We had the good fortune of connecting with Nyasia Wyani Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nyasia Wyani, what matters most to you?
Having integrity would be the principle that matters most to me. Standing for something will always supersede the popularity of what everyone else is doing, I would rather stand for something than fall for anything. when it comes to modeling, I try to carry this with me in everything I do. Such as, being kind to everyone (even the people that are rude), trying to be a woman of my word, or just trying to show up as the best version of myself every day. All of these are attributes of integrity, and I try to embody them, because if I am radiating positive energy my hope is that it would sequentially rub off on my environment and eventually onto people, allowing my light to shine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I approach modeling like it is an art form. Whatever I am creating for the day I come into it with the mindset that we are going to be making breath taking pieces of art that transcend time, I am where I am today because I stayed persistent, and optimistic. Becoming the model that I am was not just an overnight success. There were many points I wanted to give up, and just throw in the towel, but my heart would never let me. I persisted through times of confusion and not knowing what was next for me, and I continued to be optimistic that what was for me was for me, and that the dreams that have been placed in my heart were not there by coincidence. I overcame many challenges that come with this career by sticking with it, and not giving up on my dream. Through this journey the biggest thing I have learned is knowing your worth, and if there is ever a situation that makes you question your value remove yourself from that situation. I want the world to know that I hope to use my platform to make people with albinism, black women, or just anyone that feels like an outlier know that they matter, feel confrontable taking up space, and to feel confident enough to be themselves, because I am.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout all the countless people that took a chance on me from Denver fashion Week, and the amazing designers I had the privilege of working with, to 303 Magazine for featuring me when I was just starting out on my journey, Wilhelmina Denver for signing me, and allowing new doors to be opened to me. I cannot limit it to just one person that has helped me become the model that I am today, but I can say thank you to everyone that I have worked with. I am so thankful for all the many relationships I have built along the way, and all the people that have pushed me onward in my career. I also want to shoutout my family! Their support keeps me going in pursing my dreams and becoming the women/model I envision in my heart. Last, but not least thank you to you guys for featuring me I truly appreciate it!

Instagram: nyasia_wyani, Sunflowerayzz

Facebook: nyasia smith

Image Credits
Jennifer lobo, Asijou, Blake Jackson, Johnny Edward,

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.