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| Anastasia Cobbinah |
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| Tasia |
A product of the Adiembra Senior High School, Ms. Cobbinah
joined the modelling industry in 2010 upon completion of her secondary
education.
The young model only had her break through three years after joining
the industry landing her first major job on the runway at the Oil City White
Fashion Show held at the Raybow Hotel, Takoradi.
Anastasia’s love for modelling was born out of her
admiration for her close friends Nat and Albert who were very enthusiastic and
dedicated to their modelling career. Tasia credits them for guiding her growth
in the industry.
The ever persistent Ms. Cobbinah now records three runway
events namely, Oil City White Carpet Fashion Show, Oil City Fashion Weekend and
Coastal Breeze Bikini Show on her portfolio
Recounting her first experience on the runway, Tasia said,
“I was very nervous but managed to gather enough confidence to impress the
designers whose clothes I was exhibiting. I am proud to say my first run turned
very good and I enjoyed how much the audience appreciated my style.” This
happens to be Tasia’s most favourite runway event.
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| Tasia |
The freelance models admits striking a good balance between
her professional life and modelling has been very challenging. With the level
of concentration and time the 22 year old model dedicates to her professional
career, she find modelling, which is fast becoming her first love, suffering
direly. She said that the demands of her profession has left her missing out on
a lot of auditions which could possibly have landed her the dream exposure she
has always dreamt of.
What are some
challenges you face as a freelance model?
“Being a freelance model is very difficult. Landing the
juicy jobs is very difficult as compared to my compatriots attached to
agencies. Although freelancing allows me to choose where and when I want to
model, my opportunities at a fast-paced growth in the career are limited. The
agencies land the bigger contracts for the first class events always.”
The young tall model with shapely legs looks to Award Winning
Ghanaian Actress, Yvonne Nelson as her role model. The model with varied styles
is best at modelling in dresses and shorts that place emphasis on her height
and legs.
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| Tasia |
How does your career
affect your love life?
I am lucky to have a partner who is very supportive and happy
to see me go as far as I can in the modelling industry. He is aware of the
pitfalls and problems that come with the job. He helps me keep my feet on the
ground and not get carried away with the glamour and excitement of it all.
Nonetheless, he sometimes cannot help it but show signs of
jealousy and frustration. I am surrounded at events by handsome young men and
by organizers who often try to take advantage of the models so his plight is
understandable. However, he trusts me to look after myself and is aware that my
friends are also looking out for me. Unfortunately, rehearsals, photo shoots
and events often finish late, or take up time that I should be spending with my
partner. In all this, our relationship is strong and we are still happy
together.
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| Tasia |
Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook have been of significant
importance in my modelling career. I have been able to keep up-to-date with
fashion trends and stay in touch with my friends and fans. These social media
applications assist with getting criticism and advice on my photos. These
channels have also helped me land jobs. Most clients choose them as their
platform for advertising opportunities.
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| Tasia |
Where do you find
yourself in the next 5 years?
If all goes well, I hope to see my modelling career take off
to its peak with me being recognized as one of Ghana’s top models for both
runway and commercial modelling. However, I want to progress in my career as a
Health and Safety professional as well – within the forth half decade, I hope
to complete additional qualifications and take up a more superior role.
If you had the magic
wand to change something in the modelling industry in Ghana what would it be?
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| Tasia |
There are many individuals in the modelling industry who are
interested in taking advantage of aspiring models. There are of course those
who want sexual favours but my experience is rather that organizers and
management are very demanding and do not appreciate the efforts made or the
time spent. Often promises of pay are forgotten once the show is over.
I would like to change the attitude of many of the
organizers. They need to be better managers, especially of their time. Every
event I have been involved with, either as a participant or as a spectator, has
been late starting. Often there are sound and light problems and delays to sort
these out. Most of the audience do not want to be still sitting watching the
show at 1am. This is impacting negatively on all involved but also tends to put
people off coming to the fashion shows.
Does the industry
have a bright future?
The modelling industry in Ghana has a great future. There
are many creative and innovative young designers coming up and the industry is
now recognized as a serious career field. There are now many fashion shows and
Ghana fashion is becoming more internationally appreciated. Ghana has a history
of unique fashion and its further development and promotion will leave us at
the top.
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| Tasia |
In advising aspiring models she said, “Young people who want
to be models must be aware the career demands a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
Having the requisite physical attributes will not make you successful unless
you are able to cope with the rigorous demands of the work. When starting off,
the rewards are few and far between. It is only successful and well established
models who can make a living from the business.
Modelling is not easy, the failure rate is very high. I
would say just about 5% of aspiring models make it to the prime of their
career. It is a business that rewards only those who do well, and often it all
boils down to good fortune and hard work. It is certainly not an easy route to
fame and riches.
So far, the pay I have earned is very small and certainly
not enough for the time and effort I have put in. However, I am now in a
position in Takoradi of being in demand by designers and show organizers, and
my future looks positive.
Anastasia credited Albert, Nat and Chantelle Dapaah for
being the support and inspiration for her career.
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| Details of Anastasia Cobbinah |
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