Aziza Ballim – Designer & Model

 

This is the era of glamour. Everything is covered with glitter, spreading its glow to its surroundings. Modeling is also a world of glamour and boldness. It is also nourishing day by day and has its impact on every individual, whether they are related to this field or not. Nowadays many individuals have access to the brands regarding fashion, thus creating their own style statement.

Saudi Arabia has entered this field with a bang. It has also created space for these professions, like modeling, fashion design, etc. This profession is still in the developmental stage in Saudi. Some international models are invited to create a basic space for this profession.

The team Newsburning has interviewed an international model sharing her experience.

Introduction of Aziza Ballim

Aziza Ballim is a South African model and designer. She is married and is living with her husband, who is also her personal photographer, in Riyadh. As the crime rate is high in Johannesburg – which is the capital of South Africa – Aziza shared that her childhood was difficult. She is a graduate fashion designer. In South Africa, she worked as a model and designer.

Aziza Ballim came to KSA in 2016. Coming to KSA was a big decision for Aziza because she lived a bold life in South Africa, and her world was going to change in all aspects. She left her all fashionable clothing in South Africa and arrived in Saudi Arabia with modest clothing and abayas.

Working in Saudi Arabia

The first thing which bothered Aziza was the conservative environment and wearing the abaya. The second difficulty was the language barrier. Many photographers could not speak English. As a designer, Aziza said that her designs were totally different from Saudi.

Modeling and fashion design are now flourishing in Saudi. Aziza shared that her modeling career is all about connections and references. Anyone can be a model if one is passionate and dedicated enough. This industry has gained momentum in the Saudi Market, but business for ex-pats is yet to improve.

Professional strength

Aziza Ballim is very multitalented and dedicated to her work. She shared that she is always in pursuit of productivity. Her mantra for success is to have many talents in one hand. Aziza wants to evolve herself, and that’s why she comes out of her comfort zone and always wants to try new things.

Future plans

Aziza Ballim wants to open a fashion line of her own and would aspire to launch new models. She wants to create great opportunities in the modeling and fashion design industry. She also wants to complete her master’s degree.

Financial Stability

The fashion industry is not so stable in Saudi. It will take time to stand. Aziza had mentioned that it is not a permanent job, and that’s why it is not stable enough to solely rely on. In addition, the working hours are, at times, not so good.

Personal Life

She is married. Her husband is an English major but takes most of her photographs as well. Aziza Ballim shared that her husband is very supportive of her. She also shared that her family is reserved regarding her profession, but her grandmother and husband are the fuel for her energy and success, so her life is pretty balanced.

 Experience

According to Aziza, efficacy is the key to success, but Aziza Ballim expressed that she sometimes felt mismanagement by some photographers. Her bad experience was when she came on time for the shoot, but the photographer was late.

Aziza also has some good moments in KSA. She made good friends who support and appreciate her work.

Life in Saudi Arabia

Saudi can be a good start-up for every profession. She said that it’s a place of opportunities, learning, and adaptation. You get rewarded for your hard work, and excelling is easy.

Satisfaction with job

Aziza Ballim is energetic and always tries to explore herself. She said that she is never satisfied with her work, and would rather push boundaries and always take risks in life.

Aesthetic procedures

To be natural is Aziza’s choice. She said that these procedures are temporary and unnecessary. If you choose this process then you have to be consistent, which is difficult, so try to be natural in every way.

Message

Always take risks and never give up. Don’t change yourself to fit in society. If everyone is the same, then uniqueness loses its value.

for more interviews click here