Background
I am Tarmar Awobotu. I am 28 years old and from Ijebu, Ogun state. I am from a polygamous home but we were brought up to love one another and that is why we are a close-knit family. When I was in Nigeria (I am now based in South Africa), I studied Business Administration (part-time) at the University of Lagos. Currently, I am a model and studying French. I am deliberating on relocating to Paris soon.
Journey into modelling
Unofficially, I started in 2001 but officially, I began in 2004. The first job I did was a fashion show. My mother’s friend sold the idea to me because I liked taking pictures. She is a tailor. She would invite me to wear the clothes she made and she would take pictures.
A big break
In 2004, I won Miss Tourism, Ogun State. I was opportuned to work with so many big names in government and I travelled to at least 21 states. My highest pay was from a TV commercial I did for a telecommunications firm. Later, I won the Top Model of the World contest in 2012. It held in the United Kingdom and there were about 160 contestants from different countries. We were eventually cut down to about 40 or 44 for the finals and I was the only Nigerian at the finals (15 of us contested). The prize, included a one year modelling contract with Nevs Modelling Agency, United Kingdom. I was very scared and nervous at some point-I have never won anything that big! However, the crown opened doors for me and I launched the Tarmar Foundation for African Kids. I had always wanted to do this irrespective of my crown.
Life as a model
I know where I am headed, so I just focus on my destination. What people do not know is that models are the calmest people on earth because we see it all. After every fashion week, there is an after-party, so we are exposed to a lot. I decided to relocate to South Africa through the help of a famous Nigerian fashion designer. I was supposed to have gone for the Nokia Face of Africa but I was dropped because I developed chicken pox. Months later, DAKOVA (the designer) helped to secure visas to South Africa for about seven of us. We stayed for about 10 days. During the time, he helped us and we were signed up to at least two agencies. Initially, I had a problem getting an agency because of the spots on my skin. Although they all liked my figure, chicken pox had ruined my skin. Luckily, I did not return to Nigeria empty-handed. Later, I went to South Africa on my bill. I escorted a friend, Doyin Haastrup, to one of the agencies I had visited with DAKOVA and they offered me a contract immediately.
Models and fashion
I am a high fashion model and we do everything-runway, TV commercials, campaigns and much more. But in my agency, we don’t go for ushering or nude pictures. Discrimination? I don’t think so. If a job is meant for you, you will get it. There was a time I went for a casting and they said you must be a Nigerian to get the job.
Modelling is a bug!
I will keep modelling for as long as my body and time permit me. It is not something I am going to do till infinity but I am not hoping to retire anytime soon. Also, I have a clothing line that I am working on.
Style
I don’t dress to impress people. I wear whatever I feel comfortable in and it has been working for me. My fashion icon is Beyonce because she dresses so simple and yet makes a statement. I am not exactly a designer freak. You can wear designers from head to toe and still look trashy.
Figure
I have never gone on a diet. I have always been this slim and I eat proper African food a lot. I go to the gym for the season because there are some seasons in South Africa modelling industry when you need your hips to be out and others when your hips should be slim. The only problem I am fighting is my buttocks- it protrudes! I go to the gym to work on it.
Relationship
I am not in a relationship. Currently, I am focused on my career. My Mr. Right must first be very fashionable. I do not care if he is ugly, he just has to be up-to-date with trends.
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