Creating Global Representation Through Fashion and Media – Exclusive Interview with Shreyaa Sumi

Shreyaa Sumi’s story of rising from beauty queen titleholder to Founder, CEO, and Director of SSVJ Model Media LLC reflects her vision of blending fashion with purpose. Shreyaa Sumi achieved the title of Mrs. Universe Asia USA 2022, a milestone that positioned her as a global representative. She has graced prestigious runways including Los Angeles Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week – with her work featured on Getty Images, IMDb, Wikipedia, and numerous renowned news and media platforms. She champions representation, empowerment, and global storytelling through fashion.

Shreyaa Sumi, Mediapreneur

Who is Shreyaa Sumi?

I am Shreyaa Sumi – an International Model, Entrepreneur, Beauty Queen, Mentor. I was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in Media and Fashion. But Titles alone don’t tell you who I am. My story is not just about crowns, runways, or magazine covers. It is about crossing worlds, rebuilding myself, and choosing courage over familiarity. Who I am today is the result of navigating two very different worlds – the one I was born into and the one I built. Growing up in India, I was shaped by discipline, ambition, and a deep respect for hard work. But when I moved to the United States, I had to rebuild myself from the ground up. I learned to rise through persistence, training, and an unwavering refusal to let others define my limits.

My passion for modeling and the performing arts eventually revealed a deeper purpose: to challenge the narrow standards of representation in fashion and media and to create spaces where diverse voices are not only welcomed but celebrated. That vision became the foundation of SSVJ Model Media LLC in Hollywood, USA, a platform I built to champion global representation, mentorship, and meaningful storytelling.

Through media production, publishing, pageantry, and talent development, I devote my work to guiding emerging creators to step into their power with clarity and confidence. My journey has taken me across runways in Los Angeles, New York, London, Milan and Paris. I’ve appeared on magazine covers and billboards, led global campaigns, and earned honors such as Mrs. Universe Asia USA 2022 and the 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur Award.

But beyond the spotlight, what truly shaped me were the transitions – moving between cultures, rebuilding my identity, and learning to stand firmly in who I am. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to opening doors for others, especially those who have been told their dreams are too bold. Today, my work is no longer just about being seen. It’s about ensuring that others see themselves reflected in the worlds of fashion, media, and creative expression. It’s about building pathways where none existed and proving that representation is not a privilege reserved for a few – it’s a responsibility we must carry with intention and purpose.

And yet, beneath every accolade, I remain a storyteller at heart. I lead by example – directing and producing short films, global pageants, writing editorials, mentoring talent, and creating opportunities that once felt out of reach. I strive to bridge diverse cultures and sectors. I am an example that you can be both glamorous and grounded, creative and purposeful, a dreamer and a builder. Above all, authenticity is my form of leadership, and my purpose is to support young aspiring talents as they find the courage to write their own extraordinary stories, claim their voice, and embrace their identity.

What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling, media, and fashion?

My journey into modelling, media, and fashion has always been fueled by a deep desire to express myself creatively while representing women who balance ambition with identity. From a young age, I felt a natural pull toward the performing arts – not simply to stand in front of the camera, but to experience the freedom of telling stories through style, movement, and artistic expression.

My path was far from linear. I faced my share of challenges long before becoming the woman I am today. From humble beginnings to eventually founding my company in Hollywood, I learned that visibility can be a powerful tool for voice, representation, and impact – especially for women who are often told to shrink their dreams or step back after motherhood. That realization pushed me to step onto global platforms, excel in fashion and pageantry, and build a company that unites innovation with purpose. Creativity never felt like a choice; it felt like a calling. Even as a teenager, I understood that visibility wasn’t just about being seen – it was about shaping what the world sees. That understanding stayed with me as I moved from India to the United States, rebuilt my identity from scratch, and stepped into industries that weren’t designed with women like me in mind.

Modelling became my first pathway into the world I’m passionate about. I was drawn not only to the runway, but to the storytelling behind it – the way style, movement, and presence could communicate identity, culture, and purpose. My academic training in international business, filmmaking, and audio engineering helped me understand both the creative and technical sides of the industry, while early work on TV and radio taught me the power of narratives.

