From Humble beginnings in Nnewi, Anambra State to becoming a successful international model, Mary Nkechi Timms&rsquo; climb to the top was no easy feat. More than just a pretty face, the model and mogul share the story of her strength and tenacity to conquer the competitive world of international modeling along with several successful business ventures.

Tell us more about yourself.
I am from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. I was raised by my grandma, and being raised by her shaped me into the woman I am today. There were days when I didn&rsquo;t have food to eat, so I took to the streets to sell water. I was fortunate enough to obtain an education, and I attended high school in Anambra State before moving to Nigeria's capital Abuja, where I studied mass communication. While I was still in school, I had my own beauty salon, which is how I paid my school fees. I never gave up on my ultimate dream to become an international model.

What were the challenges you faced to get to where you are today?
In life it is harder to climb than it is to descend. Despite the fact that I studied mass communication, I am also passionate about entrepreneurship. I appreciate people who helped me climb the ladder of success; it is not an easy journey. However, coming to America was a huge challenge.
I started modelling way before I left Nigeria. I always loved taking pictures, and modeling gives me the luxury of doing that constantly. It was a very hard decision, because modelling is a career that is looked down on in Nigeria. I kept moving. I started doing more photoshoots and applied for a couple of beauty pageants in Nigeria just to get my foot in the door. I started getting some modelling jobs through my connections with various makeup artists. The pay wasn&rsquo;t much, but it helped to motivate me before I left Nigeria for the United States, where the struggles had only just begun. I worked hard, and eventually was offered a contract by one of the best modeling agencies in the world.

Did you at any point feel like quitting?
No way! I am a fighter. I am a survivor. I do not give up. Every step of the way, I had to learn quickly. I had to be wise and work hard, but I never felt like quitting.
Becoming a model requires much more than taking pictures and walking runways in glamorous locales. It is a business, and getting started in the industry, you are faced with a lot of no&rsquo;s before finally getting the yes that can jumpstart your career.

How do you get inspiration as a model?
Truly, my inspiration comes from God. It is the spirit of God that provides me with the wisdom to work hard while my physical strength encourages me to be motivated. So, I believe that a combination of my faith in God and hard work has brought me this far.

What else do you do apart from modelling?
I came from a background of lack, so I know the importance of having several streams of income. When I got to America, I was in awe because I couldn&rsquo;t even have dreamt that I would ever fly in an airplane, let alone have traveled to over 20 countries in the past 3 years! I thought that my modeling career would just take off instantly. The reality is that I had to find other ways to support myself until that time came.
I currently own a dating app called Million Dollars Match as well as a publication. I started the Mary Timms Foundation in 2018, which is a platform for me to give back to the communities and causes that I care about. I also worked in a hospital for up to 16 hours a day working with the elderly before my modeling career really took off. I always made sure I was able to take care of myself, but I never let anything stop me from my ultimate dream of becoming a model.

What is the toughest part of your job and how has fame impacted you?
Satisfying clients is something that takes a while to learn in the industry and modeling for brands can be very challenging. I am extremely grateful for every opportunity that I have had. I&rsquo;ve already worked with Vogue, and I can&rsquo;t believe I am fortunate enough to be sitting here today with L&rsquo;Officiel Baltic.
I worked so hard to have come from so little and now I am finally beginning to see my dreams realized. I am so excited to see what future opportunities present themselves. These milestone moments are so remarkable to me.

What is your advice for aspiring models?
You have to work hard and have patience in God&rsquo;s timing. Keep working towards your dreams, and don&rsquo;t let a few no&rsquo;s discourage you from getting back up and continuing on your journey.
Having loyal and productive friends who will help you succeed in life is key. You have to keep your faith, you must identify your areas of strength, and don&rsquo;t do anything just because other people are doing it. You must discover who you are and then rise to the occasion and empower yourself.

If God can make a once- homeless girl from Nigeria into an international model and Citizen of America, there is no doubt that He can make anything possible.

Limitless
Model: Mary Timms @mary_timms_
Photographer: Michalis Lavdiotis @michalislavdiotis
Stylist: Christina Skarpeli @christinaskarpli
Outfit: Christina Skarpeli
Jewelry: Am by Agapi @ambyagapi

L'OFFICIEL Digital ft. Mary Timms

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