Life & Work with Aliyah Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliyah Clark.

You know the age-old question, “where do you see yourself in ten years?” When I was little, I never gave myself a realistic “vision” to work towards. I spent so much time daydreaming about being a singer or an actor, NEVER considering the sheer dedication alone needed to pursue success in those areas. Then come my high school era, I never really saw myself existing in ten years. That probably comes across as dark and morbid, but I really started fighting mental illness during this time and had to really focus on the present and near future (graduating high school, for example) to keep me going. And I kept going.

I have learned so much through experiences both positive and negative throughout the past 21 years of my life. It is because of the things that I’ve been through and seen loved ones go through, that I advocate so fiercely the way I do for the things I believe in.

I’m so passionate about creating awareness for mental health awareness, body positivity and acceptance, social issues, and basically an overall sense of human decency, and I use my Instagram as a place to do so, while also curating a modeling portfolio and interacting with other talented creatives in Utah. For the past little while (six months or so) due to some traumatic events in my life, I’ve taken a bit of a step back from sharing a lot of my thoughts and feelings online, something that I’m hoping to change with this new year.

When I was in junior high, I struggled with depression and self-harm. I’ve fought with my body since I turned 13. Bulimia, Anorexia, body dysmorphia are each in their own far too familiar to my 21-year-old self. When I was 16, I put my trust in the wrong person and was taken advantage of. I have spent years earning my body back for myself. It may seem silly, but modeling has helped to reinforce the control I have over my body. And simultaneously help me with my advocacy of body acceptance and positivity, because I’m able to see myself through so many different perspectives and lenses. I’ve been able to create genuine art out of myself.

Don’t get me wrong, it is not all the sunshine and rainbows that it may seem. With having an online presence and utilizing my social media as a kind of portfolio I open myself up to public online perception and feedback, often unsolicited. I think you’d be surprised at the number of people that have a problem with a larger person simply shamelessly existing. And you’d be surprised at the absolutely vile comments that they leave. A brief example: “whale,” “no one will ever want you,” “ugly, fat, disgusting pig.” Whenever I get an influx of these comments, depending on my mentality and status of my mental health, it can be so difficult to remember why I model, why I care so deeply about making a difference in what I post, and why I let myself have this passion for creating awareness, as well as other variables in this specific area of my life.

And then on the flip side, nearly every time I’m doubting myself, I get a random message from someone, explaining to me how deeply I’ve impacted them, and how my words and example have helped them love themselves and progress as human beings. It is the biggest reward and honor each time I receive these messages, and they’re one of the largest reasons for my perseverance in dark times.

It has been so ridiculously amazing to me how many people have a desire to create art with me, or to hire me as a product model, trusting me to be a new representative/face for the business and brand. That aspect often serves as a reminder of my worth as a human. And here I am! 21 years old, living in bountiful, Utah, and I’m a freelance model. And I’m really proud of myself and how far I’ve come to get here.

I’m really proud of some of the beautiful art that I’ve created with the help of some phenomenal people with such great talent with a camera. Something that sets me apart from others is my deep-rooted passion for acceptance, equality, kindness, loving deeply and widely.

Physically, what sets me apart is that I’m plus size and I have beautiful auburn curly hair, two features that often are reasons that I book shoots!

I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to seek out a wider and deeper sense of culture and what real life is like outside of that bubble. And I mean no disrespect to those that practice and are deeply committed to the church, I wish them the largest degree of happiness, and I recommend that instead of the new product that is hot chocolate with a shot of caffeine, just drink the coffee guys. It’s probably much healthier for you that whatever synthetic form of caffeine is being put in your hot chocolate. (I say that with jest from a place of love.)

I loved performing, I was heavily involved in musical theater and acting throughout high school, and as humbly as I can muster, I was able to be mainly cast as lead or supporting lead roles. I had and still have a love and passion for music and singing. I’ve always been the “mom friend” because I’m always taking care of the people I love, and making sure to the best of my ability that they know I love them and that they matter. That’s really all I want out of my life, to love and be loved, deeply and widely.

Contact Info:

• Email: aliyahclaudeen@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/liyahbobeah

Image Credits
instagram.com/delaney.angelle.photo (Delaney Angelle) and instagram.com/photos_bymal (Mallorie Lerman)