Nayla Riaz is a dynamic 23-year-old model, qualified beauty therapist, entrepreneur, and the Founder and Director of Miss Idol UK, whose journey has been shaped by creativity, ambition, and an unwavering desire to inspire others. From her early experiences in music, modelling, acting, and dance to overcoming questions of identity and growing up in challenging surroundings, she has consistently refused to let her circumstances define her future. Having built her career and platform from the ground up, Nayla is now creating opportunities for women across the UK while expanding her presence onto international stages. Guided by resilience, compassion, and self-belief, she continues to prove that success is not only about personal achievement but also about empowering others to recognise their own potential.
Here is the Q&A session we had with Nayla Riaz.
Nayla Riaz As Cover Story Interview – September 2026 Magazine Edition
How do you introduce yourself?
My name is Nayla Riaz and I am a 23-year-old model, qualified beauty therapist, entrepreneur and the Founder and Director of Miss Idol UK.
Fashion, creativity and self-expression have always been a huge part of who I am. Modelling allows me to communicate without words—fashion has always been my language.
Ironically, I was quite the tomboy throughout most of my teenage years. I first stepped into modelling when I was younger before returning to the industry at 19 with a renewed sense of purpose. Creativity has followed me throughout life. At just 13 years old, I secured a two-song record deal in London and spent much of my younger years through out school involved in studying music, instrument playing, singing, acting and dancing.
I have never been a follower. I’ve always chosen to lead with my own heart, vision and purpose, even when others didn’t understand my ambitions. Everything I do is driven by growth, impact and a desire to inspire others.
Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?
Like many people, I have experienced more than my fair share of challenges. Growing up on an estate, I often felt different from those around me. I was ambitious, driven and constantly looking beyond my surroundings.
Being mixed race also brought its own questions. With a White British side and a Pakistani side, there were times I felt unsure of where I fit in. People often assume they know my story from looking at me, but the reality is far more layered.
However, I have never allowed circumstances to define me. There has always been something within me telling me that I was and am destined for more. I truly believe some of the most beautiful things blossom in the most difficult environments. Where you start in life does not determine where you can go.
What do people usually not know about you?
People often see the modelling, pageantry and achievements, but they don’t always see the person behind them.
I am constantly learning and genuinely welcome constructive feedback. I don’t believe growth ever stops. Some of my greatest lessons have come from listening, adapting and being willing to evolve.
Many people also don’t realise how important community work is to me. Volunteering with the homeless community has taught me lessons about resilience, gratitude and humanity that no classroom ever could.
Although I no longer dance as much as I once did, one of my proudest moments was creating and teaching a dance routine to the founding finalists of Miss Idol UK. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but seeing those women perform it confidently was incredibly rewarding.
The gym is also a huge part of my life. For me, it’s less about appearance and more about mindset. It keeps me grounded, focused and balanced.
What sets you apart from others?
At 23 years old, everything I have achieved has been built from the ground up. I have never had professional training in modelling, pageantry or business. Nobody in my family works within beauty/media industries, so there was never a blueprint, a guide or a set of footsteps to follow.
Everything I know has come through experience, determination, resilience and a willingness to keep learning. People often say I was born to do this and in many ways, I think they’re right.
Growing up, I often had to focus and complete my work in busy, noisy environments. Looking back, that taught me a valuable skill. I learned how to concentrate, make decisions and stay focused regardless of what was happening around me. Life is rarely quiet and neither is business. Perhaps that’s why I thrive in the fast-paced world of modelling, pageantry and directing.
I love being in the spotlight, but what I enjoy even more is creating opportunities for others to shine. Through Miss Idol UK, I have already in the first year had the privilege of helping women discover confidence they never knew they had and watching them step into their own potential.
Success, to me, isn’t about being better than anyone else. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself and helping others do the same.
What are your upcoming major events?
One of my proudest achievements so far has been launching Miss Idol UK and making my first official appearance as Director at the Global Strut for Peace in the iconic Royal UK House of Lords. It was a special moment because it brought together everything I am passionate about—fashion, modelling, charity work, empowerment and community impact.
I am currently preparing for the second edition of Miss Idol UK, planned for July 2027, while continuing to expand the platform and create opportunities for women across the UK.
A moment that will always stay with me from our inaugural year was crowning our very first Miss Idol UK Queen. She made history as our first-ever queen titleholder while proudly representing the platform at seven and a half months pregnant, proving that confidence, ambition and achieving your goals are not limited by circumstance.
Alongside this, I will be attending Paris Fashion Week as I continue taking steps now onto international stages and exploring new opportunities within both the fashion and pageantry industries whilst continuing to do other runways spread all over the UK.
What expert advice would you like to give?
You can’t control where you come from, but you can control where you choose to take your life.
I’ve met some of the most incredible, humble and inspiring people who have had very little and I’ve met wonderful people who have had every opportunity imaginable. I’ve also met the opposite in both situations. That’s why I never judge people by their circumstances, background or status. Character is what truly matters.
I feel incredibly grateful for the support of my family and I understand not everyone has that. But whether you have support around you or not, never stop believing in yourself.
I have always been inspired by Princess Diana and by my grandmother, who shared the same belief in kindness, compassion and helping others. One of the greatest lessons they represent is that your legacy is not measured by what you achieve for yourself, but by the difference you make in the lives of others.
One lesson life has taught me is that peace comes from within, not from your surroundings. The world will always be noisy. There will always be distractions, challenges and opinions. The key is learning to hear your own voice above it all and staying true to who you are.
For me, success means becoming the best version of myself, continuing to grow and inspiring others to believe in their own potential. Your current circumstances do not define your future. Your resilience, self-belief, determination and willingness to keep moving forward will take you further than you ever imagined.
Your social media handles and website links?
- Instagram: @nayla.riaz
- @miss_idoluk
- Email address: Nayla.riaz52@gmail.com
- Missidoluk@gmail.com
Photography credits:
@inonemomentstudio
@Johndeedphotography
@philipkool6759
@Salmansiddiquefilms
@andrea294
@londoncinehouse_
@S.imediauk
@chris_hunt_photographer
Phikon Mathews is an entertainment journalist at TheCelebrity.Online Magazine, covering the latest developments across film, television, music, streaming, and celebrity culture. Passionate about storytelling and pop culture, Phikon delivers timely news, exclusive features, and engaging commentary that keeps readers informed and entertained. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a commitment to accuracy, the work highlights the personalities, performances, and moments shaping today’s entertainment industry. Whether reporting on Hollywood premieres, global music sensations, or viral celebrity headlines, Phikon brings fresh perspectives and compelling narratives that connect audiences with the ever-evolving world of entertainment.
