Valuable Mustapha from Winx Saga on modelling for H&M, being an advocate for Black girls, and the way she navigates anxiousness
East London women do it greatest — so says everybody from these ends – however greatest consider Valuable Mustapha, 24, makes a great case for them. Now starring in her breakout function of Aisha in The Winx Saga subsequent to GLAMOUR’s former coverstar Abigail Cowen, and in addition now modelling for H&M’s new sustainability-first Fall Style marketing campaign, for Valuable, the one means is up.
Valuable was born and raised in Hackey, East London, together with her mom and two sisters, who’ve supported her flip-flopping by numerous careers and aspirations earlier than performing got here calling. Quick ahead three years since her performing college commencement and she or he is now busy filming season two of the hit Netflix sequence The Winx Saga — impressed by the cartoon model all of us grew up watching and cherished dearly. With a die-hard fan base, she confesses to having been a bit of anxious about taking over the function however has not let imposter syndrome cease her from chasing her goals.
Valuable Mustapha sits down nearly in an unique interview with GLAMOUR, to speak by her humble beginnings, the nuances of sustainable trend, filming The Winx Saga, and far more.
Learn MoreNetflix's The Winx Saga is like Harry Potter meets Riverdale and everybody goes to be hooked
By Sheilla Mamona
On being an advocate for Black girls…
“I'm such an advocate for Black girls, particularly dark-skinned black girls being in roles the place it’s not about our race. We simply occur to be Black, however we're enjoying these characters who’re tremendous nuanced and tremendous enjoyable and never traumatic. It's so essential to depict Black girls as wonderful and highly effective as we’re. One of many the reason why I took on this job was as a result of I knew that ‘younger me’ would like to see one of these illustration.”
On how sustainability could be very *rattling* costly…
“Sustainable trend is essential to me now. It's so attention-grabbing as a result of some component of it’s a class factor and it's a privilege to have the ability to gown sustainably. I.e. Having the funds to be sustainable. Numerous the the reason why rising up my mum would purchase us garments, from I suppose you could possibly name it quick trend is as a result of that's all we may afford. Whereas I believe now, I’m changing into much more conscious of what I'm consuming and what I'm placing on. I all the time ask myself questions earlier than I purchase issues and ensure I'm checking what I'm shopping for earlier than I purchase them. Like: ‘Do I even want this? Is it good high quality? Is it multi-tasking, the place does it come from, and may I put on it over and over?’ Slicing down on the issues that you just purchase, realizing the place they arrive from is kind of essential. Hand me downs to siblings and charity is nice too. I really like charity outlets.”
On the H&M collections…
“I wore this outsized orange jumper-dress vibe and I like it. I used to be obsessive about it. It was so shiny and also you immediately felt so glad in it. I additionally love the water repellent gilet that they’ve. These are actually enjoyable to put on. Then one in every of my faves was the quilted shopper bag, which is simply beautiful. It appears to be like like a pillow. I like it.”
On her greatest magnificence buys…
“If my magnificence cupboard was on hearth and I needed to save three merchandise, I might save my moisturiser as a result of I must be moisturised always. My mum is from Nigeria, so she will get pure shea butter in blocks shipped from house. Secondly, I’d say fragrance. I’ve an obsession with smelling good. I exploit the YSL Libre. Lastly, my SPF, as a result of we have to debunk the parable that black and brown folks don't want sunscreen. I exploit La Roche Posay Anthelios.”
On being unapologetically ‘you’…
“I was apologetic for simply current. Empowerment for me is while you take possession of the truth that you may have a proper to be right here and you’ve got a proper to take up area and it’s best to simply personal that and personal your energy. If everybody did that, we'd all be unstoppable. It’s additionally not apologising for being you and like engaged on your self continuously as a result of there's all the time room to enhance your self and to enhance the way you maneuver around the globe, the way you converse to folks. The extra we try this, the extra empowering it’s and the extra empowered we really feel.
“I'm not additional than the place I used to be. I can see it. Even the way in which I transfer on set and stuff, after I'm performing, I'm much more vocal. Numerous the time I'm having to navigate in predominantly white areas. So I’m now not feeling uncomfortable or like I don't have a proper to be right here and use my voice. Now I'm undoubtedly in an area the place I'm prepared to talk up for the issues that I consider in. Whereas a couple of years in the past, I in all probability would say nothing. I endure from anxiousness. So typically I’ve spells the place I simply don't know if I can do that, or that I don't know what I'm doing. It's a day-to-day factor. I'm continuously rising and evolving, however finally I need to be somebody who strikes in an area of affection and kindness and I need to all the time be capable to have my voice and never permit folks to take my kindness for weak point.”
On navigating anxiousness…
“It’s actually essential to take breaks, particularly on social media. Everytime you're feeling tremendous anxious, that's what I do. There's no disgrace in that both. Particularly on this local weather that we're in, everybody must be on social media on a regular basis otherwise you really feel such as you're gonna miss out on every thing. It's like this FOMO that individuals really feel. However to be trustworthy, your psychological well being is far more essential than no matter's occurring. So simply change it off, have your time, and do issues that you just really like. I really like taking baths, so I'll simply get within the bathtub with no telephone and that feels good to me.”
Learn MorePSA! Netflix's The WINX SAGA has been renewed for a second season
By Sheilla Mamona
On season 2 of The Winx Saga…
“It appears to be like so cinematic. It's quite a bit larger and grander. The costumes and the make-up have been elevated. It's simply epic!”
H&M’s Autumn/Winter Assortment is offered to buy now
https://about.hm.com/information/general-news-2021/h-m-s-autumn-winter-2021-collection-puts-a-contemporary-twist-on.html
