Opening Doorz

By Ananya Kashyap | Opening Doorz Editorial | November 06, 2024

Sayali Ayre is a woman of many talents. From sports to modelling, to the corporate world—she has demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline, and dedication in whatever she sets out to do. These qualities, among others, are perhaps what fetched her the title of Miss Teen Multinational India in 2020, at 19.

While every girl knows that modelling is not a forever career for all, Sayali Ayre understood early on that she needed to focus on her education, whilst pursuing a foothold in the glamour world. Though she has been successful in modelling, with a clutch of assignments, she realized that she needed to create a stable financial environment for herself.

After completing her Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering, the dynamic 23-year-old felt a strong professional pull towards the currency. Today, she is a Financial Analyst at JP Morgan and is happy with the way things have shaped out.

Sayali Ayre isn’t your average model-turned-finance whiz. She’s an inspiration, balancing beauty, brains, and a busy schedule like a pro. From the runway to the boardroom, Sayali Ayre’s message to young girls with only dreams of modelling as a career is clear: have a sound educational footing and the sky is the limit!

Ananya Kashyap caught up with the talented and enterprising Sayali Ayre to understand her chosen career path and the path she initially thought was for her.

Opening Doorz to Sayali Ayre.

Excerpts:

What motivated you to transition from modelling to a traditional career path?

While I enjoyed modelling, I’ve always prioritized education and believed in having a strong academic foundation. For me, modelling was a passion, but I wanted a career that provided stability and growth in the long term. The skills I’ve gained as an analyst in commercial banking at JP Morgan give me that. It allows me to work in an intellectually stimulating environment.

What were some obstacles you encountered while shifting from modelling to a more conventional career?

One of the biggest challenges was shifting the mindset. Modelling involves a lot of creativity and flexibility, while working in the banking sector is more structured. It took some adjustment to adapt to a routine, but it has been rewarding. Another challenge was overcoming the perception that I could only be successful in one field. People often stereotype models; I wanted to prove that I could excel academically and in a corporate environment.

Do you envision modelling as a potential part of your future, even if not as your primary source of income?

Absolutely. Modelling will always be something I enjoy, and I love the creative outlet it provides. Even though it’s not my primary focus anymore, I can see myself doing it on the side as a hobby or for special projects that align with my interests. It’s a part of me that I’ll never completely leave behind.

Did your athletic background influence your interest in modelling?

Yes, my background as a gymnast played a significant role in shaping my interest in modelling. Gymnastics taught me discipline, poise, and confidence—all qualities essential in modelling. It also helped me become comfortable in front of an audience and camera, which naturally translated into the confidence needed to be a model.

What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges I faced was balancing my time between academics, athletics, and later my professional career and modelling. Time management became crucial. I overcame this by staying organized, setting clear priorities, and constantly reminding myself of my long-term goals.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the modelling industry?

My advice would be to remain authentic and grounded. It’s important to know your values and the message you want to send through your work. Also, building resilience is key, as the industry can be competitive and sometimes challenging. Never shy away from hard work, stay confident in your abilities, and always uplift other women.

Are you considering participating in any pageants in the near future?

While I am currently focused on my career at JP Morgan and modelling as a hobby, I am open to new opportunities, including pageantry. I believe there is always room for growth and self-improvement, and if the right pageant aligns with my values, I would certainly consider participating.

As a teen, when the modelling bug bit you, how did you balance your education, study time, and modelling commitments?

It was a balancing act! I had to be very disciplined with my time. Whether preparing for exams or attending shoots, I always had a clear schedule, and prioritized tasks based on deadlines. Keeping a strong focus on what I wanted to achieve helped me manage both commitments efficiently.

Pic Courtesy: Sayali Ayre

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