Pretty Young Things

March 13, 2012
By: Shana Dandeniya

Many magazines dedicate special issues to the rise and shine of up & coming young designers, actors/actresses, photographers, music artists etc. This article celebrates the work of young artists. With so much talent in the Big City we were forced to just a few of the hottest youngsters who we think will be blowing up big over the next few years. We asked them about their ambitions and dreams…

Our first youngster is Miss Olivia Suleimon (20) who has come all the way from Australia to pursue her dreams of being a Television Presenter. Follow Olivia on tumblr; http://oluwayemi.tumblr.com/

So Olivia, what is the Big Dream for you?

My ultimate dream would be to have my own television show and network which primarily focused on youth urban culture and covered all areas of this from music, poetry, art and fashion with an emphasis on delivering meaningful messages to the youth of the world, whether that be good and inspiring or sharing bad experiences to which others can relate. The fame side of my dream is to be a household name as well known as Oprah and a reputation of speaking truth, being real and an overall good person.

What made you want to get into Television Presenting?

Ive always been obsessed with peoples individual stories and hearing what hurt they’ve gone through in their lives and how they got to a place where they could then talk about it. I loved hearing their stories because I always took something from it and found it inspiring, no matter what they did or who they were. From this obsession I thought I wanted to be a social worker so I enrolled in Uni for this and I did a short course before hand. After the course I realized it wasn’t for me. So I thought I still want to help but I need to do this on a much larger scale. I also love hip hop and fashion and so I wanted to combine these together and I feel TV presenting is my best bet. My overall goal is to create change, and I feel that TV presenting is my avenue to do so.

Where do you see yourself in two years from now?

In two years I still see myself grinding because I know the industry is very hard to break into. However I do see myself more well known, a lot more experienced and clearly branded how I would like to be. I cant see myself in Australia (where I have grown up) in two years but maybe America in New York or L.A and on the brink of catching my big break

Name a few people who have inspired you heavily? and why?

Oprah- It sounds cheesy but she really does. To think that she was once just an ordinary person who had a dream and with hard work and perseverance she now has her own empire. I love that she is so positive as well, she hasn’t sold her self in any way, never been scandalous. All of her fame has come to her in a completely legit way which is hard to point out in other famous women nowadays. She also talks about  how everyone has a calling and at first it might come to you as a whisper and if you ignore it, it will keep coming to you until it thumps you on the head, I love this and I kind of feel that this is how TV presenting came to me. I love that she is so powerful and she’s representing strong women world over!

My Boyfriend- Ricco. He is a hip-hop artist with big dreams and he is so dedicated and determined it amazes me constantly. Its one thing to have people already in a position of power inspire you but to actually see him work hard and reap the benefits of this is most inspiring. He is really powerful with his words and people listen to him, when he says things they get done, which is a quality that I am working on myself.

What would you say to other youngsters who are chasing after their dreams?

I would congratulate them on chasing their dream because that takes courage to firstly ignore what everyone thinks and secondly to actually believe in your self is a massive deal to me.  I would also say its extremely hard but its meant to be, that’s why it feels so good when you have made it most importantly to never give up.

Our next P.Y.T is Miss Amrit Preet (20), a student at London College of Fashion who is looking to conquer all she can in the fashion industry. Follow Amrit on her youtube channel; www.youtube.com/amritpreetmua

What is the big dream for you?

Makeup is my passion and always will be. Although i study a makeup course at present, my dream is to conquer all I can in the fashion industry at the best of my abilities, and to share this experience with all those who aspire to get into such a tough industry. Fashion isn’t set, it’s fluid and as we all know it changes so frequently, and that’s what inspires me most. I want to learn as much as I can. Knowledge is a beautiful thing!

What or who inspired you to get into make up artistry?

My main inspiration for makeup has been my grandparents. As a young child I always used to go abroad to India every year, without fail. Such an exotic place yet filled with poverty, but still people manage to express themselves through dress and art. I too learnt to express my feelings through art, that art being makeup. Makeup tells a story, a whole path of stories, a path which I thank my grandparents for introducing me to.

What has been your best experience in the industry so far?

My best experience to date has been the opportunity that has come my way since being a student at the London college of fashion. Just last week I was on a photo-shoot which involved 8million pounds worth of jewelery. Yes, 8 MILLION! An experience that will stay with me throughout the rest of my career.

Where do you see yourself in two years from now?
In two years from now I’d like to see myself established within the industry, mainly as a makeup artist. Even if it’s a small fraction I’d be happy. So far god has been good to me, I can only continue to hope and pray that I continue my hard work and make those closest to me proud!

What advice do you have for other youngsters who are trying to live their dreams?
For anyone who is trying to live their dream, always remember its YOUR dream. Despite the hurdles and setbacks that may come your way, always keep in mind that a positive mind is a great mind. You’ve just got to have genuine love and passion for what you do, with that in mind no one can stop you. Stay humble, grateful and count each and everyday as a blessing. Your dreams WILL become a reality!

P.Y.T Three is Miss Daisy Jean Goddard (20), studying Production for Live Events and Television at London College of Communication.

What is your big dream?

I love traveling and the sense of adventure so I guess where I want to be is all over the world! What I mean to say is that my dream is to be able to travel with my work, and to one day work with Nick Knight – he has been my favourite fashion photographer since I was a child.

When/how did you know that you wanted to get into a fashion related career?

Before I was even at school I used to change my outfit to go to the supermarket with my Mum – I always had full control so I’m not sure exactly when it was that I knew that’s what I wanted to do – I suppose it’s always been in the back of my mind ever since I figured out it was a real career.

Name one person who has inspired you heavily, and how they have inspired you?

Iris Apfel is an amazing woman and she has definitely been one of my biggest inspirations – what she wears is exactly what she wants to wear and she never seems to conform to trends. Conforming to trends is something that we all do without even realizing it. I try to be a little more like Iris every day.

Whose collections are you most excited about this year?

From the s/s 12 collections I am most excited about Meadham Kirchoff. I really like the D.I.Y aesthetic and girlish charm that the collection boasts. For a/w 12 it has to be Versace! I’ve long been a fan and even own a vintage pair of jeans. I just adore all the leather, velvet, and sheer fabric in this collection.

What advice do you have for other youngsters who are trying to break into the world of Fashion?

My advice for youngsters that are trying to break into the world of fashion is to work hard. Expect busy days, sleepless nights and read Vogue religiously. I grew up with that magazine, it really is the fashion bible and nothing is better. Also, people in the industry can be tough so you need to be strong and always have a sense of your own style.