EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Nigerian Born Model Aminat Ayinde talks about her time on America’s Next Top Model, working with Banky W and more…

Nigerian born model Aminat Ayinde is a smoldering African beauty.

Aminat was introduced to the world in Cycle 12 of the renowned America’s Next Top Model which held in 2009, where she was eliminated as the 1st Runner up. At the reunion however, she was voted as the model with “the most banging body“.

Check out my interview with Aminat, as she talks to me about America’s Next Top Model, working with Banky W and much more.

Tell us a little more about the woman, Aminat Oluwaseun Ayinde?
The woman that is Aminat is loving, giving, tough, silly, funny at times, goal driven, ambitious, stubborn at times and intensely faithful and serious about her Faith in a higher power which we call different names.

How did you get to be on America’s Next Top Model?
I was scouted by my friend and a beautiful soul named Monique Peters when I was on spring break in Miami Florida during my 3rd year at University. She saw me and chased me down to tell me they were having auditions in Miami for ANTM cycle 11 and I should try out. Unfortunately I didn’t attend the casting but she was persistent and emailed me a few months later for cycle 12 castings and the rest is history.

How was the experience like on America’s Next Top Model?
The experience on ANTM cycle 12 was a life changing experience. Prior to the show I didn’t have real aspirations to become a model. Now I’m blessed to work in the fashion industry and travel the world doing what I love.

The show opened my eyes and mind to another way of thinking because I was a Biology major with a double minor in Chemistry and African, African American Caribbean History (AACS). My aspirations were to become a doctor or get my doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) as I love trying to understand the human anatomy and physiology.

Do you think entering the competition helped shape were you are now?
I know for sure the competition shaped where I am now. As I stated before I would’ve been in the health and science field not in the Fashion industry if it wasn’t for ANTM. I’m blessed I followed my instincts and heart and did the show. Who would be thought I would be where I am today. We must the risks in life.

What made you decide to take a film and television program at New York Film Academy (NYFA)?
I decided to attend NYFA’s film and Television program as I wanted to study before I pursued any television or film roles. NYFA is a great school and their program helped me understand the industry better with the right language and knowledge needed to take the plunge into Television and Film. I truly believe we must study our craft before jumping in both feet in. You don’t expect to become the best neuroscientist unless you actually do your research first to see if you like neuroscience or biology. NYFA helped me decide that television and film is the next step for me.

Which celebrities have you worked with?
Wow now I’m not sure of all the celebrities I’ve worked with but they’re quite a lot. I’ve done a shoot with Ciara, Tyra banks and Nigel Parker while I was on ANTM, and after ANTM the list continues with Nikki Minaj for Rip the runway, Coco Rocha, Chanel Iman, Selita Ebanks, Pamela Anderson Lee, Oluchi to name a few.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
So many talented people I would love to work with like Oprah, Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, Iman, Gisèle Bundchen and Raquel Zimmerman. I love these women, their work and they seem like a lot of fun to be on set with.

Would you say staying in the United States has affected your style in anyway?
Yes living and growing up in the US has affected my sense of style but also traveling around the world working in Fashion has affected my style the most. I get my inspiration from all over the world but I love my African roots. We love color and we are not afraid of it.

What’s your dream modeling job?
My dream modeling job is to be a Victoria Secret Angel. To represent all the beautiful dark chocolate women out there with style, elegance and grace. There isn’t enough of us Chocolate sisters as Angels and I for one wear a lot of Victoria secret underwear and I think I look great in them so I’ll be a shoo-in.

How would you describe your style?
My style depends on my mood honestly. Most of the time my style is chic, fun and simple.

What style genre appeals to you most?
Style genre? Not sure what you’re referring to. I love high fashion meets street fashion. I believe I’m a bit of both and one shouldn’t wear one look from head to toe.

What does your personal life on a daily basis entail?
My personal life on a daily basis consists of waking up and thanking God for another day. Then I check my emails/messages (it’s a terrible addiction). I have something for breakfast a juice smoothie or coffee sometimes then off to castings or a job. If I’m not working that particular day and have no castings. I like to take time for myself and treat myself to a manicure or get my hair done. Pamper myself once in a while as modeling can be very harsh on one’s body. Then I try to get some exercise in whether it’s yoga or dancing. Finally I love to eat so I either go out for dinner or have dinner at home but it’s always best with friends or family.

What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was dealing with the fact that so many people think they know you because they saw you on TV but the reality is they don’t. They know your character or the person depicted on the show. So i try to give them (fans, people) an opportunity to get to know the real Aminat. Always try to keep it real. Whether I’m having a good day or I’m caught in a bad moment.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?
5 of my must haves are a pair of studs, mascara, lip gloss, my watch and Cocolene (body balm so I’m never ashy)

What are your favorite fashion trends?
Tricky question as I’m not big on trends but I would say I’m loving the use of Fringe on the runway. I love fringe cuz its feminine fun and adds movement to any outfit. I personally been rocking fringe before this season.

Do you still visit Nigeria?
Yes, I try to come atleast once a year to see family and friends. I love coming back home to Nigeria. It’s always crazy fun times.

Who is your favorite Nigerian dish?
What is my favorite Nigerian dish? If you’re referring to food it’s Amala or pounded yam and efo riro. It used to be jollof rice but had too much rice for a life time and the older I get the more I really enjoy traditional Nigerian foods.

Do you listen to Nigerian music, if yes which songs are currently on your playlist?
Yes I do and I listen to a variety of songs and artists I listen to and like. I have Kukere remix, which is my dance energetic happy song. I also love my old school Nigerian artists who without songs from Abeni Salawa there will be no Tiwa Savage today….I love Felt Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Ayinla Killington, Shina Peters, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, paved ways to Banky W, WizKid, Dbanj and 2face Idibia who’s African queen always will be on my playlist till the day I die. I love my Nigerian Music and Artists and not necessarily the most popular or latest songs/artists, the ones that resonate with my soul.

You had the pleasure of shooting a music video with Banky W, what was the experience like?
That experience wa fun cool and growing as I learned some new things while on set.

We had the pleasure of working together twice as we were both students at NYFA. He was in the directing program and I in the acting for film and Television program. A director needs actors in their projects and I was honored to work with Banky. He’s such a talented fun and good person to work with and know.

Apart from acting and modeling, what other projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a Television program as well as a new beauty venture that I feel will do very well in Africa and the United States of America.

What advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
My advice to others pursuing their dreams is to never give up and always believe in yourself because no one else will if you don’t. Do your research and study your craft because anything is achievable if you put in the time.

Where do you see yourself in 2-5 years from now?
In 2-5 years I see myself having my own business. Being a Television personality, an entrepreneur, a wife and a mother. Would be nice to start my own family in Africa and have my parents move back to Africa from the states.

Finally, Thanks for talking to us
Thank you for taking the time to interview me. Wishing you all the best and success.

By Asuquo Eton

PHOTO CREDIT: www.claytonmorarmedia.com | Aminat Ayinde