TALENT OF THE MONTH – Evelyn Effrim

1. How about just saying this part?

It started when I began embracing my natural grey roots. Each day I looked in the mirror and saw a new me emerging and I thought, why not give the over 50s market a go? Representation is still limited, but at the same time, the big fashion houses are starting to spotlight older models opening shows and major campaigns. Maybe I couldn’t have chosen a better time to return. Who knows? We shall soon See!

2. If you had a totally free day with no plans, how would you spend it?

I suppose a completely free day feels like the ultimate luxury to me. Lots of choices, but I think I may choose to slow the pace down. Savour the day (ideally a sunny one) and go for a walk and just be present. I am always rushing from A to B and time disappears without you noticing. So, on that day, watching the birds… or seeing the clouds shift, sitting in a coffee shop and watching the world go by.. maybe with a crossword or maybe a good book.. that kind of stillness for me is my real luxury.

3. Tell us 3 things that make you unique?

My first is my multicultural background which I feel truly privileged to have. My parents were from Ghana and Ireland, I was raised in London and then later moved to Italy. I’ve spent most of my life immersed in different cultures, ways of living and ways of seeing the world, and that experience has shaped me in ways I’m deeply grateful for.

The second is my experience within the beauty and fashion industry, I’ve worked across many different facets of the business. As a model, a fashion stylist and in production. Each of those roles gave me a completely different perspective and together they’ve given me a well-rounded understanding of how the industry really works and from the inside out.

The third is where I come from. Growing up in a working-class family and a big one at that, taught me the value of hard work and not taking things for granted. It also gave me a grounded perspective on what is a genuine luxury and what is simply a necessity. I think that sense of appreciation is something I carry with me in everything I do.

4. Who is/was the biggest influence in your life and why?

My Dad. He instilled in me that ‘knowledge is power’. Once you’ve truly learned something, no one can ever take it from you. He also taught me that respect is one of life’s greatest gifts and that to receive it’s you must first give it.

5. What is your favorite thing about your career?

No two days are ever the same. Every job, every location, every team are different. And with that, comes unique energy and results.

6. What’s one small thing that always makes your day better, no matter what?

Always thankful for my health. Every morning during yoga, the first 3 deep breaths are dedicated to my dad who had difficulty breathing in the last part of his life. It is a quiet moment of gratitude that grounds me and sets the tone for my whole day.

7. What’s something you’ve recently learned that really stuck with you?

It is never too late to bet on yourself. Stepping out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to pursue my comeback in modelling has reminded me that dreams don’t have an expiry date. You just must be brave enough to take one step at a time.