Kenza Fourati on Sports Illustrated, Identity & Finding Her Voice

What happens when a modeling agency wants you to change the name that connects you to your identity? Kenza Fourati reflects on belonging, ambition and learning to speak up. The Tunisian model, activist and entrepreneur joins Vlada and Ines to discuss her early career, her Sports Illustrated appearance and moving from Paris to New York. She also explores the expectations placed on young models, choosing work that reflects her values and building her shoe brand, OSAY—Our Stories Are Yours. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introducing Kenza Fourati 06:00 - Growing up in Tunisia & beginning to model 08:30 - The impact of her Sports Illustrated appearance 11:16 - Entering the Elite Model Look competition 18:39 - Returning to Paris after high school 22:46 - Living on an €8 weekly allowance 26:33 - When an agency wanted to rename her “Maya” 31:33 - Being a teenager in an adult industry 46:18 - Moving to New York & finding acceptance 48:35 - Launching OSAY & discussing ethical fashion 55:05 - The “silent model” era & finding her voice 01:05:23 - Moving from modeling into entrepreneurship 01:29:14 - Advice to her 15-year-old self 01:30:45 - Turning down work that conflicts with her values 01:47:48 - Rapid-fire Q&A JOIN THE CONVERSATION Have you ever felt pressure to change part of your identity to fit into an industry? FOLLOW Kenza Fourati on IG: @kenzafourati Proud to support our friends at Osay The Label - go check them out and get your pair of Baboush too! https://www.instagram.com/osaythela