10 Questions with Magné Ndiaye
MODE AROUND THE GLOBE
Magné Ndiaye
Photographed by Jessee B
@reallysortofamazing
Can you tell our Modeliste readers a bit about yourself?
What’s up, or in my country we would say Nga Def! I’m Magné Ndiaye, a model from Senegal. I’ve been in NYC for 7 years now, definitely feels weird to type that, lol. I originally moved here for university but now I just pursue modeling full time and work on my creative agency, TerangaTalents, which I founded back in my home country. I love to read, laugh, travel and just live in pure peace and joy.
How did you begin your career as a model?
I actually got scouted with my mom while shopping when I was 13. At the time modeling wasn’t in my mind. I was very academically focused, but once I moved to NY I began modeling just as a side hobby. I would book a lot of jobs from friends who are casting directors like Fenty and editorial work. I eventually decided to get signed about 2 years ago and I’ve loved the experience ever since.
What’s the most rewarding and challenging part of your job?
It’s truly a one of a kind job. It can be very demanding and constantly being told no, but overall it’s a blessing to be able to meet so many dope creatives all over the world. I love to travel, so to be able to have a job that can open me to new people and experiences and just talented individuals is love to me.
What advice do you have for those aspiring to have a career like your own?
I think the best advice I can give anyone is to just go for it. To believe in themselves and to not let being told no stop them, because someone will say yes. This industry is so inclusive now and open to all beauty. I want everyone who wants to be a model to know that the industry has enough room for all of us.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
So, I’m a person who usually only makes short term goals. I give myself yearly goals and push myself to mark them down one by one. If I had to say where I’d be in 5 years time, I would definitely say I want to be at a point in my life where I can give at least 60% of my time to my creative agency. I want to be fully invested in doing multiple nonprofit projects a year and just expanding the global idea of beauty.
You’re the founder of TerangaTalents, a Dakar, Senegal based creative agency & nonprofit – Can you tell us more about this, where the idea derived, and how people can actively become involved?
I started TerangaTalents as a creative agency project in Dakar. I wanted to be able to show the world about the beauty of Senegalese people. Most people in my country have so much talent, whether it’s surfing, soccer, acting etc. But in our culture it is not seen as a big dream, because no one dares to dream that big. I want to show these people to the world, give them the same opportunities that everyone else has in a bigger market. I want to find this talent and help them to be able to travel and have the same chance as everyone else. I was able to do an art relief fund for homeschooling low income students in my country last year. Because of the travel restrictions, I had some help from my Mom and Djibril and Filly Drame. I hope to do more of that also.
As a woman who is constantly on the go whether for work or where life carries you, what are three items you cannot live without?
I absolutely can not live without my African shea butter, my phone ( of course), my Self Affirmation book by Quay Seamster, Fenty lip gloss, and my grandma’s ring always stays on.
What can people expect to see from you in the remainder of 2021?
I hope to have a few more campaigns drop this year and definitely at least 2 new fundraising projects from TerangaTalents. I have aspirations to start a new children’s project but for now I’m still brainstorming lots of ideas I’m super excited about.
What advice do you carry into your daily life?
I have so many different quotes that I constantly remind myself. “You’re a queen, you’re a dream”, “I am healthy, I am blessed”, & “Move in love”. I try to remind myself how blessed I am and that I am in control of my outcome and to remain positive.
Is there anything you would like to say to your fans reading this?
Even though this past year has been a tough year for everyone, I hope that we all see the positive over the negative. So many of us had a chance to grow and to appreciate the things that we for so long took for granted. Sending all the love and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
