Meet Rohan Nair

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rohan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since my childhood, I have been fond of fashion, especially loose fit tops and colored shoes. I don’t remember how I got influenced by fashion so much and didn’t know that I would’ve gone this far. In the age of kindergarten, my mom and dad used to buy me tons of shoes and clothing. That was the time in India.

I moved to US 8 years ago and 6 years ago, I met a friend Rafael Trinh in a college class. He approached me to be a model, and it turns out he is a photographer. That time I did my first and only shoot. Soon I started working with clothing brands starting with Abercrombie & Fitch. For almost five years, I took a gap from modeling. Just little over a year ago I got into modeling through Facebook groups and soon I became very serious about it.

I get inspired by everyday day people around me. A year ago, I pushed myself to post my photos and approached other photographers on Facebook groups to work with me. In a year, I have evolved enough. As a person and model, my interests have changed. I am just trying to get my name out in the creative community. Even though modeling is not my major, I think I have done good enough to make my family and myself proud.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Roads are never smooth, it’s tough now and then, aren’t they? Being a male model can make it even tougher. As I got into this community of creatives I realized lot of photographers are not into working with male models. Male models definitely do get less attention. I have got told by several photographers I worked with like yeah they’re not interested in shooting male models. At the same time I got a chance to become their first ever male model.

I have thought on this issue pretty closely from both the sides. Photographers equipment’s are expensive. Mostly their fame and revenue comes from female models. So they want to make sure their time, energy and money worth it. It’s just rough if some photographers expect from well known and experienced male models to pa and at the same time, free of charge for unexperienced female models.

I got no one to blame on this issue. Everyone’s priorities are different and have their own life. I don’t hold grudges, so I’m happy where I’ve reached now.

Struggle varies I’m Indian so I’ve experienced racism as well and still I do.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Apart from my full time job at Hilton Hotels, I’m a part time model. For a little over a year, I have taken modeling very seriously as if it’s my career. I am doing studying for Hospitality in Travel and Tourism so that is my career going to be. On the other hand Fashion and Styling is what I specialize in and known for in the society. In my teenage years, I was not serious about anything. Now I’m into build my career and name, so I’m proud of that. My family has been super supportive to me from day one. I’m the guy a friend who can depend on. I have a higher value for friendship just as a family member. I can be supportive and straight forward to others.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A quality of being genuine and keep trying, trying and trying. Having a mature mind worth it to be successful. Most importantly, working on SELF WORK and having a PURPOSE in life is important for me. Improving ourself everytime can open a big door someday.

I want to thank everyone whoever have read my story. I hope something good comes to you soon and you find what you are looking for. Stay blessed