My journey through global pageants, including earning the title of Mrs. Universe Asia USA 2022, showed me how representation can transform not just a stage, but the trajectory of someone’s future. Yet the deeper inspiration came from a gap I saw everywhere: talent was abundant, yet opportunities were not. Many emerging models had passion but lacked mentorship, direction, or platforms to turn that passion into something sustainable. I knew I had to build something that didn’t exist yet – and that vision became SSVJ Model Media LLC, rooted in inclusivity, global storytelling, and purpose-driven leadership.

What inspires me today is the same force that inspired me at the start: the belief thatwomen can be multifaceted, ambitious, and unapologetically themselves. I’ve walked runways in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London, and Milan; produced a short film in the fashion capital of Paris; and mentored talent across continents – but every achievement is tied to a mission larger. I want women to see that motherhood doesn’t end ambition, that identity doesn’t limit opportunity, and that their stories deserve global stages. Every project I take on – whether it’s a campaign, a fashion film, a runway, or a mentorship program – is a reminder that authenticity is our greatest strength. And if my journey helps even one person step forward with courage, then every challenge, every reinvention, and every leap of faith has been worth it.

How do you describe your role as an entrepreneur and founder of SSVJ Model Media?

As the founder and CEO of SSVJ Model Media, I see my role as both a creator and a catalyst. I built this company to merge fashion, media, and mentorship into a platform where representation is global and talent is genuinely nurtured. I’m not simply running a business; I’m shaping up a space that offers individuals the visibility, support, and guidance I once had to seek out on my own. My days move fluidly between vision and execution – one moment I’m directing a shoot or producing a short film, and the next I’m mentoring emerging talent, writing editorial columns, or building international partnerships. I stay deeply involved because I believe representation must be international, and every project we produce should reflect integrity and purpose. My responsibility is to ensure that everything we create embodies authenticity, inclusivity, and meaningful impact. Ultimately, my role is to build a platform where creativity becomes opportunity, where diverse voices are amplified, and where women can see themselves reflected in global media with dignity.

What makes your approach to brand collaborations and entrepreneurship work unique?

“My approach to brand collaborations and entrepreneurship is unique because it’s grounded in the same principles that shaped my journey and my company – authenticity, purpose, and representation. Having walked global runways, produced fashion short film, and built SSVJ Model Media into a platform for diverse voices, I’ve learned that true impact comes from honoring identity rather than chasing trends.

I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all campaigns or partnerships created solely for visibility– the work has to reach far deeper. While visibility is great, it matters far more when it leads to real representation and meaningful change. Every collaboration I take on must elevate a story, respect culture, and align with my values. I lead with originality over imitation and choose projects that contribute to lasting impact.

Whether I’m fronting a campaign, directing a shoot, mentoring talent, or shaping media narratives – in front of the camera or behind it – I ensure the work reflects inclusivity and a message that resonates. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about trends; it’s about shaping voices, amplifying purpose, and giving brands a platform grounded in real global stories.

Who is your ideal client or collaborator, and how can they benefit from working with you?

My ideal clients and collaborators are brands, magazines, creatives, and emerging talents who value storytelling, diversity, and sustainable growth – the same pillars that define SSVJ Model Media. Because we operate as a publishing and media platform, those who work with me gain far more than a traditional collaboration. They benefit from global editorial visibility, press features, magazine placements, and narrative-driven content that builds credibility and long-term presence.

I’m drawn to partners who believe in international representation and want to create work that resonates across cultures. When they collaborate with me, they receive creative direction, mentorship, and access to a platform that amplifies their voice through video series, photography, media campaigns, and international publications. They also gain exposure to international runways and global pageants, as I hold official licenses to select representatives from the USA for two major global competitions.

My goal is to help them build sustainability, visibility, and a meaningful presence – not just fleeting moments. Together, we don’t just create content; we shape stories that live in press, runways, and across global media with purpose and resonance.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your industry, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating traditional industry systems that often overlooked multicultural talent. Early in my career, opportunities weren’t easily offered to someone with my background. Instead of allowing that to limit me, I used it as fuel to build my own path.

Through global runways, media production, publishing, and entrepreneurship, I stand as an example – to myself and to the industry – that inclusivity and excellence can coexist at the highest level. I learned to create opportunities where none existed, and that mindset eventually led me to build a platform that champions diverse voices with intention and purpose.

