15 in the world final.

Life was tough for her growing up. At the age of six, the pioneering Nigerian lost her father, and she has relied only on her mother ever since. She revealed that despite having “no family support,” her mother continued to “make sure that we had food on the table and that we attended school.”

Nicholas mentioned that her mother’s words of wisdom, “Mase gbagbe ibiti o ti nbo, (Don’t forget where you’re going; don’t forget where you’re coming from)”, have echoed in her mind throughout her professional life.

Following the Elite competition, she went to Paris for the couture shows but bookers rejected her several times because she had short hair. “At that time, a lot of Black girls were doing weaves, and I would get canceled for shows because my hair couldn’t do it,” she recalled. Still, Nicholas knew she would make it, and she did. In 2018, she was chosen for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

“When I was about to go onstage, I actually cried,” but “when I got on that runway, I remembered who I am.” It all just came back, like, ‘Okay, I was meant to be here.’”

She remarked, “This is why I do what I do, for other Nigerian talent to know that their dreams are possible. African models need to be on more covers. We need to be on billboards. We need to be celebrated for our uniqueness, not just to be token ‘diversity.’”

 

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