interview with dieynaba diop

Our 2020 dress is named the Dieynaba Dress, in honor of the lovely Dieynaba Diop (Day-na-ba De-op) who is featured in these images. As a fashion model, healthcare worker, entrepreneur, and refugee, she shares many ties to our organizational ideals; therefore, we wanted to honor her in this way. We were so taken by her grace, confidence, and aspirations, we sat down with her for the following interview.

Tell us about a day in the life of Dieynaba.

I wake naturally every morning at 5 a.m. in time for Fajr, which is the first prayer of the day in the Muslim religion. It’s my favorite part of the day as it brings me close to my creator and the meditation aspect feels very strong. 

After that, I go back to sleep if I have the day off, or if it is a day of work, I get ready and leave my house by 6:20 a.m. for my hospital shifts that start at 6:45 a.m.

On my days off, I wake again at 9:00 a.m. First, I check my phone to see if I have messages from Wendy, who is my Kansas City-based modeling agent at Voices& Models, or from my other agencies. I read emails then put on my robe, go downstairs, open all my windows, and take care of my plants. I water my plants, talk to them, and call them by their names; for instance, my aloe plant is Vera and my snake plant is Wang. Then, I prep my body for the day by drinking lemon in lukewarm water, and then taking a spoonful of sea moss and elderberry syrup, which are used commonly in Africa to build up immunity. 

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I take my time making it–commonly avocado toast or a French omelette–and then I take my time eating it, at least an hour. I love to sit and look outside, focus on myself, and enjoy the food. Then I call my mom and we talk for 30-40 minutes. She’s my best friend; she is the first and last person I talk with every day.

Then, it’s noon by this point and I start to plan my meals for the rest of the day and meal prep if I work the next day. I make African food, which is delicious and nice to keep my culture alive. Then I clean; I clean everything every day. Normally then I go to the gym for a workout but during the pandemic, I’m doing workouts at home. Then I shower, eat lunch, and lie down and catch up on TV shows to be alert about what’s current. Or I might work on my new business venture called Dieynaba Beauty where I am sourcing essential oils, body butters, and other ingredients from Africa–stay tuned on that! Then I go visit my family. My nephew loves soccer so I am his soccer partner. I’m home and reading by 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Right now it’s Becoming by Michelle Obama–my favorite book of all time–and next it’s Don’t Forget Your Crown, a book about caring for yourself by Derrick Jaxn. I get ready for bed at 10:00 p.m. so I can reach seven hours of sleep for my daily early wake up.   

What are some important things you've learned during the pandemic?

I’ve learned so much, actually. Most importantly, it is OK to be still, and not feel like I have to be everywhere, doing everything, meeting everyone. Right now, we are only allowed out to get essentials; the essentials might be the only thing we need. We take a lot for granted. 

The simplest of things, common sense things like washing your hands, should always be done. 

I can use the resources I already have at home to create content; I don’t need to be in an elaborate setting, and I can do my own hair and makeup. Clients are sending me products to model and shoot in my home!

Family. All of my family is here together in this country. I feel lucky for this, as not all [refugees] do.

How are you keeping yourself focused and healthy during the last few months?

Hearing the news and other people talking about the news causes stress. So I have been focusing on my inner peace and not letting negative energy enter my environment. I meditate. Meditating doesn’t have to be hard…just sit there for five minutes, breathe, and think about all the things you have in your life. I drink a lot of water, and have the opportunity to sleep peacefully and soundly. 

I am taking care of my immune system so it will be ready to fight back in the case I contract the virus. As a healthcare worker, I also take extra precautions right now. When I get home from the hospital after each work day, I remove my scrubs and shoes in the garage. My shoes stay there and I do laundry every day. 

What is your favorite restaurant in Kansas City?

Aixois. They have the most amazing salmon ever. The coffee is amazing. The service is amazing. Some of the servers speak French and so do I, so that is nice.

Voices& Models represents you as a model in Kansas City. What other modeling jobs have you had and what are your aspirations for modeling?

I am represented by agencies in St. Louis, Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York. Some of my most memorable jobs involved my feet: for Shoe Carnival, I was on billboards inside and outside of their stores and for Famous Footwear, I was in an email campaign. A friend of mine, who didn’t know I was booked for the Famous Footwear job, received that email and forwarded it to me, saying, “Those look like your feet!” I guess I have memorable feet! I have also modeled for Amazon Fashion.  

My dream is to be the face of Rihanna’s FENTY beauty and clothing line. I think she is amazing as a person and how she has manifested everything she owns. 

Growing up where I did and as an immigrant girl, I have visions of what I can be. These visions will never come to life if I don’t work for them. Also, I believe you don’t just have to be just one thing; I can be a nurse and a model–that’s why I give 100% at the hospital and on modeling jobs. 

What advice do you have for other models?

Never take criticism personally. I have heard many nos and would have stopped if I believed in those nos. Never allow another person’s opinion to determine your dream because it is not up to a human being to tell another human being what they are capable of. Take yourself seriously and confidently, otherwise no one will. Follow your dream; love what you do; perfect your craft; be confident in your body and skin. That is the only way you are going to make it.

In these photos you are featured with and without a hijab. As a modern Muslim woman, how do you choose when to cover or uncover in your personal life? 

As a Muslim woman, you are supposed to cover your hair. When you are praying, you are to be covered from head to toe. I come from Senegal, which is more lenient than other countries; women only cover when they are praying and after marrying. I cover when I pray and go to family gatherings. Being a good religious practitioner comes from the actions and feelings inside one’s heart, not in your appearance. 

Modest dressing can be a part of a practiced religion, or simply a fashion choice. What are some of your favorite modest brands?

I have many favorite modest brands, mostly based in the UK and Africa such as Sheikha and Culture Hijab. ASOS has actually been collaborating with well-known modest brands lately. 

Talk to us about beauty and confidence. What are these things to you?

Beauty is very important. The face is beautiful–it’s the first thing people see so I take extra steps and care when it comes to my face. As a model, you are promoting your image so you have to make sure you are mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. I have regular massages, apply masks once a week, wash my face twice a day, and am very careful about what products I use. I read all the ingredients–the more natural the product is, the better. 

I tell people this all the time: I love myself 1,000%. We need to love ourselves unconditionally. I respect myself and invest in myself. Growing up in the Fulani Tribe where everyone has dark skin, I have always appreciated how rich my skin color is. There is no other way around it! I was informed by my mother’s example and teachings to love my body, my curves, my complexion. 

You emigrated from Northwest Africa to the United States when you were six years old. What are your thoughts on all of the recent changes in immigration? 

It is so heartbreaking. The reason why is, I know why people run away from their home to seek peace and safety. There is still war to this day in my home country, which is Mauritania. Everything was taken away from our family–jobs, land, anything valuable. Unspeakable things happened to good people. We escaped to Senegal and then came to the US. I don’t like to think about if my family would have been denied.

Whom do you admire and why?

My mom, Houleye. She is my best friend. She is the most amazingly strong, confident, beautiful woman I’ve ever met. She has been through a lot and still holds a smile every day.