Elhem Rich Archives - Model & Mode

Elhem Rich was born and raised in Tunisia. When she was 13 years old, her father used to bring her several magazines; at that point, she discovered the world of fashion models and fashion brands. Since then, Elhem decided to get into the modeling industry. What she loves most about modeling is the sense of freedom – the fact she can be herself in front of the camera without any limitations coming back for more.

Elhem grew up in a conservative country, where women had fewer rights, and they were not free to speak up or even dress up the way they wanted. They face controversial issues such as prostitution, domestic violence, and religious fundamentalism. And that’s what inspired her to rebel against everything. She knew she could help inspire women and make a difference.

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with Elhem, and here’s what went down:

What do you like most about being a model?

What I love most about modeling is the sense of freedom. The fact I can be myself in front of the camera without any limitations coming back for more. The fact that I grew up in a conservative country, where women have fewer rights, and they’re not free to speak up or even dress up the way they want. They face controversial issues such as prostitution, domestic violence, and religious fundamentalism. And that’s what inspired me to rebel against everything. I knew I could help inspire women and make a difference.

Downside to being a model?

Not getting paid a lot of money at the beginning.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modeling industry so far?

The most memorable experience I’ve had so far was seeing my face in magazines, reminding me where I came from and how I made it so far. I also worked with amazing known brands; it’s a massive accomplishment for me.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I’ve had so many incredible experiences, met amazing people, and learned so much about them, the modeling industry, and more about myself.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modelling industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

You need to believe in yourself first before anyone else will. Enthusiasm is infectious, especially when that translates to self-confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself or think you are awesome, capable, smart, resourceful, and worthy of an opportunity, then who else will? Taking risks and being fearless is hard, but I promise you can do it.

Is your family supportive of you being a model?

My family is not supportive of being a model because of their traditional belief, but my dad is extremely proud of my achievements.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I wouldn’t do anything differently! I believe everything happens for a reason. If I didn’t go through those lessons, I would never be who I am today. I’m so proud of myself, how I made it too far, and I know that I’m here on Earth for a reason.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Don’t compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I have a lot of plans; I want to work with some of the biggest modeling brands in the near future. I also want to land lead roles in the film and television industry. And of course, I want to have my own organization where I can focus on helping children and empowering women for the rest of my life.

The Lightning-Fast Round:

Last good movie I’ve seen: Bird Box.

2. What do you consider beautiful and why?

Be it any living being, a human, or an animal, for me, beauty lies in their heart. If their heart is beautiful, you don’t need to look for anything else. If their heart is beautiful, it automatically converts into beautiful actions, beautiful thinking, and beautiful behavior.