Tarzania Akia: Dancer & Model

November 9th, 2023

Tanzania, a devoted plus-size model with an extraordinary four-year journey in the industry. Her modeling career has spanned runway, print, fashion, glamour, fit, commercial, and freelance endeavors. Beyond the lens, she's a multifaceted artist who finds her creative muse in singing, acting, dancing, and exciting travels around the world. Witness her on this exhilarating journey as she fearlessly pushes the industry's boundaries, harmoniously fusing modeling, artistry, and her adventures around the world.

Have you had a lifelong passion for pursuing a creative or artistic career, and if so, when did you first realize this calling?

I have felt since early childhood like I wanted to be in a creative or artsy career. My family is heavily involved in music. My mom is a singer who sang as a front runner in a band, and also opened up for some big names in the music industry. Because of she and my dad, my siblings and I all sing. When I began school I noticed that I expanded in artsy projects and it made me feel like I wanted to pursue many creative things in life. I did things like theatre, dance as well as arts class.

Could you elaborate on the path that has brought you to where you are today with our readers?

I remember being a teen and wanting to model. I heard about John Casablancas agency and had my mom take me to a casting with them. There were other kids my age and everything. I auditioned and they told me I should pursue acting instead. I did not have the look. This discouraged me. I quit pursuing modeling I think because at that time I also had little confidence in myself honestly. Years later, as a 25 year old I was asked by a designer I recently met if I would model in a showcase she was designing soon. She wanted a plus size model to show how she was a versatile designer. I was suprised but immediately a light came lit inside of me where I knew I had to do this for my younger self who wanted this. I did the show, and kept pursuing modeling since then. I kept auditioning for shows, networking, and also showcasing more of who I was and it did me really well. I’ve been blessed to do some amazing projects and I’ve loved seeing my growth through it all.

What has been the most formidable challenge you've faced on this journey?

Work consistency has been the hardest challenge, but not because I’m a bad model or anything but because I live in San Diego and San Diego honestly isn’t as open to size inclusivity as much as LA. If I want to be booked constantly I would have to go to LA for castings and I miss a lot just because of the traveling. LA is much more diverse.

How do you prioritize and maintain your mental well-being while juggling the demands of your career and personal life?

I take advantage of those moments where I’m not booked and I focus on other creative outlets such as singing, dancing, and even plan out the next goals of what I want to accomplish in modeling.

If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

I would encourage my younger self to be confident in herself. The world may not have been ready for plus size then but be a trend setter. Believe in yourself and work hard.

What advice can you provide to individuals who are contemplating a similar journey?

I would encourage getting a mentor honestly. I did it on my own pretty much but one thing I wish I had was a model mentor to help me move in the next steps. Modeling can feel so competitive and having someone to offer you game on how to do things is so helpful even if about simple things like how to prepare for castings, how to make a comp card. Etc.

What's your endgame? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish in the future?

I want to be a big model and show plus size little and young girls that size does not disable you from doing what others can do. I wish i had these examples growing up, but instead I had ANTM and other shows that constantly showed models, singers, or dancers that weren’t tiny as needing to Lose weight to make it in the industry.

FOLLOW TANZANIA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Tanzania_akiaa/

Website: https://tanzaniab.wixsite.com/tanzaniaakia

Links: https://linktr.ee/Tanzania_b