Life & Work with Shashi Watters of Akron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shashi Watters.

Shashi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My mother was a model, so from a very early age I was completely captivated by the world of fashion. I really admired not just the elegance but the complete artistry and beauty behind it all. There was something so magnetic about the industry’s chaotic beauty…the way it could be both unpredictable and really poetic, the constant evolution– it completely enchanted me. It’s like witnessing living art.

That paradox of beauty and frenzy shaped not only the way I viewed fashion but the way I viewed myself.

I was first scouted on several occasions, one of the most memorable being in New York City while visiting family. I would say the real turning point came when a candid photo of me went viral on instagram. Suddenly, one of the world’s leading modeling agencies reposted it with the caption asking who I was, and within hours my inbox was blowing up with opportunities and messages. It was craziness in the best way.

From there, everything accelerated-test shoots, castings, and the intense process of shaping myself into a working model. My mom was my coach and helping my guide through the industry, and helping me perfect my craft and my nana was my biggest cheerleader through it all. It was both challenging and exhilarating, but each step deepened my passion and made me more hungry and more certain this was where I was meant to be.

I’ve always been a naturally shy and quiet person, yet modeling ironically would unlock a different side of me. The moment I stepped in front of the camera, something would shift that made me feel relaxed, bolder, expressive, and free. It was as if I discovered a new version of myself.

One of my first major milestones was an editorial I did being published on Vogue Italia’s website. It wasn’t just seeing my image stamped with the Vogue logo that was surreal. It was truly my mom and nana seeing it. It was less about validation for myself and more about honoring them–all of the constant sacrifice and all of their dreams and hopes they poured into me coming to fruition that made the moment incredibly special. In my eyes it belonged to them so much more than it belonged to me.

Not long after, I was approached by the most incredible photographer to shoot for Elle magazine, . The collaboration behind the scenes was electric and I learned so much from not just the photographer and makeup artist who helped transform my career through more agencies in different markets.

It helped me model for so many more incredible brands and different publications.

Each milestone has felt like a stepping stone, not just in building a career but more so evolving in who I am. From those viral moments in Elle, I’ve realized that modeling is more than posing for a camera-it’s about storytelling, resilience, and transformation. I’m grateful for every opportunity that has challenged me to grow, and I carry each experience as fuel for the future. What excites me most is not only how far I’ve come, but how much more there is to create, to learn, and to give through this journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think many people have a vision that the industry is glamorous and all you do is snap a beautiful photo, and suddenly overnight you’re on the cover of Vogue and become a supermodel. It’s easy to have that idea because you only see the end results. The truth is, the road is rarely that simple. Behind every editorial, campaign, or runway show is an immense amount of unseen work–endless castings, long hours of test shoots, constant travel, and the pressure to always present the best version of yourself.

As a model of color those challenged can be even more layered. Representation is improving, but there are still moments when you feel like you have to work twice as hard to be seen, heard, and valued in the same way. There have been times when I’ve walked into a casting and my features weren’t always celebrated in the same ways as others. Those moments can be disheartening, but they fuel me to keep going–not just for myself but for people of color who deserve to see themselves reflected on every runway and in every magazine.

Every rejection, I’ve found resilience and with every time I’ve gone out of my comfort zone, I’ve found strength.

The struggles-both universal and unique-have given me a deeper appreciation for every milestone I’ve reached. They’ve taught me that modeling goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s a craft that demands resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of self. As a black model it’s also about creating space, breaking barriers, and paving the way for more voices and faces to shine.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a fashion and beauty model but I see my work as something deeper than simply standing in front of a camera. I see my role as bringing a client’s or designers vision to life. It’s my job to embody their vision and translate their creativity into images or movement that feel alive. I hope to channel emotion, mood, or even a character into a single frame.

Because I’ve always been shy and soft spoken, the transformation I undergo while modeling feels powerful. It’s where I step into a more fearless version of myself. That contrast between myself and modeling has become in what I hope is a defining presence in my work.

While some of my proudest achievements were certain magazine covers, and booking incredible campaigns I would definitely say my proudest moments will forever be sharing these milestones with my mom and nana, because it makes it even more meaningful. It feels like a celebration of not just my journey but of theirs as well.

What sets me apart is perspective. I don’t view modeling or the industry as surface-level glamour; I approach it as an art form that requires discipline, adaptability, and vulnerability. I bring my whole self to every project-the quiet observer who notices detail, and the performer who fully comes alive in front of the lens. I think it’s that balance of humility and transformation that makes my work resonate and reminds me why I love what I do.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I was very lucky because my mom was my first mentor. She walked the path before me, so having her encouragement and wisdom meant everything, especially in the beginning when everything was happening so fast at once.

I became a student of the industry in every way I possibly could. I would spend time studying other models who I greatly admired in magazines, watching runway shows on YouTube and analyzing how they posed, moved and expressed emotion. The way they helped make the clothes come to life…

Along the way, I realized some of my greatest teachers were the people working quietly behind the scenes-creative directors, designers, makeup artists, photographers, and even other models. I always try to listen carefully, ask questions, and absorb advice.

For me, networking has honestly never been about trying to ‘get ahead’. It’s really about building genuine relationships and showing respect for everyone’s craft. The truth is, none of this is possible without the people working so beyond hard behind the scenes. Designers, makeup and hair artists, photographers, etc.–they are a true craftsman at what they do. Each brings their own artistry, and when all those talents come together, something beautiful is created. I feel so grateful and honored to be apart of the process each and every time. I think when you approach people with sincerity, kindness, and curiosity, doors open naturally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shashiox