Jarrah Kollei is a woman with a trans background, a master’s degree in political science and a future top model.
When Jarrah College25, heard in June that he had won the “Huippumalli haussa” competition, astonishment struck as his main thought.
– I was even shocked in a positive way! There was a lot of excitement and an intense six-week competition session. The feeling was unreal.
– It took a week to understand and process the win, Jarrah recalls now.
The first filming in the Huippumalli haussa program took place above the rooftops of Helsinki. MTV
Although the show’s finale was only seen on TV this week, it was actually filmed in the summer.
– I was already really grateful for reaching the final. As I say in the episode I saw, any one of us could have won, everyone was amazing. It felt like a privilege to get excited about the final result A cricket and Leevin with, Jarrah says.
Jarrah competed for the Huippumalli haussa win with Sirka and Leevi. MTV
Bullied at school
This season, we were looking for a different, unique model that also has a mission and a story.
Jarrah defends the rights of minorities and strives to promote equality. She is herself a woman of trans background, who in a small central Finnish town attracted attention even as a child.
– I was bullied at school. I tried to play a boy, but I was teased and called gay, says Jarrah.
As a child, she already watched Suomen Huippumalli haussa and its American version together with her sisters.
– I got very excited. I performed walking in high heels and walked on my toes not only at home but also elsewhere. Of course it wasn’t appropriate. But I imagined I was a model! I was completely mesmerized by the stage walk.
– I also played with Bratz dolls. It was a contradiction all the time. I knew that in principle I shouldn’t have done that, I was supposed to be like a boy.
Out of the crowd
Jarrah came out at the age of 13. It didn’t surprise anyone, at least not at home.
– I remember my parents and sisters talking already when I was four or five that I was either gay or something really strange.
The dark skin added to the feeling of difference. Jarrah’s mother is Finnish and his father is Gambian.
A model is not just a doll to be dressed and presented, but a person. That’s why a personal story matters. However, Jarrah does not believe that alone was the key to victory.
– However, the most important thing in a model’s work are skills. It must be understood that it is a profession of passion that requires a certain attitude. You have to be ready to receive feedback and develop, you need cooperation, he reminds.
– The skills also include stage walking, which I have been strong from the beginning. Of course, external factors also play a role. I myself deviate from the crowd, which is a plus in the modeling world, Jarrah continues.
Jarrah knows that looking different from the crowd is a plus in the modeling world. MTV
Academic model
When Jarrah was 16 years old, a modeling agent picked him up off the street and offered him a business card.
Although Jarrah has worked as a model in addition to his studies, he also has a master’s degree in political science with a major in global development studies.
Postgraduate studies are also interesting, but now Jarrah plans to focus fully on building a career as a model.
– My educational background and model work are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, I can combine them with advancing my message. I also want to promote sustainable development in the fashion industry, says Jarrah.
Open world
The win in the top model search took Jarrah to Stockholm for Vogue Scandinavia’s shoot.
– I could never have imagined what a wonderful experience it is! Getting to know industry players at this level is priceless. At the same time, I noticed that my career has been thought ahead.
– I received contacts and some jobs have already been preliminarily agreed upon, but I have also been advised to wait until the Vogue story comes out. It spawns more, Jarrah says.
The Scandinavian edition of Vogue starring Jarrah will be published soon.
– The work is just beginning. Now I have to network and find the right model agency for me, Jarrah knows.
As myself
Top model Saara Sihvonen worked in the program not only as the main judge but also as a mentor to the model contestants. He offered a personal coaching program even after the filming of the program to the five best placed. Sihvonen will continue to be supportive.
– The training was a really useful overview of the realities of the modeling industry.
– Even though you are on the lists of a modeling agency, in practice you are a freelancer. It means understanding and tolerating uncertainty and changes, mental strength is asked, Jarrah reminds.
The young woman is full of enthusiasm and is heading abroad, where her career will probably flourish. Nothing really scares, but there is one thing Jarrah wants to stick to:
– I hope I never lose myself or forget who I am, where I come from or what I represent. I try to stay myself, no matter what comes my way.
Jarrah is not interested in what other people think about him or shout on social media. He knows that some people, for example, wonder why an elephant representing a certain appearance mold was not chosen as the model.
– I appreciate all kinds of models and competitions. But it was quite clear to me that I would not enter the Miss pageant or represent the classic ideal of beauty.
– For me, the work of a model is art. It should not only be aesthetically beautiful, but it should arouse emotions and shake, Jarrah sums up.
Jarrah hopes to never forget who he is, where he comes from or what he represents. MTV