United States-based Nigerian model Babalola Otitoju Joseph, fondly known as Joseph Water, is fast gaining prominence in the industry globally, but not without a price.

Joseph Water was bold and courageous enough at the young age of 20 to leave his comfort zone in Nigeria and relocate to the US to chase his modelling dream.

Success is not like fruits that fall off trees. Not even all fruits fall from trees. Joseph Water left the shores of Nigeria as a young man to ultimately pursue greatness and show to the world what he had always wanted to be; a globally-reckoned model dominating the runway, from New York to Paris.

The Nigerian international model who is in his 30s, took that step of faith more than a decade ago and, he has today become a subject of admiration, recognition and inspiration to those who look up to him. The fashion-freak has not only rose to the top of his career, he has become a subject of reference.

Babalola Joseph fulfilled the saying that “he that must first find a way, he must first know where he is going.” His doggedness, focus, determination to learn and unlearn, as well as the ability to overcome the challenges that came with his aspirations, extremely contributed to reaching the zenith of his career.

The story of Joseph Water is not complete if it is not stated that he experienced rejection, racism and other forms of stereotypes. But he kept his eyes on the ball and paid the price. In the midst of dealing with the ugly issues he never anticipated, he had to adopt a new name (Joseph Water) that suits his new environment, to make it easier for his business associates, friends and acquaintances to pronounce.

In one decade, things have come to fruition for him owing to hardwork. Joseph Water currently models new fashion designs for popular labels in the US, which further helps build his rising profile in the North American country. Joseph Water recently featured on the runway at the Atlanta Fashion Week Show, where he strutted down in sunglasses an all-red design.

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This comes after Joseph Water had modeled brands on the runway of the New York Fashion Week, and also graced the covers of hlamour magazines such as ‘Krave’ and ‘Slay’. His huge resume leaves him oozing confidence at every photo shoot or fashion events. With the experience he has garnered over the years, it has become a regular thing for him to share runways with other popular models.

Self-confidence, which is a feeling of trust in one’s confidence and abilities, puts one in the mood of positivity, which though is a product of years of riding on the back of failure turne into success.

Posting a picture of one of his photo shoots on social media, Joseph Water wrote: “I know my worth, so I act accordingly.”

In an interview on his rise tin a highly competitive and saturated fashion industry in the US, Joseph Water stated: “I’ve learned to deal with rejection. Rejection feels awful but it is a basic part of human relationships, and we must adapt to receiving rejection in a healthy way that doesn’t militate our esteem”.

Revealing plans to become an all-round entertainment superstar, the Nigerian said he is targeting the US movie industry, after making his debut on the Nigerian scene.

“It fulfils me to give life to a character and kill the role. Recently, I have been doing some movies in Nollywood. Not too long ago, I was featured in a Yoruba movie titled ‘Wadu Wadu’. I am still learning the intricacies of acting, understanding how to play different characters and pass the message across with such realness, and also the ability to evoke emotions. I love acting,” Joseph Water stated.