Idia Aisien is of Nigerian and Cameroonian descent. She started modelling at the age of 15 years and the exposure made her rediscover her talents. Over the years, she has proved her mettle as a model and she is also a TV host with Spice TV. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about her passion, challenges and the things that inspire her.
WHAT or who inspired you to go into modelling and be a TV host?
To be honest, I was always very shy and I needed an outlet. When I was 12, I saw a profile of the famous model, Gisele Bundchen, and I admired how confident she was but I never thought it could happen for me. House of Mya was one of the big designers in Lagos when I was in my teens. I was at her store one day with my sister and she asked us to model in a show powered by UNICEF to raise money for children.
That was my first modelling show, and from that point fashion grew into more of a deeper passion for me. That same year, we were learning about the great journalist, Dele Giwa, in my social studies class, and I admired his tenaciousness. I also always compared our foreign media outlets to the local ones and I hoped I would one day influence the growth of the Nigerian media.
From that moment, I knew I would study journalism. So, I began to develop myself and today I am happy working as a TV host. It has been a very interesting experience for me.
What are the other things that occupy your time?
I am currently learning French and this is a very interesting phase for me. In addition, I am also starting my own business and always shooting a show for interviews. But I really love to travel, write and I am fascinated with surfing.
Are you related to Elohor Aisien? She runs one of the big modelling agencies in the country. If yes, how has she inspired you?
She’s my sister-in-law and the mother of my two beautiful nieces. I’ve known her since I was 15 years old and I’m inspired by how strong and focused she is as a person.
Let’s talk about some memorable moments in your life and career
My sweetest memories are growing up spoiled by my dad, trying so hard to be like my mum, and always bugging my siblings to give me attention. I also loved living in New York during my Master’s programme, which was all practical and it involved working directly for various companies to get our grades. I also remember how amazing it was working after school at a private equity firm, working at the United Nations Peace Building Commission, where I learnt a number of things that motivated me in life. While I was doing all this, I was also running around for modelling jobs and agencies in the cold. These are all the experiences I will never forget, as they have been so impactful in shaping my ideals of the woman I want to become. A mixture of being spoiled yet so ambitious has taught me that there is no shame in dreaming big, as long as you’re willing to work for it.
What are some of the challenges encountered?
It bothers me so much when people attributed my success to my family because I work so hard. It’s also not very easy for a young person to make it, because everyone is always telling you to wait for your turn.
How do you cope with them?
I have been so persistent with everything that I wanted and I always make sure I work extremely hard for everything. With time, I noticed that people were recognising my genuine efforts.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?
Other than my family, I’ve always been moved by strong women all over the world; women who have overcome so many hurdles and fought hard to succeed. Oprah Winfrey is my biggest influence, as she has not only built one of the greatest media platforms, but she has also used her success as a medium to help others. I also really admire Christiane Amanpour for her dedication to telling the stories of people that cannot find the courage to use their voices.
What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?
I would like media professionals to be appreciated and celebrated more for their work. It would also be great to see more local media platforms that are dedicated to telling our African success stories on a global scale.
What are some of the items that you treasure most in your wardrobe?
I love any accessory or piece of clothing that has a story behind it! All the jewellery I’ve gotten from my mother is always deemed priceless to me. Also, I have a pair of glasses that I spent four months trying to get but it was sold out everywhere and I had to wait. My first two pairs of Louboutins that I bought myself for my graduation after my masters – without knowing that would be the beginning of my love affair with shoes; my first two designer handbags and a flashy watch that my brother bought me…the list goes on, but stuffs like that are always very precious.
How do you relax?
It is good to take a break from time to time. It helps you to refocus and get new direction. Whenever I am overwhelmed, I get up and travel. I have an account separate from my savings that is dedicated towards my getaways or for retail therapy when I am feeling down.
I love to exercise and I am in the gym at least four or five days a week. Exercise helps me think, sweat, and gives me the energy and motivation I need daily. I, however, don’t work out much on the weekends, because I love to sleep in, and do laundry.
Usually, I start off my day with meditation, this is followed by music and hitting the treadmill to help me think. During the day, I am always busy and on the run. If I am not shooting, I am doing interviews, fashion shoots or working on my own media and foundation projects. I love to unwind with a book in the evenings, watch a movie or go out for drinks with friends.
What are some of the principles that you hold onto?
Though ideals change with age, I am a firm believer in hard work. I think without it, a person could never truly be respected. I see so many people who are wealthy but I am only taken by stories of perseverance, consistency, self respect and self-investment.
Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models
As mentioned earlier, Oprah Winfrey and Christiane Amanpour have always been my childhood heroes. I am also very taken by Beyonce Knowles for her hard work, and Michele Obama. I admire her so much and I strongly believe that there has never been a First Lady like her.
If you had to advise young people, what would you tell them?
There’s no shame in dreaming big, as long as you’re willing to work for it!
What is your definition of style?
Style is a language; but just like there are different levels to many languages, there are different levels of style. I describe my style as sophisticated, edgy and elegant.
How did your parents influence you?
My dad is from Edo State, Nigeria. My mum is from Cameroon. I have a lot of siblings, so I’ve always had my best friends within my family. I am also a last child, so I was very spoiled, and also lucky to have so many elder ones that I could learn a lot from. I studied Journalism at American University in Washington, DC, and then moved to New York to study International Public Relations at New York University. I started modelling professionally in New York during my Masters, and then I got a job after school that brought me back to Nigeria.
My parents were always very kind to people, and I watched them do a lot of volunteer work from a young age. My father gave mostly to church projects and projects in his state, while my mother was the president of the Lion’s Club and she was always travelling to aid the underprivileged. My sisters and I spent most of our birthdays and Valentine days at an orphanage in Lagos, so I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility in helping others.
What lessons did you get working with big corporations like Discovery Communications, Fox 5 News, the AARP Foundation, and the Foreign Policy Initiative?
The experience has been very well. Basically, I would say working for a lot of big corporations has made me very business-minded and also well-rounded in the media and communications field. Although, I am now working in fashion, I have gained invaluable skills and learned a lot about myself, and what I want in my life and career.
What is the secret of your good looks?
Meditation and Green tea. These days without my quiet time and space, it’s hard for me to get in my element, or get anything done during the day. Green tea is also my own little way of staying clean and it really helps my skin glow. The truth of the matter is that I eat whatever I want, but I stay away from anything with a lot of salt and sugars. I’ll sometimes do a detox to cleanse and rejuvenate, and when I’m looking for a weight fix I go high on fibre and proteins.
What areas would you like to explore in future?
I have always wanted to have various businesses for a long time. I have supported so many people’s brands and businesses, so it is important to now push my various lines. However, though I am so passionate about a lot of things, I still believe that there is so much room for growth in media, fashion and television, so my hands are full for now.
What type of books do you like to read?
My favourite books are ’26A’ by Diana Evans, which explores the complexities of twinhood. ‘A Setback is a Setup for a Comeback’, ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens, which I have read a couple of times because the story taught me persistence and working consistently towards being more.
Let’s talk about your favourite relaxation spots
My absolute favourite thing to do in Lagos is to go to the beach with friends or wind down at home with my family. There is also the beautiful waters behind Shiro in Victoria Island and I like to take walks there after getting drinks at the restaurant.
