Today we’d like to introduce you to Salama Oliver.
Hi Salama, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello , I Am Salama Oliver
Bka (LayyDaDoll) , I’m 23 years old .
Im an all around art &beauty savant .
I started modeling at the age of 12 , my main purpose then was to prove something to myself. When I was younger I was made fun of for my appearance it left a huge impact on me and my confidence, which led me into an isolation at a young age which I’m so grateful for now in hindsight because I had time to learn me, in that time I learned how to love myself and all the things about me . Originally I didn’t think I’d end up doing hair at all , due to my passion for art as a whole it was truly second nature and the same goes for modeling; posing and anatomy go hand in hand , along with the principle of art design and hair design the parallels were always so important for me . Because I always make sure to surround myself with art in all its forms .
Im better known for my Appearance which is ironic given it’s the catalyst of all things that led me to this point today being interviewed by VOYAGE ..
when I was about 12, I went to a few casting calls and I was scouted but at the time I feel like my parents were more protective of me than catering to my dreams , so I took matters into my own hands and i started learning how to do my makeup and my hair so that I can do photoshoots with some of my peers who worked in photography.
And surely it worked ,to the point i eventually became so well versed in the art of beautification that a lot of my peers in school wanted me to do their hair and or makeup . Which boosted my confidence massively, I loved that I made people feel confident.
Later down the line as I got older i eventually started getting more comfortable with myself and I started actually working with a photographer who was a family friend, we made magic everytime we worked together. I’d post these visuals to my page which led me to start getting opportunities left and right.
I’ve worked with some of the best photographers in Baltimore and I’m so thankful for them seeing something in me ; in some of those moments I could be dolled up and still feel like I’m not doing enough! But the encouragement I’ve gotten and the love I’ve received has definitely healed something in me.
And throughout that process of figuring out myself and where I wanted to take this path I wanted to combine all my gifts into one . I wanted to be able to have a part in other peoples uplifting and confidence , so naturally I chose my passion for hair and beautification. I started off selling eyelashes, then on to wigs, weaves & hair products and making my own garments!
This endeavor alone has taught me so much about the people in my community to the beauty in my community . And I’m currently still Modeling and In The Cosmetology industry. And thus far I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything. My path has taught me no matter WHERE I come from that will NEVER determine how far I go and I just want to be that proof for so many of the youth and elders . And thank you again for having me VOYAGE MAG .
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of my obstacles along the way within modeling was my own mind . I would shoot things and never post due to my insecurities or lack of confidence at times . Which overall forced me to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. Now as it pertains to peers and other peoples behaviors in workplace environments , at a point strayed me from wanting to even model after a while. I experienced some undesired opinions about myself and sometimes having to be at bay to people’s perverse expectations and forms of art . Ultimately giving me a broader perspective on modeling as an art form .
From modeling to art and or styling my biggest challenge was feeling like I’m being robbed of owning my originality; often times I felt I was being mistreated or misunderstood for my ambitions but it never deterred me from anything. Until it did , starting so young I experienced burnout so early as well which was something i wasn’t taught about I just assumed I’d lost interest in all the things I once loved which wasn’t true. It took a lot of pondering and rest for me to realize how much I’ve actually accomplished. Through loss and trial I’m still motivated to be the BEST AT ALL THAT I DO !
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Im a visual Artist, Cosmetologist in training & a Model/ Designer .
I specialize in the art of Wig Design & African American Natural Hair Care.
I Am Also a self taught artist I majorly enjoy painting and drawing as my favorite forms of artistic interpretation. Aside from Fashion Design & Styling, I combine all those things into modeling. Which makes me feel I have a more creative process with most endeavors.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
When I was younger I thought I’d be a famous painter like Van Gogh or Picasso, I admired art so much and music because those were things that made me feel alive! I loved Dolls growing up so much they were an outlet for me and a source of inspiration outside of my mom and sisters the fashion sense of the dolls when I were growing up were so special and beautiful! I couldn’t wait to get adult money lol and now at my grown age I’m a shopaholic!
Pricing:
- Wigs range : $175-695
- Booking Fee PROMO : $50-1500
- MODEL FEE (MUSIC VIDEO) $200 hourly rate
- MODEL FEE( SHOOT) :$150 hourly rate
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/layydadoll?igsh=ajc2aGpuNnQzNnI5&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/layydastylist?igsh=YmI3ODhlcXZkODBy&utm_source=qr