Today, I’m grateful to see the industry evolving. It’s becoming more open, more diverse, and more willing to embrace authentic representation. I’m proud to contribute to that shift, not only as a model, but as a founder committed to creating opportunities for others who deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.

How does your experience in pageants and international runways help your clients or partners?

My experience in pageants and international runways gives my clients and partners a unique advantage because I’ve experienced this industry from every angle – on stage, behind the camera, and now in the boardroom as the founder of a media and production company. Competing on global pageant stages and walking major fashion weeks in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Milan, and London taught me how to present myself with confidence, communicate identity with intention, and meet international standards without losing my cultural roots.

Those experiences also revealed a major gap: many creatives had passion, but lacked mentorship, guidance, and a clear pathway to grow. That realization is what inspired me to build SSVJ Model Media LLC – a platform designed to bridge that gap with insight and empowerment.

Today, I use everything I’ve learned to prepare clients for campaigns, publications, and pageants with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. My goal is to give them the support, visibility, and global insight I once had to navigate on my own, so they can step into their own spotlight with direction, purpose, and a strong sense of identity.

What’s one thing most people misunderstand about the fashion and modelling world?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the fashion and modelling world is that it’s all glamour and effortless visibility. In reality, this industry demands discipline, organization, and a level of emotional strength that most people never see. My own journey – from international runways to global pageants to building SSVJ Model Media – taught me that success isn’t created by the spotlight, but by the professionalism behind it.

Early in my career, I realized that talent alone wasn’t enough; you need mentorship, and a strong sense of identity to navigate an industry that often overlooks substance. That’s why I built my company to be more than a platform for content – it’s a space where creatives are developed, where stories are shaped with purpose, and where careers are built thoughtfully rather than overnight.

Glamour is only what the world sees; the real foundation is consistency, perseverance, and hard work.

What real impact or transformation do you help individuals or brands achieve?

The transformation I bring is empowerment. For individuals, I support them to find their voice, refine their craft, and gain the visibility that leads to lasting opportunities. For brands, I create authentic, global storytelling that connects with audiences and strengthens their identity.

Whether through short film, publishing, campaigns, directing editorials or pageantry leadership, my goal is to produce work that is relevant, elevates identity, and honors authenticity and excellence. I focus on creating narratives that resonate far beyond the moment – stories that build credibility, inspire connection, and leave a meaningful, lasting presence in the world.

What trends do you see emerging in fashion and media that your audience should know about?

Looking ahead, I see several powerful shifts shaping the future of fashion and media – many of which mirror the journey that led me to build SSVJ Model Media. The industry is moving toward purpose-driven storytelling, where audiences crave depth, meaning, and narratives that feel genuine rather than fabricated.

Multicultural representation is no longer optional; global audiences expect to see themselves reflected authentically, and that aligns with the mission I’ve championed from the beginning. Digital-first publishing is also transforming how stories are shared, allowing creators to reach international audiences without traditional gatekeepers – something I’ve embraced through my own editorial work and media platforms.

Another major shift is the rise of creators who lead with authenticity instead of algorithms. People are gravitating toward voices that feel real, intentional, and culturally aware. The future belongs to those who can blend creativity with purpose, and that’s exactly the space where SSVJ Model Media continues to grow – building stories, platforms, and opportunities that resonate across borders.

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to build a meaningful career inmodelling, branding, fashion, and media?

To build a meaningful career in modelling, branding, fashion, or media, start by defining who you are and what you stand for. Visibility without identity doesn’t last. This journey requires discipline, consistency, and authenticity – the qualities that sustain you long after the excitement fades.

Don’t chase trends; build your craft. Don’t wait for permission; stay proactive, curious, and open to learning. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who elevate your vision and challenge you to grow.

Lead with authenticity, and every step you take will move you toward a career that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling and aligned with your purpose. ''You don’t have to define your potential by the odds of someone else’s limitations''.

For media and publication inquiries, press and podcast interviews, and collaborative opportunities, connect directly with Shreyaa Sumi and her team at SSVJ Model Media LLC. Shreyaa Sumi welcomes meaningful collaborations that amplify powerful stories, elevate brand visibility, and create impactful media moments.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Shreyaa Sumi