#MODELCRUSH: Get To Know Selamawit Tsuruy! From Runway Modeling To Leading Ethiopian Brand Influencer

The sun had just begun to set over Addis Ababa when we met Selamawit Tsuruy at a stylish rooftop lounge in the heart of the city. The golden hues of the skyline reflected off the glass windows, creating an ambience as radiant as the model herself. Dressed effortlessly chic, she exuded the confidence of a woman who knows her worth. Her presence was magnetic—graceful yet powerful, exactly what one would expect from Ethiopia’s most influential model of the moment.

Selamawit is more than just a model; she’s a trailblazer carving out a path for herself and others in Ethiopia’s growing fashion scene. With over 44.7K followers and 1.1 million likes on TikTok, she’s proving that Ethiopian models have a voice beyond the runway. From gracing the most prestigious fashion weeks in Ethiopia to using her platform to advocate for better opportunities for models, she is a force to be reckoned with. We sat down with her to talk about her journey, her struggles, and her vision for the future.

We had the honor to speak with her and you can read it below.

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FashionGHANA.com: What is your favorite fashion show in Ethiopia?
Selamawit Tsuruy: I’ve been the face of multiple fashion shows and participated in many across Addis Ababa. It’s tough to pick just one because they all work hard to elevate the fashion industry. However, if I had to choose, it would be Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week (ASFW). They improve every year, and I truly believe they will soon become one of the best fashion events in Africa. I also can’t leave out Habesha African Fashion Week (HAFW) because they consistently put on an outstanding show.

FashionGHANA.com: At this stage of your career, would you consider yourself an influencer as well?
Selamawit Tsuruy: I’ve been in the modeling industry for four years now. The Ethiopian fashion industry is expanding quickly, but the modeling sector remains relatively stagnant. Designers get most of the attention, and models are often overlooked. That’s why I decided to become an influencer—to improve the reputation of models and ensure we are well-compensated, both in Ethiopia and internationally. I think I’ve inspired young models to see modeling as a viable career, just like acting, music, or fashion design.

FashionGHANA.com: Give us three great things about fashion in Ethiopia.
Selamawit Tsuruy: First, Ethiopian fashion is deeply rooted in culture. With over 80 ethnic groups, each with its own unique clothing and aesthetic, our fashion landscape is incredibly diverse.

Second, our market is still largely unexplored. That means we have a fresh, untapped opportunity to introduce Ethiopian models and designs to a global audience without redundancy.

Third, there’s a strong sense of community. People in the industry genuinely want to collaborate to create something amazing.

FashionGHANA.com: What has been your most difficult moment in modeling?
Selamawit Tsuruy: As I mentioned earlier, the industry prioritizes designers over models, meaning we don’t always get the recognition we deserve. There’s also a lack of trust in the brands that models try to establish. Unfortunately, many fashion show organizers are more focused on making quick money, so they hire inexperienced models to avoid paying senior models more. That’s another reason I’ve embraced my role as an influencer—I want to make a difference.

FashionGHANA.com: Do you aspire to work in a Western country to further your success, or do you believe you can reach your highest heights in Ethiopia?
Selamawit Tsuruy: I truly believe I’m on my way to becoming one of Ethiopia’s top models, but I’m also open to exploring opportunities in the West. It’s not just about success—it’s about learning something new and growing as a model. Ultimately, I want to be recognized as a world-class model, both in Ethiopia and beyond, with God’s help.

FashionGHANA.com: From your experience, is having a boyfriend in modeling a necessary support system or a distraction?
Selamawit Tsuruy: It can be challenging because modeling requires a lot of traveling. But if your partner understands your dreams and goals before stepping into your life, they can be a great support rather than a distraction. It’s important to have someone who encourages and pushes you toward achieving your goals.

In her videos, Selamawit offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into her professional life, including participation in events like the Africa Sourcing & Fashion Week. She hasn’t just been a model waiting for her managers call, she took matters into her own hands and has become Ethiopia’s leading fashion influencer as well as made a name as one of the top influencers in the country. She also shares personal moments, such as birthday celebrations, and showcases her unique style through outfit-of-the-day posts.

Her engaging content and authentic representation of Ethiopian fashion have made her a notable figure in the modeling community, inspiring many with her journey and style.

FashionGHANA.com: From the looks of things, you seem to be Ethiopia’s most successful model currently working in the country. Would you agree with that?
Selamawit Tsuruy: Yes, I agree. There have been successful Ethiopian models before me, and some are still thriving, but they’re not based in Ethiopia. Besides modeling, I also educate people about the industry. I’m well-known—when people see me on the streets, they say, “Hey, that’s Selamawit, the model!” No one calls me an influencer or anything else, and that makes me proud. It shows that I’m making an impact as a model, and that’s exactly what I want.

FashionGHANA.com: What’s your advice for upcoming models in Ethiopia?
Selamawit Tsuruy: Enter the industry with passion, love, and knowledge of modeling and fashion—don’t just seek attention. And never be afraid to put your name out there, no matter what people say.

Selamawit Tsuruy is proving that Ethiopian models don’t have to wait for opportunities—they can create their own. With her growing influence, undeniable talent, and unwavering determination, she’s leading the charge for a new era in Ethiopian fashion. And from the looks of it, this is just the beginning.