Meet Takiaya Durham | Pageant Model & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Takiaya Durham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Takiaya, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?

My daily habits are what makes me who I am and how I chose to live my life. They determine my attitude and my actions. They also inspire me to reach for my goals, motivate me to live a certain way, dictate how I interact with others, and how I approach challenging circumstances. The habits that have helped me succeed are determination, courage, and honesty.
My first habit that I will discuss is determination. The power of determination is important to me because it enables me to continue working towards achieving my goals and to not give up, despite the obstacles I may endure along the way. My determination has helped me overcome the unexpected.
When things do not go according to how I plan, it is hard for me to maintain motivation and focus. There were many times I wanted to give up because I was afraid of being seen as a failure. This brings me to my next habit, courage. I would never have accomplished any goals I set for myself in life without courage. Having courage allows me to conquer my fears and not let fear rule my life. Being courageous in the midst of fear has helped to build my self confidence.
My last habit that I will discuss is honesty. I pride myself on being an honest person. Being honest allows me to present myself in a genuine and sincere way, without deception, how to be true to myself and others, to accept my flaws and weaknesses, and to be fearless and not let the opinions of others put me down. I refuse to let anyone tell me that I cannot do something, which I know I am capable of doing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

The industry of modeling is extremely competitive and is filled with rejection. It also requires hard work and determination. Most people want to be a model because it is glamorous and lucrative; and/or they want to be recognized in the modeling world. I am a pageant model who competes in pageants on the east coast. What sets me apart from others is my decison to become a model was not based on beauty and profit making. I chose to do modeling to serve as a role model for young girls in my community. I want to show young girls that are struggling with self image issues that their inner beauty is what really matters and that they can carry themselves with confidence and dignity no matter how they look on the outside. I also want to show young girls that they can do anything they set their mind to as long as they stay positive and committed when reaching for their goals. I am most proud of the number of young girls that have seen me wearing my crown and sash and were in awe that someone who looked like them was competing in a pageant. They would be so excited and would ask to take pictures with me. I always tell them if I could do it they can too. My journey to becoming a pageant model was not easy at all. Modeling requires alot of hard work, determination and courage. When I first started modeling I felt like it was too much and had thoughts of giving it up and turned to my parents for advice. My parents is the reason why I am still modeling today. They reminded me of all the young girls who sees my as their role model and how they would be devastated if I walked away and gave up on something that I loved so much. In this case I had to think all the young girls that followed or want to follow in my footsteps before I decided to quit. I could not bear the weight of building up a young girls confidence and then knocking it down by giving up. I want the world to know that I am a person who thinks very careful before I make any decisions. I have young girls who look up to me and the decisions that I make in my life not only affect me but others also.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend visited me for a week I would take them to downtown Philadelpia to visit the Libery Bell at Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the Rocky statue and steps, and to see the artwork inside the Philadelphia Museum, The Franklin Institute, Love Park, Betsy Ross House. I would take them to enjoy some food and drinks at the Reading Terminal Market, Parc, a french restaurant , Jim Steak that serves some of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. We would hang out at the Assembly Rooftop Lounge, which is my favorite place to hangout.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents

Instagram: princess_takiaya1