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TadiasMagazine — June 17, 2010 — This week Tadias TV highlights international model Maya Gate Haile. The Ethiopian-born model grew up in Holland before relocating to New York where her fashion modeling career has flourished. She is represented by the world’s top modeling agencies including IMG, Elite and Ford.

The choice to become a model as a teenager was a tough, personal decision for Maya. Her parents, who migrated to the Netherlands when Maya was 13, pushed their daughter to focus on learning a new language, excelling in school, and perhaps consider becoming a doctor or a nurse.

Maya haile

“For a long time I had [modeling] on my mind, but I could not bring it home,” Maya says. And those who saw the tall, somewhat shy, and elegant girl with an infectious smile would often remark “Are you a model?” At 20 Maya finally decided to tell her decision to her family.

Maya-haile and Marcus-samuelsson

“My brother was really shocked: ‘You’re going to be a model? Are you kidding me?’” But Maya took the opportunities before her and delved into the world of fashion. As much as she loves

her work, Maya points out that modeling for her is not “a final destination.”

“I love modeling because from modeling you can become

something else,” she says with enthusiasm. She points out that one can grow from the networking opportunities modeling affords and get involved in art, film, photography and other ventures. “It is not only about modeling,” she emphasizes.

On a lighter note, we asked Maya about her hobbies including basketball with her husband Chef Entrepreneur and Author Marcus Samuelsson. “Who wins when the two of you play?” “I always win,” Maya says with a smile, “but you have to ask [Marcus]. He should tell you about it.” In the couples interview last summer Marcus confirmed her side of the story. “She kicks my ass in basketball!”

Read more  Tigist Selam’s conversation with Model Maya Haile at Tadias.com.

Tags: Liya kebede, Marcus samuelsson, Sosina