1. Ameni Esseibi is the first plus sized model in the world.

“I’m Arab, I’m curvy, I’m a plus-size model, and I’m proud of it.”

Esseibi is considered to be the first plus sized model in the world because there were no curvy Arabs that had the courage and confidence to join the modeling industry prior to her. Her resilience to continue to fight for recognition in the Arab world allowed her to gain such title.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

2. She was considered “curviest” in comparison to all her friends.

What strikes Esseibi to be different and unique is her confidence. She mentioned how she had always stood out from her friends, but she takes and thinks of it in a positive manner. She did not care about people’s opinion. Instead, she had the strength to face people’s judgment; something majority of us lack, unfortunately.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

3. She did not think of modeling until the summer of 2017, when she was 18 years old in Tunis, her hometown.

To Ameni, her school years were coming to an end, and she was unsure about what to do next with her life. However, when she was aware on how there are no curvy Arab women in the modeling industry, the thought of modeling directly occurred to her.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

4. Ameni Esseibi never went to university, instead, she wanted to pursue modeling.

Esseibi’s father wanted her to put this interest on the side and instead, go to university and gain her degree. However, she mentioned that there was no time to waste; she wanted to start her career young.

Photo Credits // amenieesseibi

5. She began her career messaging photographers and tagging agencies on Instagram.

Esseibi felt hopeless about the modeling industry in the Arab world and found that the only solution to gain recognition is through social media. She would come across photographers and get in contact with them; mentioning that she is a curvy model who is willing to collaborate on fashion and beauty projects. Also, she would take pictures of herself and tag her favorite agencies. After constant tags and messages, they were finally able to get in touch with her.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

6. She’s not modeling for the sake of modeling itself; there’s a message she wants to deliver to the Arab world.

Esseibi mentioned herself that “I’m not modeling for the sake of modeling. I feel that, as an Arab who is bigger in size, I’m representing all the women living in the shadows, who are told they can’t celebrate their bodies and their beauty because they are not a certain size. They aren’t comfortable in their skin and I want to change that. I want to be their voice.”

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

7. She could go to the West to pursue modeling, but instead, she’s deciding to stay here.

Esseibi knows herself that if she were to use her talent, beauty, and confidence outside the Arab world, they would directly reach out to her and she would be living her best life. But instead, she decided to take the harder route and fight for plus sized rights. She knows that she has the resilience to attempt to change Arab markets and mindsets.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

8. She is currently modeling for multiple brands and companies.

She is the face of Namshi, the online retailer in the UAE. Also, she modeled for brands such as Max and Splash. She also won the award of Grazia Style Awards 2019.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

9. She has entered the world of make up and skincare. 

She knows it’s her upcoming challenge. When it comes to face, they look for certain features; high cheekbones, defined jaw, etc. Esseibi changed those rules. She is currently working on campaigns like Milo Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury, and more.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi

10. Many people believe that she has gone this far because she looks “Latina;” however, she disagrees.

Esseibi’s looks are different than the “typical Arab.” Her skin is caramel- like, her eyes are wide and her lips are full. However, whenever people criticize her, they degrade her by saying that it is her face that has gotten her this far, and not her body. However, Esseibi disagrees. She believes that it is everything about her that has gotten her this far in her life and career, from her body to her face to her confidence.

Photo Credits // ameniesseibi