Mahi Tim Is Seeing The Light

A front-facing profession is a blessing and a curse.

I have been giving an unnecessary amount of headspace to the concept of front-facing career. In other words, being a public figure, or having a job that requires putting oneself on display. Linking one's image and livelihood has always seemed tough to me. Depending on the work, compensation can completely rely on how you advertise yourself. It almost feels like you can't have a bad day, or else you may lose out on an opportunity.

The issue of model exploitation—the imbalance of insufficient pay compared to expected exposure— specifically with models of color, is what first comes to mind when expanding on the topic. Whether a big-time figure or a newly-established name, how one maneuvers these factors within the industry depends entirely on how the individual views the imbalance.

The unethical nature of the modeling agency is, of course, not a new phenomenon. In the '90s, models were pressured to maintain unhealthy body weights in order to be considered for luxury fashion shows. Reports of sexual harassment on set ran rampant. And public scrutiny—deeming an individual too this, too that, not enough—is still never ending for those in the spotlight, especially in the digital age. A life built in and around the spotlight is not for the faint of heart, we know this already. But before forming my own opinion about the experience, I took to TikTok and Instagram to at least get an idea of how young people in this space are feeling.

As you can imagine, the rabbit hole is pretty deep. The content and dialogue around body image pressure, lack of choice and control in appearance, ongoing stress regarding that lack of control, and the pervasive feeling of being a physical commodity was enough content to take days to consume. There was also the financial strain of this lane of work.

More often than not, models are underpaid or even offered “trade” in clothing or “exposure” though being part of a brand—practices that are considered a social liability. Despite all odds and the spiral surrounding the negative aspects of commoditizing oneself, there are some redeeming aspects in today’s world of modeling. The encouragement for body inclusivity—despite often falling short—is there.

The movement for gender and racial inclusivity continues to influence our commercial world. Advocation for mental and physical wellness plays a small role in improving the standards within this industry. The progress is there, it just moves slowly.

Mahi Tim is a New York-based model and stylist who has lived in New York for 7 years and modeled for 9 years. He has been the face of campaigns with designers like Eckhaus Latta, Calvin Klein, and Telfar. A fellow D.C. native, Mahi moved to New York in 2019. Fast forwarding some years later, he’s living out a dream, depending on how you look at it. I caught up with Mahi to gain his perspective on the industry and how things have changed since he started.

“So, I got into modeling through an old friend who knew me through my music and the shows I had when I was younger,” Mahi says. “I met my agent on the street, but we had mutual friends, so our connection was there. Being a creative and artist really got me into modeling because it’s all relative”,

We see the blending of creative careers now more than ever. Music influences clothing. Brands reach out to musicians to be in their campaigns. Clothing reflects music trends. Art informs it all.

Back in 2021, Mahi was photographed for the Calvin Klein billboard on Houston street—yes, that one. For me—someone who does not feel versed in the world of modeling—this felt crazy. Someone I was familiar with from home was on one of Manhattan’s biggest billboards. But for him, it was just a normal day in the office.

“That was a good time,” Mahi reflects. "I was in a pretty good spot at the time, so really it didn’t elevate or anything like that. I just continued to work, but the recognition throughout social media and the streets was sick. Definitely more people know me now, though.”

With all that exposure, I was curious to know a little bit more about how a person in this position becomes discerning about the people they spend time with. Does he like everyone he comes across through his success? Does he have to interact with people who are trying to gain something through his notoriety in this space? Can he detect the intention of networking, collaborating, and clout or does it all feel the same?

“Being known is cool because there’s a sense of community with artists and creatives throughout the city,” Mahi says. With people that try to tap in for clout, you just have to weave through. There are leeches everywhere.”

I asked Mahi if he could describe how the game has maybe changed for models of color specifically? How does he feel as a young black model in this space, where minorities were not traditionally accepted or getting casting opportunities?

“The game has definitely changed,” He tells me. “But I think, when I came up working, it was a time when more black or plus size or LGTBQ models were hired more in the industry. People with tattoos, fuckin' freaks and artists. I think it has changed for the better. Because of the help of social media, where the European skinny girl agenda isn’t pushed as hard."

When it comes to dealing with exploitation and being represented correctly, Mahi sees it as any other industry. There are disagreements with management and the necessity to stand up for oneself in negotiations, with management, and in decision-making moments. Does he feel like he deals with exploitation at all?

“This question is very difficult to answer as an African in today's time,” Mahi says. “I can say that I’ve been exploited but with the work and connections I’ve made I can say it’s pretty obvious that that isn’t the true fight, maybe a battle, but not the war I’m fighting for.”