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From Target Cashier to Supermodel: Ugbad Abdi’s Inspiring Journey in the Fashion World
- Qui Joacin
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Ugbad Abdi's story shows how persistence, faith, and the courage to stay true to oneself can turn dreams into reality, even on the runway.
When you hear about someone going from working as a cashier at Target to walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week, it sounds like a fairy tale. But for Ugbad Abdi, this is exactly what happened – and it’s a story that’s as much about resilience and staying true to herself as it is about fashion.
According to USA Today, Ugbad’s journey from a refugee camp in Kenya to becoming one of the most sought-after models in the world is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Somalia amidst the turmoil of the civil war, Ugbad’s family fled to Kenya when she was just a baby. Life in the refugee camp wasn’t easy, but her family found ways to make it work, even celebrating Islamic holidays with what little they had. In these humble surroundings, Ugbad’s admiration for the women around her who wore hijabs – with their bright colors and graceful styles – sparked a lifelong passion for fashion.
After almost a decade, her family was given the chance to start over in the United States. At just nine years old, Ugbad and her family settled in Des Moines, Iowa. But while her journey to America was a chance at a new life, it came with its own set of challenges. As a Somali refugee, Ugbad had to navigate a new language, a new culture, and a new world. She was quiet and reserved in school, focused on helping her parents and taking care of her siblings. But there was always something inside of her that was drawn to fashion, even if she didn’t see it as a realistic career at the time.
Fast forward a few years, and Ugbad was working at Target after high school. But even in this humble job, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was calling her. She began to share her love for makeup and fashion on Instagram, hoping for a breakthrough. Then, one summer, it happened – a message from a modeling scout.
Ugbad was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be the opportunity of a lifetime. A whirlwind series of events led to her first runway show at Paris Fashion Week, where she walked for Valentino, sharing the stage with fashion legends like Naomi Campbell. This wasn’t just a career shift; it was a life-changing moment for Ugbad.
What makes Ugbad’s story even more incredible is that she did all of this while staying true to her faith. As a devout Muslim, Ugbad wears a hijab, a headscarf that symbolizes her commitment to modesty. This was something the fashion industry hadn’t always embraced, especially on the runway. But Ugbad’s determination to stay true to her beliefs and represent Muslim women in fashion turned her hijab into a symbol of strength and identity. In fact, many designers embraced this, creating headwear that allowed her to balance her modesty with the demands of high fashion.
Her presence on the runway – stunning with her unique look and powerful presence – challenged the fashion industry’s conventional norms and helped redefine beauty standards. From walking for brands like Burberry, Max Mara, Chanel, and even becoming the first hijabi model for Fendi, Ugbad became a trailblazer. What’s even more inspiring is how she continues to represent the community she came from, inspiring young girls who wear the hijab and see her as a role model.
But while Ugbad’s career is on a fast track to superstardom, she hasn’t forgotten where she came from. Her dream is to one day give back to the refugee camp where her journey began. To help those who, like her, have had to rebuild their lives from scratch. For Ugbad, the runway is just one stage, and her ultimate goal is to use her platform to make a difference.
Her journey is proof that when you stay true to yourself and your beliefs, there’s nothing you can’t achieve – no matter where you start. For Ugbad Abdi, the sky is the limit.
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