Rising Stars: Meet Asra Miracle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asra Miracle. 

Hi Asra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From birth, I have always been creative if not always crafting. I began sewing early; around age 12, designing clothes for big-headed little rag dolls. I went to college for costume design, eventually switching to acting. I wasn’t fully comfortable and thought I needed some change. These new courses that came with my switch ended up being courses outside of my skill set, (i.e. the courses they force you to take that are outside your major) this had torn me down to a point, where I couldn’t continue with my schooling. Both financially and mentally. Around this time, I had discovered runway modeling. Gaining a real interest in the fashion industry, I started modeling and styling shoots for aesthetic Detroit. (A local Michigan publication.) I continued to model and work with the magazine for almost two years. I find it ironic as that’s the year I discovered myself as a person. With a very public transition. This led me to discover myself as both artist and designer and person. Currently, I am a model, stylist, designer, and drag queen. Having created one-of-a-kind looks for photoshoots & drag queens. Having most recently made a plus-size wedding gown in only ten days. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been the smoothest road no, especially since I was unable to finish my degree, even though at this point it wouldn’t have mattered for the industry I have come to love. But coming straight to the modeling and fashion industry from my acting, I hadn’t modeled beforehand, and being thrown into this world was new and exciting but scary because you had to make the right connections then prove yourself worthy of keeping you, not only modeling but styling and design for shoots with little to no budget, I’ve struggled to survive and have had several part-time jobs in the journey to doing what I love because as much as I love it sometimes there’s not much money to it to the art, many times, especially while modeling, models are not being paid so you’re doing it out of pocket it can be very exhausting. As a trans individual, I feel that a lot of this industry is still gatekept from the community and it is a struggle to find photographers, agencies, and clients who want a transgender male model in The Midwest. So, I’m hoping by writing this it helps create more opportunities for trans individuals in the industry all over the spectrum of gender. Representation matters. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
First and foremost, I’m always an artist, my favorite outlets being design and creating clothing, as well as modeling and my drag persona. I love working with people to create and feel inspired by the people I work with creating new unique and original pieces. Whether it’s designing a plus’s size wedding dress in less than 10 days, creating new looks or pieces to style with other pieces to create unique and creative looks for shoots, custom drag outfits, and more. I think my current, (because it changes) personal favorite is drag, it’s just my pure creative energy going into my looks, from the complete look that I’m able to create all the way to the performance side. I don’t shy away from the fun and experimental, alternative, punk, and queer, in all things and that is what I’m proud of. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next few years, I hope that the industry will be more diverse and less gate- kept and that young models and their time won’t be taken advantage of. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve walked into a casting to find out they want all of your time for no compensation for the hope that you might be seen by someone for the hope you’ll be discovered on a small runway in the Midwest. It’s really a struggle when you’re trying to be a model and you’re constantly the one who is losing money trying to make that dream happen. 

Pricing:

• Custom Garment 150 and up
• adjustments 50 and up
• Styling session 50 /hr
• Modeling 50/hr
• All subject to change depending on projects

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://linktr.ee/Asra__lee
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Asra__lee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arosemiracle1999

Image Credits
@besarai
@vanessa.Eileen
@mikalaorihara
@gezatomas
@officialdirectedbyq
@eros_southwest