Who:
Adaora Success — Nigerian from Lagos, Nigeria — born February 2nd — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.

Where:
Elena Grazia (Paris – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
I was scouted by a friend who is a model! Modelling was something I’ve been interested in for a long time.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
My favorite book is Macbeth by Shakespeare, and my favorite TV show is BoJack Horseman. I watched it 7 times!

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Oh, I never – ever – ever skip my nighttime skincare routine. And water – always.

Who:
Irene Roldan — @ireeneroldann — Spanish from Valencia, Spain — born October 15th — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.

Where:
Carmen Duran Agency (Valencia – mother agency)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I’ve been doing figure skating for many years. I just love it!
2. I’ve been in Scouts since I was a kid, learning values and loving nature.
3. I love music. I just couldn’t live without my AirPods.

— How did you become a model?
I had always wanted to become a model, so my mother and I began researching different agencies to see if I could try it. During our search, we came across Carmen Durán Model Agency, although at first we did not feel confident enough to apply. One day, while we were shopping in a supermarket, a girl approached us and asked if I was a model. I replied that I was not. After speaking with us for a while, she told us that she worked for the agency. She also said that I had potential and invited us to visit and start the process of joining. That was where everything started.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
I really enjoy reading books and watching series or movies because I love getting lost in stories. If I had to choose, I’d say Stranger Things and Harry Potter, as they have been favorites of mine for many years. Over time, I’ve grown to feel connected to the characters and very close to them.

Who:
Makayla Oas — @makayla.oas — American from Los Angeles, California, USA — born January 1st — 173 cm / 5’8″ — she/her.

Where:
No Agency (New York)

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I remembered hating it. Everything seemed so boring at the time, but now I live in New York and miss the indoor malls and my mom’s cooking. My mom is Chinese, and my dad is white. I used to spend each summer staying with my grandparents in their home in Northern China. I remembered hating that too, screaming at the gates of my Chinese summer school to let me out. But of course, I miss that now too.

— How did you become a model?
I was walking on the Santa Monica Pier at age 18 with my boyfriend, and an agent scouted him. I went with him to the agency, and they ended up wanting to sign both of us. I started modeling then, and he did not.

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I was a competitive squash player– my highest ranking was #1 in Southern California for my girls’ division.
2. I started playing piano when I was 4 and played competitively for most of my life. I hated it and quit in high school, but later picked it up recreationally and rediscovered my love for piano.
3. I like to collect Furbies, and I would love to collect more.

Who:
Naina Agorot — @naina_atem — South Sudanese from Abyei, South Sudan — born October 28th — 178 cm / 5’10” — she/her.

Where:
Marilyn Agency (New York), Tifeny Moreira (mother agency), Select Model Management Los Angeles

— The most interesting thing about your family:
I grew up in Egypt, alongside 5 siblings, and I was the eldest. 3 of my brothers play basketball, and one of my sisters is studying Architecture, and the other is the baby of the family at 3 years old.

— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
Eating Fufu, a local Sudanese dish made from plantains that my mom prepares. I look forward to returning home and sharing meals with my extended family.

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I love being creative in my spare time, from singing to painting nature.

Who:
Naomi Kalu — @naomii.lu — German from Oldenburg, Germany — born June 4th — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.

Where:
Fyne Management (Germany – mother agency)

— What’s a story your family/friends like to tell about you?
My family still loves telling the story of the time I tried to run away with my hamster when I was 10. While my mom was in the shower, I packed a backpack, grabbed Pico (cage and all), and set off on my bike, determined to leave the country. I made it about 10 minutes, straight to my grandma’s house, and never left the country.

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. My sister and I are 17 years apart, so I basically grew up as an only child. Until suddenly I wasn’t.
2. By 21, I had already visited 12 countries, which is also how I discovered my love for solo traveling.
3. As a kid, I was convinced I’d grow up to be both a teacher and a model. Practicing my catwalk in my mom’s high heels whenever I got the chance.

— An issue or cause you are passionate about:
I’m passionate about racial equality and awareness. As a German-Nigerian who grew up in a mostly white environment, I became aware early on of how important representation and understanding are. And my parents taught me to speak up when I encounter inequality. In my day-to-day life, I try to contribute in small ways, whether that’s encouraging more mindful, respectful language, challenging stereotypes, or highlighting the strength and influence of Black women today.

Who:
Ziyi Tan — @tanz.1y1 — Chinese from Wunan, China — born August 4th — 180.5 cm / 5’11.5″ — she/her.

Where:
Lacoco Model Management (Shanghai – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
Before I became a model, I was actually a bartender. During my bartending job, many customers would ask me if I was a model. Over time, I wanted to explore some new possibilities for myself, so I sent my information to a talent scout and successfully signed with my current agency.

— Tell us about your hometown.
My hometown is in Hunan, a remarkably young city. There, one can experience a different pace of life, such as streets that remain congested even at three in the morning. It also has a distinctive food culture; Hunan is known as the City of Chili. I believe the charm of this place lies in its venerable and rich cultural history, allowing one to see many traces of bygone eras throughout the city. However, I dislike the pervasive second-hand smoke and the smell of betel nut in the air, which can be quite unpleasant and can leave one with an unfavorable impression of the city. But for me, Hunan will forever be my hometown—a place where I feel at ease and content.

— The most interesting thing about your family:
The most amusing thing about my family is that my sister and I have three cats. We like to give them nicknames that suit their behavior. We also tell our parents, when they urge us about marriage or having children, that we already have our own “cat children.”