“Focus, Empower, and Inspire” – An Interview With Michael Angelo Taylor

This exclusive interview features Michael Angelo Taylor. Step into his vibrant world, where each step is a statement, and every pose weaves a captivating tale. In this conversation, we peel back the layers of his journey. Brace yourselves to be carried away by his charisma, awestruck by his accomplishments, and ignited by his unyielding passion for fashion and advocacy. Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey through the lens of one of the industry’s most dynamic and influential figures.

SA: Could you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in the modeling industry?

My name is Michael Angelo Taylor. I’ve been modeling both locally and internationally for 3 years now.

SA: What initially drew you to pursue a career in modeling, and how has your journey evolved since then?

Modeling wasn’t the initial career I was pursuing, but one thing led to another. I did a campaign that went viral with my friend Leslie Bruce, and the rest is history. It’s been a journey filled with interesting stories, places, and people. I’ve also learned a lot of lessons and continue to better my craft each and every day.

SA: Can you describe a pivotal moment or experience that influenced your decision to become a model?

After the campaign with Leslie Bruce, I kept receiving compliments. So, I tried my hand at more shoots and campaigns, and the feedback was positive. As a result, I decided to jump right in.

SA: How do you balance your modeling work with your personal life and other interests? Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of modeling?

My life right now is centered around the entertainment industry, which encompasses art, music, and fashion. Transitioning between the three isn’t hard for me. I love sports and music, so I’m deeply involved in activities that revolve around them.

“𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗱𝗼, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.”

SA: What are some of the projects or campaigns that you are most proud of and why?

The Woodin campaign was pretty amazing. It wasn’t my biggest, but just seeing myself on my first billboard at home was an incredible feeling.

SA: How do you prepare for a photoshoot or a runway show?

I browse through poses, pray, and do some breathing exercises.

SA: How do you express your individuality through your fashion choices and what are the brands or designers that you look up to or partner with? How do you keep track of the latest styles and movements in the fashion world?

For the most part, I love being comfortable. Occasionally, I step out of my comfort zone, but overall, I strive to maintain a simple yet stylish and very comfortable approach. I’m fortunate to be friends with or share the same space as some great designers, including people like Jude Dontoh, Joey Lit, the Free the Youth team, Chris from Subwae Studios, Mohammed Black, and a few others. Ghana has truly made a mark on the fashion scene, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

SA: As a model, what do you do to stay fit and healthy and what are some of the tips or routines that you follow? What are the physical and mental demands of modeling and how do you cope with them?

In terms of physical fitness, I try to do home workouts as much as possible. I also enjoy swimming and dancing, so I’m pretty active most of the time. On those days when the workout session seems to last forever, it takes a certain amount of stamina to keep up. As for the mental aspect, it’s crucial to have a very strong sense of self and to constantly focus on that.

SA: How do you cope with the pressure and competition in the modeling industry and what are some of the skills or qualities that you have developed or learned along the way?

I try not to compete; I simply focus on doing good work and positioning myself in the right place with the right people. This approach helps me get my face and work out there.

SA: What is your approach to dealing with constructive or unconstructive criticism?

Take the useful information in and disregard the useless. In this industry, a lot of people are going to have an opinion; you have to remain focused.

SA: What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?

On set, nothing so far in life is too many to count, but I’m not mentioning them. LOL.

“𝗠𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲.”

SA: What are the causes or issues that inspire you and how do you use your platform as a model to create change or awareness?

I am a strong advocate for mental health issues, and I strive to use my platform to raise awareness about them. Additionally, I champion providing opportunities for young individuals to develop their talents through my foundation, FLI Kids.

SA: In what ways do you handle the ethical and social issues that may arise in the modeling industry or when you are working?

I try to speak up as much as possible and refrain from collaborating with certain people.

SA: As a model, what are your aspirations and how are you pursuing them? How do you measure your success as a model?

It’s hard to measure success in an industry like this because you’re being judged based on your appearance. However, personally, I would like to participate in more international shows and campaigns, and I’m actively working towards that goal.

SA: In your opinion, how does effective personal branding contribute to a model’s success in the industry, and can you provide examples from your own experience?

It always helps to be unique. For instance, my hair and dress sense drew a lot of attention to me.

SA: How do you balance your personal and professional identity as a model? How do you manage your online presence and reputation?

I’m the same in both worlds, but I’m still learning how to improve my online presence.

SA: What is the most daring or adventurous thing that you have ever done or would like to do?

I would like to skydive.

SA: How do you access work and exposure opportunities in the global fashion industry? What are the obstacles or difficulties that you encounter as a Ghanaian model? How do you surmount them and display your skills and culture?

I try my best to network whenever I’m put in a space, and that has helped for the most part. As a Ghanaian model, it’s challenging to rely solely on modeling because the industry here doesn’t pay as much or even acknowledge the value of our work. To address this, I leverage social media to connect with international brands and individuals.

SA: In what ways is the Ghanaian modeling industry different from other regions or countries in terms of vibrancy or dynamism? Do you feel that it is behind in some areas? If so, what are the causes of that? What are the possible solutions to improve the situation?

There is definitely talent here; there just needs to be support.

SA: You’ve partnered with several renowned brands in the fashion industry. Which brand collaborations were the most memorable or meaningful to you and what made them stand out?

Woodin was my first billboard in Ghana and internationally, on the continent. I had friends in different parts of Africa experiencing something I had done—it was a great feeling.

SA: Modeling often involves extensive travel. What are some of your favorite destinations you’ve had the opportunity to visit for work?

Paris and Berlin, but I’m looking forward to doing more traveling.

SA: Diversity and representation in the fashion industry have been important topics in recent years. How do you see the industry evolving in terms of inclusivity?

I see the industry evolving, but if I’m being honest, it will still be governed by certain core rules.

SA: Finally, what message would you like to convey to your fans and supporters who look up to you as a role model?

Never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do, and embrace your individuality.

SA: Thank you for sharing your story and your perspective with us. Is there anything else that you would like to add or upcoming project you would like to talk about?

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