From Medical Student to Fashion Influencer: Ruth’s Unconventional Success Story

“I gained 60k followers from one silly video—it was life-changing!”

That’s Ruth Waziri, the 27-year-old Nigerian immigrant who turned a spontaneous TikTok at Selfridges into a viral sensation, catapulting her fashion influencer career in the UK. But behind the glamour of working with brands like Primark, Gap, and Britney Spears’ collaborations lies a story of resilience, cultural adaptation, and shocking career pivots.

In this episode of The Immigrant Stories, Ruth shares how she traded her anatomy scrubs for designer threads, the brutal realities of breaking into the fashion industry as an immigrant, and why consistency trumps follower counts every time.

The Pivot: From Medicine to Fashion

Ruth’s journey began in Kaduna, Nigeria, where she earned a degree in Human Anatomy and a Master’s in Public Health. But her heart? Always in fashion. “Back home, I was the girl wearing pink gladiator sandals to class—I didn’t care if I stood out!”

Her turning point came after moving to Manchester in 2021. While juggling survival jobs, she started posting outfit-of-the-day (OOTD) videos before work. “I’d film myself getting ready at 6 AM, edit on the bus, and post by 9 AM. Zero pay, pure passion.”

The Viral Breakthrough

Ruth’s “I checked the price and put it back” TikTok at Selfridges—a joke with a friend—exploded to 20 million views, bringing her 60k followers in 3 months. “My phone blew up for weeks! That one video made brands notice me.”

But she’s quick to clarify: “Followers mean NOTHING. I’ve seen creators with 10k land bigger deals than those with 100k. It’s about engagement and authenticity.”

How She Landed Big Brands (Without Connections)

The “Cold Email” Hustle:
- Ruth reached out to 50+ brands via apps like Vamp and Takumi. “I got 99 ‘nos’ before one ‘yes’—but that ‘yes’ was Gap!”
- Pro Tip: “Apply directly on brand websites. Agencies take a cut, reducing your chances.”
Networking Gold:
- Attending free PR events led to game-changing connections. “I met a creative director who later booked me for a campaign.”
- Her Mantra: “Always say ‘yes’ to events. Your next collaborator could be there.”
The Power of a Manager:
- After mentorship from influencer Mimi Ifeanesi, Ruth signed with a talent agency. “They pitch me to brands I’d never access alone.”

Immigrant Challenges: Rejection, Racism, and Resilience

“I Wasn’t the ‘Standard’ Model Size”:
Ruth faced harsh rejections for her body type in London. “In Nigeria, designers loved my curves. Here, I was ‘too big’ for castings.”
The Sponsorship Struggle:
“I worked retail jobs for 2 years before my first paid collab. Bills don’t wait for dreams.”
Cultural Shock:
“Seeing couples kiss publicly? My Nigerian mom would faint! But adaptation is survival.”

Ruth’s Advice to Immigrant Creators

Start Before You’re “Ready”:
“Your ‘ugly’ room corner is someone’s relatable content. Just post!”
Monetize Smart:
*”Use LinkedIn Premium to find high-paying gigs. Their AI shows where you rank top 50%.”*
Protect Your Mental Health:
“Rejection is redirection. My ‘failed’ emails? Brands circled back a year later!”
Collaborate Fearlessly:
“DM creators for coffee dates. My Primark deal came from a plus-one invite!”

Final Thought

Ruth’s story proves immigration isn’t just about visas—it’s about reinvention. As she launches her fashion line, her message is clear: “Your ‘Nigerian jollof’ flavor is your superpower. The world needs it!”

Want to connect with Ruth?

Instagram: @ruwdi_yh
TikTok: @ruwdi_yh
YouTube: Ruth Joan Waziri

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