From the bustling streets of Calangute, Goa, comes a woman whose story is one of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. Yonella Ezeugo, a 22-year-old model, businesswoman, and sports enthusiast, embodies the spirit of determination and adaptability. With a background rooted in both Indian and African cultures, Yonella has carved a unique path, blending creativity, hard work, and personal growth. As a model and client servicing professional at JOSMO Studio, Yonella’s journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and a vision that extends beyond the fashion industry.
The Journey to Modeling: From the Corporate World to Fashion
Although Yonella’s career in modeling was never part of her initial plans, life has a way of leading us toward unexpected opportunities. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Saraswat Vidyalaya’s Sridora Caculo College of Commerce and Management Studies, Yonella initially aimed to delve into the corporate world. However, as fate would have it, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in her life.
In 2019, Yonella faced personal struggles, including mental health challenges and discouraging words from someone who doubted her abilities. These difficulties served as a catalyst for change, pushing her to find a creative outlet. It wasn’t long before she began pursuing modeling, a decision sparked by a friend of her mother’s sharing a post from Ninoshka India. What started as a simple application soon turned into a flourishing career that would change her life.
A Rising Star in the Fashion Industry
Yonella’s modeling career quickly gained momentum. She shot to fame when she reached the top 7 in Femina Miss India Goa, a moment she will always treasure. As a woman of color, Yonella faced unique challenges, especially in balancing two cultures. Yet, it was the support and love she received from her community that propelled her forward, giving her the strength to embrace her identity.
In addition to her beauty pageant success, Yonella has graced advertisements for prestigious brands such as Bacardi, Tuborg, Tira Beauty, Tailor and Circus, and John Jacobs. These opportunities have allowed her to work alongside renowned personalities in the fashion and advertising industries. As if that wasn’t enough, she has walked in shows like India Beach Fashion Week, Urvashi Kaur with COMO, and Triumph Lingerie, leaving her mark on the industry with every stride.
Personal Style: A Blend of Comfort and Chic
While Yonella’s rise in the fashion world is a testament to her beauty and dedication, her personal style stands out as an extension of her multifaceted identity. Drawing inspiration from her love of comfort and chic simplicity, her style includes relaxed crop tops, baggy tees, and denim. Muted tones like beige, black, and brown dominate her wardrobe, with slip dresses and mini dresses as her go-to choices.
As a true 90s kid with a touch of Gen Z, Yonella’s style is a unique fusion of nostalgia and modernity. Fashion icons like Rihanna and Hailey Bieber, along with her mother’s influence, shape her wardrobe, but Yonella has always emphasized that comfort is key to her personal fashion philosophy. After all, as she says, “What’s the point of dressing well if you’re not comfortable?”
Cultural Identity and Embracing Diversity
Coming from two distinct cultural backgrounds—Indian and African—has profoundly shaped Yonella’s perspective on life and modeling. Raised in India, Yonella was instilled with a mindset that embraces imperfections and differences. On the other hand, her African heritage has blessed her with the beauty and strength of two worlds. She believes that her dual identity has equipped her with a unique outlook, allowing her to navigate challenges with confidence and pride.
Fashion Trends and Evolving Style
As someone who is constantly evolving her style, Yonella is particularly excited about the return of plaids and stripes, as well as the trend of wearing dresses over pants. Another style she’s looking forward to experimenting with is utility jackets paired with modern glamour. For Yonella, fashion is not just about looking good—it’s about expressing herself through clothing while staying true to her comfort-driven philosophy.
Social media, particularly platforms like Instagram, has played a major role in shaping her career. By following the right pages and engaging with her audience, Yonella has been able to build her brand and connect with a wider audience. Through her social media presence, she continues to share her journey, both personal and professional, and inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.
Overcoming Challenges in the Modeling Industry
Like many others in the modeling industry, Yonella has encountered challenges along the way. From the long hours and sleepless nights to the pressure of maintaining physical standards, the modeling world is undeniably demanding. Yet, Yonella remains grounded by her family, friends, and her home in Goa. Spending time by the sea, swimming, hiking, or simply relaxing with loved ones helps her recharge and stay focused on her goals.
Mental health has always been a priority for Yonella. She maintains a journal to reflect on her experiences, and when things get tough, she turns to the gym or the sea to reset. Her resilience is evident in how she handles the industry’s pressures while remaining true to herself.
Memorable Moments and Milestones
One of Yonella’s most memorable shoots was with Aakash Bhati for Bacardi. Shot overnight in Goa, this was one of her biggest gigs. What made the experience truly special was the creative freedom that Aakash Bhati allowed his team, giving Yonella the opportunity to bring her true personality to the screen. The camaraderie of the cast and crew made it an unforgettable experience, further cementing her belief that modeling is more than just posing for the camera—it’s about telling a story and making genuine connections.
Advice for Aspiring Models
For those looking to follow in Yonella’s footsteps, her advice is simple yet powerful: “Stay persistent, dedicated, and true to yourself.” She emphasizes the importance of hard work, determination, and the willingness to learn and grow. In an industry that demands constant adaptation, being open-minded and committed to personal growth is key to success.
A Dream for the Future: Opening an Animal Shelter
While her modeling career continues to soar, Yonella harbors a deep passion for animal welfare. Her dream is to open an animal shelter that provides a safe haven for stray and neglected animals. For now, she and her mother feed local dogs every night, but Yonella hopes that one day, she will be able to turn this dream into a reality.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Ten Years
Yonella envisions herself ten years from now, embracing a new culture in a different country while continuing to balance a successful modeling career with a professional role in client relations. She aspires to achieve financial stability and live a fulfilling life that combines her passions for fashion, business, and animal welfare.
Conclusion: A Journey of Strength, Passion, and Purpose
Yonella Ezeugo’s journey is one of resilience, self-expression, and growth. From overcoming personal struggles to becoming a rising star in the modeling world, Yonella has proven that success is built on persistence and self-belief. Her story is a reminder that embracing our identities and staying true to our passions can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, Yonella’s journey continues to inspire those who dare to dream big and work relentlessly to make their dreams a reality.
