Juraysa Athiah, a model from Pietermaritzburg, is making waves in South Africa’s fashion industry while completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree in Information Systems and Management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.Her journey highlights the possibility of pursuing a successful modelling career without compromising academic goals.

Athiah, who has walked the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July runway for two consecutive years, emphasizes the importance of discipline, resilience, and personal branding in her field.

She attributes her success to her upbringing in Pietermaritzburg, a community-driven city that shaped her grounded personality, and the support of her family, particularly her older sister who inspired her to stay determined.

Her modelling career began unexpectedly after a chance encounter with a modelling development course, which she joined after a gym meeting with a coach.Athiah views modelling as a business, focusing on professionalism and learning from rejections rather than taking them personally.Looking ahead, she aims to transition into media presenting, having already auditioned for the Top Billing Presenter Search.Outside of work, she prioritizes health through fitness, hiking, and painting, while her two dogs, Zeke and Zyla, are a source of comfort.

Athiah advises aspiring models to invest in education and personal branding, stressing that intellect and work ethic are key to long-term success in the industry.