Smart. Beautiful. Empowering. Alimani, a model, actress and aspiring real estate agent, has been a disciplinarian and is a name to reckon with in the fashion industry. Her aspiration to get better at everything showcases her true strength and grit. She believes her mind is a powerful tool, that not only sets her apart from the crowd but also helps her encourage others around her to become the better version of themselves. Describing herself as quite ambitious who loves to set different milestones, Alimani says she is always eager to move onto the next goal as soon as she achieves one. Considering all she has achieved in her life already, Alimani believes she definitely couldn’t have been happier with the choices she has made till date and is quite proud of all she has done. Here are the edited excerpts of her exclusive interview with L’Officiel India.
Though modeling and real estate are so vastly different from each other but, I believe, at the same time they can go a long way enhance each other as well.
Your journey has been so amazing, Anna, from being a young vivacious entrepreneur to a model and an aspiring real estate agent. Tell us the story behind choosing such diverse careers which are totally different from each other.
I believe that variety is the spice of life and having a plethora of different career paths and objectives further enhances your skills and knowledge in life which can help you in many different aspects. For me, I have always been an insatiable person so I often get easily jaded and when I have achieved one goal or objective I am quick and eager to move onto the next as my passions and interests are always evolving! Besides if you aren’t learning you aren’t living. Right? Keeping varied life interests and living life on toes help promote diversification of one’s talents. Though modeling and real estate are so vastly different from each other but, I believe, at the same time they can go a long way enhance each other as well.
How did you get into modeling? Please do let us know about the hardships that you faced initially.
I feel getting into the modeling industry has always been about one’s networking skills. Most of the issues that you run into initially is not knowing enough people or the right person. Favouritism is quite prevalent and one must be able to handle rejection. Many times, modeling agencies want models that look unique, even a bit odd, not always attractive so it can take some time until you are picked for the right project.
I definitely see fashion going towards a much more chic, hip and casual side.
But how do you balance modeling and real estate at the same time?
Thanks to the Google Calendar! Having things digitally integrated into my schedule in a way that provides me consistent reminders and structuring to my day gives me the luxury of knowing exactly when I am available, how long, what is interchangeable and what is not, and the best part is this calendar is with me anywhere, I go, 24/7! So I can give prompt replies and know exactly and precisely what I can fit into my schedule and what I cannot.
Being a published and signed model, what are the emerging trends of the fashion industry as we head towards the beginning of a new decade?
I definitely see fashion going towards a much more chic, hip and casual side. The style of wearing neutral-colored, baggy clothes seems to be new! Take a look at Balenciaga and their sneakers, very casual but very chic as nearly all the celebrities and hot spots in any major metropolis are seen sporting these shoes. Especially as the world is becoming more flexible with the different and fast-changing lifestyles, I think dressing up won’t remain as prominent or popular as it used to.
I definitely see fashion going towards a much more chic, hip and casual side.
What would you like to share about the opportunities and challenges of the modelling industry with our young and aspiring talents?
I believe, now with the digital age and the shift to a more remote work centred environment, such as castings and runway shows being done virtually, getting more done in less time will be a huge result in this shift of workflow and provide many opportunities to young models as we are well versed in the technological world and this method of work is very favourable to us. However, as a challenge, I think, it will lack the personal touch and experience that lots of newbie models would probably need to launch their careers.
You have achieved a lot. Any more aspirations?
One of my main aspirations is that I want to be my own boss, the CEO of my own company. Now, how do I do that you may ask? I began my career at a prestigious real estate firm on Park Avenue. My goal is to be successful enough to branch out into having my own team at that firm and then move onto having my own brokerage. On top of that, I would love to own and run a female-owned (by me) and manage a self-help company for young women. I believe a lot of women at my age and in my generation lack guidance and confidence in dealing with men and everyday life scenarios. And being the confident person that I am, I believe, I could tremendously help and foster change in that specific aspect!
One of my main aspirations is that I want to be my own boss, the CEO of my own company.
What has been your biggest success so far?
To be candid, my biggest success is that I have achieved all the personal goals that I have set for myself. For me, I live my life by the motto, “Failure is not an option.” Anything I set forward for myself, I achieve, anything I want, I receive, it is just my winners’ mentality that has gotten me out from Seattle, WA living with my parents, to Beverly Hills, and now to the Empire state of Manhattan, and now onto this magazine cover and working on Park Avenue. Voila!
What has been the most challenging moment in your life so far?
Probably it has been finding myself and going for what I have always dreamt of and believed in. While growing up, I was in a very strict Christian household where venturing off on your own into a large city wasn’t exactly the actions of a “decent Christian girl”. As my break away at a young age to make and start my own life was considered to be “rebellion”, but preparing myself for a journey, I knew, I would take alone is something I do best, given my education and substantial career experience even at a tender age. And that has made me into what I am today, no guts no glory as they say! I couldn’t be happier with the choices I made, to get myself where I am today instead of being complacent, stagnant and living in the same city and doing the same mundane things.
To be candid, my biggest success is that I have achieved all the personal goals that I have set for myself.
How do you preserve your roots from Eastern Europe?
I am a firm believer in knowing and embracing my heritage and cultural background! Being partly Bulgarian, I still fully participate in all of the holidays, enjoy the cuisine, and fluently speak Bulgarian with my immediate nuclear family and also with my grandparents, cousins and relatives who still do reside in Bulgaria. In fact, I even visited my native country this year in July of 2020, was able to reconnect with my beloved grandmother who is 89 and just shy of 90, and my first cousin! I thoroughly enjoyed being back to where my roots belong, speaking the language and mingling with the people. Since I am American, born and raised in this country, it makes my family proud that I still speak the language and integrate myself into my original culture.
