Zeina

- Can you introduce yourself?

Hello everyone! ♡ My name is Zéïna M. I am 27 years old and I am a freelance community manager.

- What is it like to work in the fashion industry as a model in Guadeloupe?

In all honesty, the fashion world in the Caribbean is quite competitive and selective... You have to know how to sell yourself, make the right contacts but also learn to reinvent yourself - if we differentiate fashion as a catwalk model and fashion as a photo model.

I've been working in this field for over 6 years now, and I would say that with the arrival of social media, it has transformed this sector and made it more accessible! (and in some ways less prestigious) .

But it's pretty cool to be able to create connections with others and give free rein to your creativity to offer content more freely (despite the competition) .

- What do you think about the fashion industry and its relationship with your culture?

I would say that it all depends on the point of view you use to observe this relationship. The fashion industry, for me, is a big machine where it is easy to get lost, the impact that my culture can have in the fashion industry is very often copied, erased, discredited in the face of the big names in this world... So, rare are those who manage to stand out from the crowd and represent us.

However, I would say that we (Antilleans) do not know our roots, our history, and what our culture represents for this vast world well enough. However, it is only thanks to us, our descendants, that a full trace of this culture can be left indelibly.

- How did you get started in modeling?

In 2012, I participated in the Miss and Mister competition at my high school and to make my evening dress, I contacted a stylist named Eliette Lesuperbe . Following this competition, which I won, she asked me to participate in her fashion show which was to take place a few days later, and there you have it, it was the first of a long list.

- What is the most exciting part of your job?

As a community manager? Creation! And I'm not just talking about the moment in front of the camera or lens, but the thought process beforehand. Imagining yourself in the context, developing the idea to create a whole concept that, I hope, will always transport the audience.

But as a model, I would say taking on the stylist's world: discovering outfits, doing fittings, choosing THE right pair of heels , etc.

- What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually wake up at 8am and check my emails first before getting out of bed.

To start my day off right, I always start with a large glass of water on an empty stomach, then I do my routine, my facials, take care of my locs , etc. Before tackling my work on my computer directly from home. As soon as 11:30 a.m. arrives, I start taking care of my lunch.

Around 2 p.m., I resume working for my clients for about 4 hours, then at 6:30 p.m., I go to the gym.

9 pm, after my night routine, I take care of my dinner, I chill in front of NETFLIX and I catch up on the latest national and international news in order to disconnect from my phone and close the day. Finally, I go to bed around midnight. : ) .

- In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between fashion (trends) in Europe and the Caribbean?

It took me a while to choose just one difference, but I would say choice.

We don't have as many big brand choices here as in France, and in fact, many of us order from them, which has a big influence on the prices of products and imports (not including taxes) + the prices charged by our local sellers, and then, if I can add another difference, in Europe, the seasons are changeable, whereas in Guadeloupe, it is more likely to have constant weather, so the clothing will inevitably not be the same.

- What is one thing you would like people to know about your culture?

I would like my culture to be recognized for what it is and not by the dictates of society. It is plural and authentic, proud and fierce, and is not limited to madras patterns, drums and spicy food… We are influenced by our Caribbean neighbors, and without trying to copy, it represents its community as a whole.

- What are you most proud of in your cultural heritage?

Come on, just to avoid answering like others have already done, I would say Carnival and specifically in Guadeloupe. When I was 15-16, I paraded with a snare drum group that was very famous for its music, its harmony, its dancers who were always smiling and sparkling, so much so that we are often compared to the Rio Carnival! The costumes were worked, the choreographies well prepared and they still are today; whether it is positive or negative, I find it extraordinary, because, even if we do not have schools and a whole institution like in Brazil, we are nevertheless involved in making each of these moments magical, beyond that, its diversity with the skin groups that we use to transmit our messages and our ills, or the ti-mass groups to have fun, the synth groups, etc.

The carnival period is a cultural gathering that has been going on for years now and I am sincerely proud of it.

- What is the biggest misconception people have about Caribbean culture?

There's so much to say... But I think the most striking thing for me is hearing that a West Indian has no identity! That we are only descendants of slaves deported from Africa who then appropriated the lands of former local residents who were exterminated by the colonists. Okay. But we can apply this schema to several other examples around the world without necessarily talking about a lack of identity.

With a little research, we learn that not all the indigenous populations ( Arawak and Tainos ) were decimated, and were even scattered throughout the Caribbean (Greater and Lesser Antilles) not to mention the South American continent.

From here our story begins , because then, the mixture organized by the triangular market created this vast and Caribbean identity.

It is now up to every West Indian/Caribbean to be patriotic and proud to change this image!

- In your opinion, what is the best aspect of being West Indian/Guadeloupean?

Coming from an island! And yes, not everyone can boast of having grown up in a paradise where others come on vacation, of being surrounded by greenery and mountains, beaches and rivers (without going into the unpleasant details) .. Just growing up far from large, overcrowded cities and experiencing a more or less pleasant climate all year round.

- And finally, what would you like to say to the child version of yourself?

Listen to yourself and your instincts, girl, you rock!