By | Nheri Delos Santos
Models often inspire us with their beauty and fitness, making many people aspire to be like them. While their lives may look glamorous, success requires hard work and support. Behind their confidence are mentors who help them grow. One such leader is Farah Ramos, who has made a name for herself in the modeling industry. As the CEO of Farah Models, she shares her passion and knowledge by coaching others. In an exclusive interview with FAIR, we explore her journey as an empowering woman dedicated to uplifting others.
Maintaining Personal Life and Authenticity
When asked about how she maintains her independence and authenticity amidst external pressures, Farah emphasized that it has been a process for her. She was challenged by living only by her job title: “I used to define myself as just my job title.” Along the way, she realized that life is beyond her profession: “But I learned that my personal life is just more important than anything.”
She also shared her fear of achieving her dreams alone and not being able to share it with anyone. “As much as possible, I try to connect with friends and family—those people that really matter.” For her, it has been valuable to maintain her independence and connection to the people she loves in order to achieve balance in life.
Navigating Challenges and Managing Burnout
The modeling industry can be very demanding, and Farah has been experiencing burnout like everyone else. Her personal struggles can be challenging enough, yet she has to deal with responsibilities that feel heavier than she can carry. “Adding to the pressure is the fact that I have my family, models, and staff who are depending on me. So I cannot stay in a negative space for a long time.” Having such a big responsibility embeds pressure, which has been a challenge for her.
This struggle, however, ignited her drive for personal mastery: “I know that I need to manage my emotions so I can keep everything in my life going.” She prioritizes taking pauses in different ways, whether through meditation, walking her dogs, or spending time with friends. “When I can, I travel alone or with friends. Being close to nature helps me a lot.”
As she values connection, her team has become a blessing in times of crisis: “I am blessed that my brother is part of my businesses. He knows when to step up. In fact, my whole team does.” Whenever things don’t go her way, these people not only cooperate but also step up for her.
Cultivating Passion and Commitment to Her Profession
Pursuing a career in the modeling industry was influenced by her childhood experiences, where she witnessed her family managing celebrities. “Being a talent manager runs in the blood, I guess.” Ethel Ramos, her aunt, was the manager of Aga Muhlach for more than 30 years, while Chit Ramos, her mother, managed celebrities like Maja Salvador, Matt Ranillo III, Nino Muhlach, Mandy Ochoa, and Mickey Ferriols. “They are my mentors, and I look up to them so much as talent managers.” They have been her inspiration since she was young.
Her passion for modeling is not only built on a solid foundation but also on her natural commitment to the industry. “I don’t have any tricks on how to stay passionate. It just comes naturally because I am indeed passionate about it. I think when you do, you don’t have to force it.” She feels blessed to have found a career that keeps her happy, allowing her to enjoy her passion and live her dreams.
Empowering Women and Extending Support to Emerging Models
Empowering women is one of her main commitments, which led her to establish the Farah Models Camp, where they teach essential skills and introduce aspiring models to the cutthroat industry. “We make sure they have a safe space for learning.” She ensures that her models are well-trained and prepared before facing the realities of the field.
Farah uses her words to uplift their confidence, making sure they receive the compliments they need and deserve. “Keeping a good relationship with them is vital.” She guarantees hands-on training that goes beyond the stage, helping them overcome their inner conflicts. “Even if they are beautiful and great at their work, they still go through self-doubt and insecurities.” She makes sure they see her as someone they can turn to for advice and support.
Uncovering Aspiring Models and Enhancing Their Potential
Finding new faces to represent her brand requires considerable effort and thought. When asked about the qualities she looks for, she said: “It’s been indescribable for me, but a client pointed out a word that made me so kilig—Iconic.” She sees this potential in their raw looks, as she values authentic and diverse beauty. “I love iconic looks from different races and nationalities.”
In addition to appearance, she emphasizes that personality matters. “If I feel like they aren’t trainable and won’t listen to me, no matter how much I think they could be a money-maker, I still won’t offer them a spot in Farah Models.” This highlights her commitment to selecting models with balanced qualities.
Discovering Fulfillment and Acknowledgment in the Local Modeling Industry
The modeling industry can be both terrifying and fulfilling, and Farah considers it a compliment when her models appreciate her commitment to making them feel cared for. “I hear a lot of horror stories in the modeling industry, so I want them to always be guided and to have a good working experience.” She feels fulfilled when her models share this sentiment.
She views it as a significant reward when her models are recognized and booked for major jobs: “It validates my taste in looks.” Having her talents acknowledged confirms her eye for beauty and skill. Beyond appearances, she appreciates it when clients praise the models for their professionalism. “I work so hard to discipline and train them so our clients won’t have any problems working with them. It’s amazing when clients talk about how they love the looks of Farah Models and that they are easy to work with.” The performance of her models reflects her ability to manage, making it a great achievement when clients are pleased with their competence.
Farah Ramos exemplifies leadership in the modeling industry by transforming obstacles into growth opportunities. By giving importance on the well-being and progress of her models, she cultivates an environment that values authenticity and professionalism. In a society where appearances often dominate, her dedication to empowerment comes from fostering both talent and character.
