Elizabeth Elohor’s Empire: Building Bethel Model Africa and Establishing a Fashion Power Broker

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From Pageant Stage to Power Broker: How Elizabeth Elohor Built a Fashion Empire

Elizabeth Elohor is a Name synonymous with transformation within the african Fashion Industry. her work with Beth Model management has established it as a leading Modeling Agency on the continent, championing diversity and innovation. Elohor’s career trajectory, beginning as a Pageant Contestant, is a testament to her resilience and Vision.

Early Life and Unexpected Beginnings

Elohor’s story began in London in the 1980s, with her family relocating to Nigeria when she was just two years old. her mother, a former part-time model and a woman with an impeccable sense of style, played a pivotal role in cultivating Elohor’s’s thankfulness for fashion. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Technology at London Metropolitan University, an unexpected chance arose.

A suggestion from her employer to enter a Pageant sparked initial hesitation,fueled by her shy nature and a lack of inherent interest in the world of fashion. However,encouraged by her mother and friends,she decided to apply. After making it to the Top 20, enduring intense training, and nearly withdrawing due to anxiety, her mother’s surprise visit-and unwavering belief-compelled her to continue. Elohor ultimately won the 2001/2002 Miss Nigeria UK title.

Reflecting on her win,Elohor credits the experience with building her confidence and honing her interaction Skills,but emphasizes its limited impact on her broader career success.

The Birth of Beth Model Africa

Returning to Nigeria after her pageant victory, elohor leveraged her new platform to secure modeling opportunities. However, she quickly identified a critical gap in the market: the absence of a professional modeling agency representing local talent. This realization became the catalyst for the creation of Beth Model africa.

The agency’s early days were marked by challenges, including a lack of industry knowledge and widespread skepticism towards formal contracts among models and their families. Elohor recalls the difficulty in persuading individuals to embrace a professional arrangement, a stark contrast to the established norms in Europe. Early work focused on collaborations with local advertising agencies.

Forging International Partnerships

By 2007, Beth Model Africa began to gain momentum. Elohor strategically sought partnerships with international agencies, most notably Elite Model Management. Collaborating with Elite through its annual ‘Elite Model Look‘ competition proved transformative, providing a crucial pathway for Nigerian models to reach a global audience. Mayowa Nicholas, discovered through this partnership, rose to international stardom, appearing on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and ELLE, and walking runways for Versace and balmain, among others.

Model	Breakthrough	Notable Achievements
Mayowa Nicholas	Elite Model Look Nigeria 2014	Vogue covers, Versace runway, Global Campaigns

expanding Representation and Future Vision

Elohor’s dedication to nurturing local talent extends beyond securing international bookings. She is committed to fostering a thriving domestic fashion industry and increasing opportunities for models to work within Africa. This commitment led to the creation of Future Face Global, a competition that expands representation beyond Nigeria to include models across the continent.

“It’s like a mother. You see the child growing beyond anything,” Elohor shared, expressing her pride in the success of her models. She celebrates the increasing visibility of African representation in the global fashion scene, calling it a long-held dream realized.

With over 200 models represented across Africa,elohor remains focused on expanding the reach of Beth Model Management and Future Face Global,empowering a new generation of talent to achieve their dreams.

Did You know? The African fashion industry is projected to be worth $15.5 billion by 2030, according to a 2023 report by the McKinsey Global Institute.

Pro Tip: Aspiring models should focus on building a strong portfolio, networking within the industry, and developing a professional online presence.

The Evolving Landscape of African Modeling

The African modeling industry has undergone a meaningful transformation in recent decades.Early challenges included limited infrastructure, a lack of professional training, and a biased global market that often overlooked African beauty standards. However, a new wave of entrepreneurs like elizabeth Elohor are actively reshaping the industry, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity.

The rise of social media has also played a crucial role, providing platforms for African models to showcase their work directly to audiences worldwide, bypassing conventional gatekeepers. Moreover, increased investment in local fashion weeks and design initiatives has created more opportunities for models to gain exposure and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Beth Model Africa’s primary focus? Beth Model Africa specializes in discovering and representing African Models for both local and international clients.
2. How did Elizabeth Elohor start in the modeling industry? She began as a Pageant Contestant, winning Miss Nigeria UK in 2001/2002, and then identified a need for a professional agency in Nigeria.
3. What role did Elite Model Management play in the growth of Beth Model Africa? Elite provided a crucial partnership through its ‘Elite Model look’ competition, opening doors for Nigerian models to international opportunities.
4. Who is Mayowa Nicholas, and what is her connection to Beth Model Africa? Mayowa Nicholas is a prosperous international model discovered through Beth Model Africa and the Elite Model Look competition.
5. What is Future Face Global? Future Face Global is a competition created by Elohor to expand representation of models across the African continent.

What aspects of Elizabeth Elohor’s journey do you find most inspiring? How can the fashion industry further promote diversity and inclusivity in representation?