interview

Name:
Ariish Wol

Agency:
Milk Management (London)
Folio Montreal (mother agency)

Age:
23

Height:
175cm / 5’9″

Place of Origin:
Khartoum, Sudan

Ethnic Origin:
South Sudanese

Birthsign:
Virgo

Instagram:
@arrriish

How discovered:
I was browsing around the internet looking for agencies that had plus-size or curve women on their board, and I chose a day of the week to go agency hunting and walked into the first agency which became my mother agent today; Folio. I was discovered in Montreal, Quebec.

What was your first modeling job?
My first shoot was for a jewelry brand. I wouldn’t say I was nervous but I was quite excited. But the very first job I had in London was for Vogue Italia. That one was very nerve-racking! I was so in my head thinking I was too big, too small; if my skin was clear or if it looked too dry. But I still had these feelings of relief that “oh my gosh, if Vogue wants to work with me then I’m clearly doing something right!”

Favorite designer/brand/product:
Thierry Mugler. Even though I just heard of him this year I’ve looked through their past creations and, wow, it is mind-blowing for me how some people can come up with such elegant, presentable clothing. I wouldn’t say I’m really loyal to any brand I’m just a typical Canadian girl who likes what she sees.

What’s your beauty routine?
Well, I really don’t have much of a beauty routine! It’s either just washing my face with cold water or using any facial cleanser products that I would have in my drawer.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling? Or what do you want to do after modeling?
If I wasn’t modelling I’d probably be in university studying interior design, being miserable somewhere, haha. I know for certain I have goals set out such as being an entrepreneur, property owner, and even a humanitarian to help the people who need it the most.

Which brand would you really love to model for?
Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton… the list could keep going!

digitals

Favorite things:
Honestly, I can’t even lie at this point… Every Canadian Sudanese person you meet will tell you hookah downright is one of their favourite things to do! I literally grew up on that, like… I can’t! Haha. But other than that some of my favourites are swimming, listening to podcasts, and just being around people with positive vibes.

What are you listening to at the moment?
Usher, Lil Jon, Ludacris – Lovers and Friends. At the moment I’m really into reggae music (bashment reggae), I’m also listening to Majornine, Popcaan, Spice, Alkaline, Willie XO… most of these artists are Jamaican.

Favorite movie(s) or TV show(s):
Grease! I really enjoy that movie with the whole musical vibe to it. I’m obsessed with The Originals, Housewives of Atlanta, Love & Hip Hop… I know, I’m like everywhere. My spirit isn’t stable to one place, haha!

How was your life different 12 months ago?
Wow, this is quite a hard topic because last year I was really not where I am today. I hadn’t started modelling yet. I was battling a lot of mental and emotional traumas. I was also a mother which added to this battle. 2018 was probably one of the hardest years I’ve ever dealt with. My mind, spirit, and body were not inline.

What always makes you laugh?
Instagram comics, they are hilarious. I don’t have just one favourite but multiple such as @Tim_bae, @Jesshilarious, @ty_logan300, etc. They all either recreate events from the past or create another form of entertainment.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
Energy! Frequencies and vibration; just the universe and how if you work with it, it will work with you.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s actually one I give myself when I’m feeling down: “you are you, you are your greatest and biggest self-critic. If you allow others to make you feel less of yourself, then you will never push yourself to your limit in life. But other than that always stay humble and push yourself with positivity. BE ARIISH.”