I heard about a casting taking place at Eko Hotel, V/I, Lagos. At the time I had no idea what modeling was all about...actually thought it was a beauty pageant. I remember thinking back then that I was quite beautiful. So got there with a friend of mine and couldn't believe what I saw. There were over 300 tall, beautiful, well dressed girls. Never seen so many beautiful women in my life. I was so intimidated and I remember looking at myself in the mirror, thinking '...and you thought you were beautiful?...' lol
My friend wanted us to leave but I decided to go through with the casting even though I was convinced I wasn't going to get picked. I just wanted to enjoy the scenery, the girls, the hotel and I wasn't leaving till I'd seen enough.
There were over 300 girls, professionals at the time and they only needed 20 models. 17 year old Linda, 5'8', no modeling experience whatsover stood no chance...or so I thought.
The casting director, Juliet Haggermann, was an American Choreographer, who didn't know who the top models were, so she didn't pick based on that. She would look at you, ask you to walk and either ask you to stay or leave.
My friend went before me, and she wasn't picked. I remember giving her my bag, thinking I will be out the door as soon as I got in, so we can go home together. But I was wrong. Juliet took one look at me, asked me to walk and told me I was in.
That was how I became part of the biggest show is 1998. THE SILVERBIRD INTERNATIONAL FASHION SHOW. And made my first cool cash at 17...
My first runway show. The Silverbird International Fashion Show which featured two American designers
After this show, I was declared model of the year...2000. We won designer of the year for Megitto
After this picture hit the press, people took notice of me, I started signing autographs (I don't do that anymore...people no remember me again...lol)
And this was my last fashion show in 2005. Red, Bold and Jazzy.
I miss the runway so much. But hopefully when our Top Model Search starts, I will do runway again. I've decided to do photography again, so soon y'all will see me on billboards across Lagos.
So that's it. Ten years as a model. It's been an incredible experience.
If you want to see more of my modeling pictures, check it out here...http://lindaikeji.blogspot.com/2007/05/got-ya-linda-ikeji-pictures.html
I'm about to enter another phase..Watch out for this woman!
Kisses!
Kisses!
14 comments:
You truly are an Inspiration!!!
wow, you've come a long way Linda, well done and all the very best for the future.
Wow. I can't imagine how on top of the world you felt when you hit your first "cool cash" at 17, an age when your mates were stabbing jamb lessons and scoping dudes around the mallam's shade.lol!
Keeping doing your thing. God is with you.
hi Linda....
always looking forward to reading everyday when i'm on net to check on u....
yeah,congrats to TP and 9NICE,will be looking forward to them tying the knots...
Pray for Shan to get well soonest...
will be looking forward to the new stage u promised on this station,so,wont change the dial...
bye LInda.
hi Linda....
always looking forward to reading everyday when i'm on net to check on u....
yeah,congrats to TP and 9NICE,will be looking forward to them tying the knots...
Pray for Shan to get well soonest...
will be looking forward to the new stage u promised on this station,so,wont change the dial...
bye LInda.
Congratulations Ms. Ikeji....awesome story!
wow!10 yrs
anyway check out blogville idol 2008!!
Model for 10 years wow that is really great. i'm happy for you on your archivements your modeling career and the magazine i know it's not easy but God will continue to be your strenght. you can always check my blog. i'm a new blogger though. love reading ur blog get alot of naija gist. anyways have fun and stay blessed.
Congrats, Linda, on the journey so far
beautiful sister. 10years is no joke. we are applauding you all the way.
God bless
Congrats on your 10years anniversary as a model Linda, you are such an inspiration! May the Lord who has seen you thus far continue to see you through the coming years and may you glow beautifully more through it all.
Remember to continue be a model to those around you and the young ones also in character.
All the best!
Obviously, 10 years is a very small time to achieve what you've got Linda. For just 10 years you have risen like a colossus, occupying the showbiz landscape of Africa's biggest country. No doubt, you have emerged from the blues, seen and conquer, and even left a remarkable legacy for millions of Nigerian youths at home and in diaspora to tap from.
Pls start compiling the story and pictures for your biography, which you could use to chronicle the evolution and revolution of Modeling in Nigeria.
Cheers!
Amazing! You have done exceedingly well. See why I say you inspire me?
Love,
Mini You!
gosh i looooooooooove your blog,what more can i say than thumbs up and keep it up.linda can u link me up with audttions cos i really need them badly,my addy is gubu007@yahoo.com
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