Life style
She looks at the positive side
by Zanita Careem
Rozanne Diaz, a popular fashion model, who won the Miss Universe pageant in 2005 is an old girl of Methodist College. She owns a modelling and Personality Development School.
This iconic supermodel is one of the most recognisable faces in the modeling world in Sri Lanka. She has a legendary runway walk and she is a stunning beauty.
Has the social media played a role in your modeling career?
Not really. When I was a model social media did not exist. I find it to be a good thing as we were reognized for our talent and performance. Not for the likes and shares. Popularity came in to play with our ability to win people’s hearts through art. We had to do good work to be in the limelight. And the main thing is people could not reach to us as fast as they do now so there was a star quality value. With all the plus points of social media I still prefer those days.
What do you think of the media to portrayal of beauty and do you think it is changing?
Yes definitely. It is changing rapidly. To the good and to the bad. Its better if we focus on the positive changes minimize the negative aspect of it.
I try to be happy always. In every situation. Look at the bright side and learn from each experience. And mainly take one day at a time and have no major plans. That way you can adapt to any situation fast.
At the end of the day what fulfills you as a person, what makes you happy?
If someone hurts me I try not to hurt them back. This has made me win people and make friendship last longer. I love to hang out with my kids, friends and family but mostly I am happy when I have Me time.
What issues you have to face on the way to become a successful model?
I am one of those lucky people who met the correct people at the correct time in my career. I am really grateful for that. Other than the usual stuff I have not faced any major issues as a model.
Times have changed is in your impression of the fashion industry today?
Yes. There is more entrants due to social Media and it has diluted the quality in the form of models, designer’s and work. Less hard work and more digital touch. But at the same time we have more links with the international scene and can go global instantly.
Do you think the social stigma attached to the models can have an influence on the industry to change?
Not really. People with that kind of mindset cannot be changed. It’s better to just leave them with their own thoughts and concentrate on doing good work. I think quality should be highlighted above all. This stigma never affected me as I was not interested on the opinion of people about me.
As a mum what advice can you give women on body image, body positivity and self esteem?
From being pencil thin to a size XXL I have had a roller-coaster ride with my weight. The most important thing is to be happy whatever size you are. I strongly believe that how you look does not necessarily define who you are. Everyone has a unique feature that could be highlighted. Identifying that is self-discovery. Being healthy is more important that thinking of size and shape.
What does it Take to be a super model?
A lot of hard work. A strong sense of determination, willingness to adapt to situations, being able to work with all kinds of people, maintaining the requirements that is needed. And mostly being confidenat of who you are.
As a grooming experts you are no stranger to transforming people? How do you do that?
Transformation happens when people are willing to change. If you are stagnated you have to firstly change your mind set. Maintenance is important for grooming. My duty is only showing that what they could be but it’s their responsibility to except change and maintain it.
Do you have a secret talent? Can you share?
I can earn anything in a matter of a few minutes. When something new comes my way I adapt to it super fast.
You deal with? May young people? How does your work ethos change the industry?
I can’t blame the new generation for being so naïve. My daughter is 13 years old and I experience the generation gap big time. They live in a world which is closely knit and can approach anything anywhere in the world with their fingertips. They want instant things. Be it fame or money. Less work and more rewards.
Working on time is priority for me and I know many youngsters today are not punctual. But at the same time I have worked with some newcomers who are very professional.
What is the flip sides being in the limelight?
I don’t see a flip side. It’s all positive. When you are known you have to be at your best behavior but I don’t mind that.
Do you even go on social media detox?
No. I am not a social Media addict so I don’t need to
Advice to the youngster’s?
Be yourself. Do not imitate or copy any one’s style or personality. You are You and everyone else is taken.