Meet Franklin Tochi Nwosu – The DC Based Nigerian Model Whose Dream, Passion, Drive & Success Knows No Limits

Franklin Tochi Nwosu is a Nigeria born male model. He recently graced the DC runway at DC Fashion Week 2014 and Baltimore Fashion Week 2014. The first time Franklin auditioned for DC Fashion Week he did not make the cut.

At that time, he was overweight. That great disappointment led him to make some life changes. This change started with realizing that he truly wanted to pursue modelling. From there, he decided that he would stop at nothing to make his dream come true. The thoughts that followed that decision led him to remember a day when he was younger, that day a lady gave him a card and asked him to call if he wanted to model. Franklin distinctively remembers looking at that card almost every day for weeks and never calling, because he was too timid. In addition to his shyness, he was also constantly reminded that he did not make the cut for DC Fashion Week.

After remembering these occurrences, Franklin decided that he would no longer let them hold him back, instead he would let them propel him forward. Out of excitement, he expressed his new found calling to some of his friends and coworkers. They in turn communicated to him that they did not see him being a male model, as he lacked the physical appearance that most male models had. Franklin then knew that he had to fix some of the issues that he had. First, he had to change his way of thinking. No more I can’t, no more self-doubt, no more excuses. He knew that it was certainly easier said than done. After coming to these conclusions, he realized that in order to complete these goals he would need to think outside of the box. The concept of rebuilding his life and proving that anything is possible if you believe that it is, drove him to the journey of self-discovery.

Franklin’s first goal to be met was to fit the physical description of a male model. He needed to lose weight. After coming to this realization, he began running on a track but that quickly became boring. Therefore, he decided to walk from his local park to the national zoo. Being that that Franklin was not physically fit, this was a great challenge, but he never gave up because he knew what he wanted to accomplish. The distance back and forth was a total of eight miles. It started with walking eight miles to running eight miles. He truly loved doing it, simply because, even if he was tired, he had to run back in order to get home.

He continued to use this method of exercise more than five times a week, even in terrible weather conditions. After some time passed, Franklin began to see results. The fact that he lost so much weight began to shock his friends and coworker, which led to them constantly ask if he was sick. He laughed at those remarks because he knew that they had no idea how much work he was putting into losing all of that weight. Franklin became even more determined on reaching his goals, which led him to realize that he didn’t just want to be the most successful Nigerian male model but he also wanted to inspire people just like him.

After losing about 30 pounds he decided to audition for Fest Africa 2013. On the day of the audition he almost did not walk through the door, because his nerves were getting the best of him. He ended up auditioning because of how important it was to him, to his surprise, Franklin got chosen to be in Festafrica2013 and he was also the only male to model in the show. That show was a great opportunity for him and he learned from it in many ways.

From that show, he realized that he had to continue to practice his walk, therefore he would be able to have an amazing walk no matter how nervous he got. In place of running eight miles, he started cat walking 8 miles. He became very serious with practicing his walk, to the point that when he became tired at work, he practiced his catwalk by walking back and forth in the hallway. The security guards initially were concerned and would ask him if he was okay, soon after, they got use to it. All of the practicing truly began to show because his walk got extremely better. He found a way to train his body to stay consistent on the runway no matter how nervous he was. Since then, Franklin has never auditioned for a runway show and without getting picked. When he receives compliments on his walk, it makes him smile because he knows how much work he out into it and it still putting into it. Franklin has also worked on his print modelling by posing in front of the mirror for hours.

Franklin sees modelling as a form of art. To perfect his craft, he made modelling his life. The way he stands, the way he walks and even sits are all pieces of his art called modelling. This has led to many photographers commenting on how natural he is in front of the camera. Franklin now lives by the philosophy that anything is attainable as long as you work toward it. For people to believe in your dreams, you first have to believe it is possible. His favorite saying is DREAM + PASSION+DRIVE= SUCCESS.

Franklin went from not being picked for the first DC fashion week that he tried out for, to eventually gracing the DC fashion week runway on February 2014 and now being invited to hit the runway again in September 2014. On his journey to achieve his dream he always remains positive and humble. He believes that life is the best teacher a person can have.

Look out for Franklin Tochi Nwosu because he is here to make an impact.

CONNECT WITH FRANKLIN:
Email: FTN1211@YAHOO.COM
Facebook: Malemodel Franklin Tochi Nwosu
Instagram: Officialtochinwosu

CHECK OUT HIS PHOTO ALBUM BELOW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Franklin Tochi Nwosu