When Aaron Ibrahim, 14y/o, first came to Sunbeam Studios with his mum in tow, you’d never have guessed that a wildly successful child modelling career lay just in front of him. Hidden under a cap and large coat, it’s fair to say he’d never given much thought to being a model. Now he and his sister Aisha, 11y/o, are both successful child models.
We caught up with their mum, Jenny Ibrahim, to find out more about Aaron, Aisha, and the ins and outs of being a parent of child models.
Child Modelling: A Parent’s Perspective
WAM: Jenny, hi! I don’t know where to start; there’s been so much going on for you. Where did this all begin?
J.I: Hi! Well, I first got in touch with We Are Models because Aisha wanted to get into child modelling. Aaron had always been a performer and he’d been going to dance school for years, but he wasn’t particularly interested in modelling at that point.
Anyway, the whole family came into Sunbeam Studios together and the team took one look at Aaron and told him he should definitely get in front of the camera. Well, one look after he took his coat and cap off! He was definitely hiding… He just loved it though, he was an instant natural.
So we left Sunbeam with photos of us as a family, as well as images tailored to Aisha and Aaron’s individual child modelling careers. We started sending out images to the agencies We Are Models recommended, and the rest is history.
WAM: So that’s when Aaron and Aisha’s careers really took off?
J.I: Yes. Aaron’s now with 7 major agencies and Aisha is with 5. It was all a bit of a surprise, really. We went into Sunbeam Studios with the attitude that this was all a bit of fun, and if nothing else we’d end up with some beautiful photos to keep.
The biggest surprise has been how supportive the industry has been. I went in maybe thinking that the modelling industry wasn’t that great, especially for children, but I’ve been constantly overwhelmed by how lovely everyone is.
Child Modelling
I went in thinking that the modelling industry maybe wasn’t that great, especially for children, but I’ve been constantly overwhelmed by how lovely everyone is
We’ve met so many fabulous, supportive people; everyone is just loving it and wants to help each other.
WAM: What kinds of child modelling work are they both getting?
J.I: There’s been a lot! Aaron was in Barcelona on a 3-day shoot recently, for example. He’s done work for CBBC, Sky Sports, Virgin Media. It’s a teenage boy’s dream come true. He was working on set with Lionel Messi and Peter Crouch for a TV commercial quite recently, and he loves football so that was an amazing experience.
Aisha’s done TV work for Disney so all her friends love it. And CBBC actually. She just did a job for BBC Bitesize for KS1 too.
WAM: I suppose this is the obvious question for parents of child models, but how do you balance everything?
J.I: Aaron is doing his GCSEs so balancing his modelling with his schoolwork has been really important. He might take time off, but it’s all about making sure he catches up. I’m an Asian mum so I like straight As…! Haha! Seriously though, he’s doing really well in his studies – he is a straight A student, luckily. He’s balancing it well.
We’ve instilled in him how important his studies are; he knows what he wants. He could leave school at 16 and become a model full-time, but he knows he needs to get his A-Levels first.
Child Modelling
I was afraid that his schoolwork would suffer once he started child modelling all the time, but it hasn’t. In fact, it’s got better.
I was afraid that his schoolwork would suffer once he started child modelling all the time, but it hasn’t. In fact, it’s got better. I think it’s because the kids know castings could come through at any time. They always want to be prepared, so they don’t waste time. They do their homework as soon as they get it, and they work hard to keep their grades up.
WAM: It sounds like child modelling has been a really positive experience. What have the biggest benefits been?
J.I: Before we got into the industry, I never thought it would be such a positive thing for the children. But it really has been.
The major benefit is that they’ve been working in a very professional environment. Aaron has matured very quickly, and has a much better understanding of what he wants. He’s still a schoolboy when he’s at school but when he’s on a job he’s professional. It’s given him that understanding of what it takes to earn money as an adult, and the discipline not to mess around, to take your work seriously.
Child Modelling
He’s still a schoolboy when he’s at school but when he’s on a job he’s professional. It’s given him that understanding of what it takes to earn money and the discipline to take your work seriously
I guess it’s been about finding the balance of everything. I want him to have time to just be a boy, you know? That doesn’t seem to be a problem though. I mean, he plays guitar, he plays basketball, he’s doing his Duke of Edinburgh qualification at the moment too. And he still finds time to lounge around and play the Playstation. So that’s something else he’s learnt through child modelling – he’s really good at organising his time.
I’ve actually seen a big change in him since he started modelling, in terms of how he copes with pressure. Obviously now, with his GCSE’s, there’s a lot of pressure and that directly affects how you perform in your exams. He’s definitely better at handling nerves now – you turn up to a casting of maybe 100 people and you learn to cope. What children need is confidence, in my opinion, and child modelling has given Aaron and Aisha that.
Child Modelling
What children need is confidence, in my opinion, and child modelling has given Aaron and Aisha that
WAM: Amazing, thank you Jenny. And one final question: what would your words of wisdom be for any other parents of aspiring child models?
J.I: Help your kids follow their dreams… but be prepared to be exhausted! Haha! No, seriously, it is tiring – but it’s worth it. We’ve met some amazing people, and both Aaron and Aisha now have this amazing career option they could pursue after education if they want to. As long as they’re enjoying it, and you’re finding that balance, I say go for it.
That’s Jenny Ibrahim for you. A classic model herself and parent to two fabulously successful child models, Jenny certainly has a lot to balance but she’s loving every minute of it. If you’re thinking about the world of child modelling and aren’t sure where to start, We Are Models are here to help. Get in touch now. You can Also read our article on Family Modelling.
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