“Let’s face it; South Africa has real and beautiful women with curves and booties. There was a need in the market for an agency that catered for clients wanting beautiful models with real figures,” she says.
Thus followed the birth of Alushi. Alushi Models was founded by Shashi in
2008 and is one of the fastest growing model agencies in Johannesburg.
“Going from being in the spotlight to behind the scenes is something you
have to be ready for, and I feel it was a natural progression. I took a significant time to grow Alushi as a business.” She continues, “We went through all
the up’s and downs of owning a business. Having a platform to market your
product is wonderful, but it still takes a lot of hard work and dedication to
have longevity in the industry.”
Owning a business is hard work and there are many clichés of people saying
not to give up and pushing through, but she advices young girls wanting to
follow in her footsteps to always remember: “No one has ever died hearing
the word no. I often had to pick up the yellow pages and cold-dial people,
trying to get my brand out there, and at the end of the day all your hard
work pays off if you are willing to push through to succeed. If it is smooth
sailing all the way you will never grow.”
When it comes to fashion and business her eyes light up.
“You have to do something you love, and for me fashion and business go
hand in hand. Modelling is work, not only dieting and watching what you
eat, but you have to be willing to work long hours, be on time and professional at all times… the ones who don’t realise that this in itself is a business, never last.”
Shashi is no stranger to business and when it comes to business-wear
she advises women to be comfortable in their own skin. What you wear
should reflect confidence.
“It doesn’t always have to be a business suit; it can be a beautiful dress or
simplistic outfit, jazzed-up with great accessories.”
It is clear that Shashi still has a huge role to play in the South African
market and the model-turned-businesswoman is reaching new heights,
paving the way for strong females around the country aspiring to do
the same.
Make sure you follow her journey on Twitter: @SHASHINAIDOO
and check out her blog, Shashi’s Closet by visiting www.shashi.allos.
co.za f