Meet Alia Miller

Alia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in beauty, photography, and fashion. When America’s Next Top Model first came out, I used to strut up and down my hallway as if it were a runway. It wasn’t until I got a little older that the actual idea of modeling came into play. Modeling was more of a fantasy to me, the idea of it sounded amazing, but I didn’t think I had the potential to pursue it.

It wasn’t until late 2017 that I finally said enough is enough, and I took matters into my own hands. I told myself that if I didn’t at least try to fulfill my dreams, I would regret it later on. I started looking up local photographers in DFW on Instagram and Facebook. I would reach out to a few at a time, asking if they would be interested in helping me start my portfolio because I didn’t have a portfolio. I started off only doing shoots every other month or so until it slowly started to become an every month thing. I’m only a year and a half into this journey, and I have already learned so much, as well as have met so many incredible people along the way.

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?
Modeling has definitely not been an easy road. The challenges first started when I had to learn how to network with people. I’m naturally a very shy person, so the thought of reaching out to people I didn’t know terrified me. It really held me back for a while because I didn’t want to step out of my comfort zone. Slowly but surely, I realized that if I didn’t step out of my comfort zone, I would never reach my goals and dreams.

Another challenge I’ve had to deal with is learning how to deal with rejection. In the beginning, it was really difficult because it made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. I allowed those thoughts to cloud my mind, and at times, it would put me in a rut. With time and more experience, I learned that there are other people out there who see my potential and talent. Just because someone doesn’t want to work with you doesn’t mean you aren’t amazing I n your own way. When one door closes, another door opens.

Alright – so let’s talk about your work – what should we know?
I’m currently a freelance model and occasional makeup artist in the DFW area. I think what makes me unique is that I’m not necessarily what society considers to be a “model.” I’m only 5’5, I’m not a size 0, I have natural curves and imperfections, and I’m an African American woman with lots of curls. Just because I’m not what society thinks a model should be, doesn’t mean I’m not capable of being the greatest I can be. What also makes me stand out is that I’m educated in film and digital photography, with the help of photographer and professor Daniel Rodrigue, which allows me to understand my angles better and how to pose.

I think what I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in such a short amount of time. I never would’ve thought modeling would take off this fast for me. I’m proud of the person I am becoming, how much I’m learning, the things I’m creating, and just my overall growth. I have so many goals I have yet to reach, but just the things I’ve already accomplished is something to be proud of.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel that my character and personality is essential to my success, not just in modeling but in life as well. When you treat others with respect, kindness, and gratuity, it makes others want to treat you the same way. Having good relationships with your business associates can really make or break your success because very few people want to work with someone who isn’t respectful or thankful for their opportunities. Luckily, I’ve met so many incredible people in this community who I can now consider my friends. We may have started off as complete strangers, but with mutual respect and positive energy, our relationships have blossomed into more than just business associates. Having such great relationships with the photographers and models in Dallas have allowed me to create some amazing things, and have such fun shoots. Modeling may be all about how you look on the outside, but how you are on the inside is what matters the most.