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There are people that easily draw our attention and inspire us with their beauty and flair in the alluring world of fashion and glamour. 26-year-old Michael Sam, a standout talent in the modelling industry, has been creating a stir with their captivating personality, distinguishing characteristics, and unquestionable talent.
Through hard work, persistence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he has quickly caught the attention of industry professionals. Now Sam has taken his creativity to another level by launching his arts and entertainment company. With striking features, undeniable presence and a bubbly personality, it was clear that he was destined to be on the runway. Sam is known to be a “loud” person, as he speaks through fashion.
Michael hails from the Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supernaam). When asked why he chose the arts industry, he said, “For my entire life, I’ve always been a creative person who has been obsessed with the Arts, culture and expression.” He is a highly recognized Model, Entrepreneur, musician, designer and a creative artist who is aiming to resuscitate and preserve Guyanese culture and art.
“I’ve worked and collaborated with many talented artists in Guyana and abroad and have since seen ways in which the creative industry can grow and evolve to positively give artists the ability to express themselves and develop their craft so they are respected in the industry enough to earn what they deserve. And that’s why I created the house of XTSY foundation to be able to give artists a platform to feel safe and create effortlessly,” Michael told this publication.
When asked why he opted to launch a model business/workshop, he said, “House of XTSY is Guyana’s newest premier Arts and Entertainment company that will be home to many Artists and talents within the creative industry in Guyana. Its mission is to be the pinnacle for hosting high-end cultural and creative entertainment events locally and internationally. This company was founded in the year 2020.” The company’s mission is to promote and preserve the creative and cultural industry through the implementation of new age marketing strategies to build community with artists all while remaining authentic to Guyanese culture and matching international standards.
The first event hosted by House of XTSY, will be a fashion modelling workshop where Michael and his team will be training potential and current models on the skills needed to be able to pursue their careers the right way and gain from what they are most passionate about.
Michael added, “I have been in the fashion industry for a long time and the system usually breaks people who are passionate about the craft because in Guyana it is not a respected career choice because people generally think you aren’t able to gain much from it as a full time job. House of XTSY aims to equip them with the right tools to tackle their careers the right way by implementing training on various areas to ensure the standard is raised to an international level.”
The training will include categories on social media and content creation, beauty, health and fitness, creating portfolios, runway training, introduction to editorial, high fashion and creative art photography, building self confidence and Etiquette and it even allows the models to network with local artists and photographers to effectively collaborate on making content. This training is a highly anticipated event and Michael hopes it can be able to reach and impact as many people as possible.
As it relates to his business journey, the model said, “Being exposed to this for a while without any change, I founded the company to be able to implement the change that is desperately needed for the the benefit of the current and new emerging generation of Artist within Guyana to not be exposed to the same traumas when pursuing their careers as creatives. However, this wasn’t always the goal. When I started the fashion industry after moving to Georgetown in 2013, I was exposed to alot of creatives that help guide me in the right direction after noticing my talent. I began designing my own clothing and investing in my Artistry very early and always knew that I was a creative person.”
With support from his family and friends, he started to reach for his goals. Ever since, he has been synonymous to art and culture in Guyana respectively, and has worked with many well-known artists and designers throughout his time.
Now Michael is the CEO of an arts and entertainment company (house of XTSY) and is about to launch a successful marketing agency (Saturno Guyana) that will work in partnership to provide the best experience and help promote and preserve Guyanese culture.
Challenges are inevitable, however we must overcome them. Michael added, “The main challenge we face as artists is having to prove to society that the Arts can be a respectable job title that we can be able to earn from it as a profession and have stability. People are generally programmed to the system’s definition of a job and always aim for a traditional career ( doctor, nurse, teacher or lawyer). But to aim to have a career within the creative arts has always been a risk because people just generally don’t see much gain from it.”
He also posited, “On an international level those creative jobs are on a pedestal to be one of the highest paying jobs a person can earn from and this is due to the fact that there are institutions dedicated and ready to help promote and develop artists because they recognize the value in creativity. From sculpture, architecture, visual and digital artists, animation and game design, fashion and performing arts all play an important role in preserving the country’s cultural identity.” Michael believes that Guyana’s cultural identity has been fading tremendously.
In the future, Michael hopes to host high end cultural and creative events locally to help preserve and promote authentic Guyanese art and culture and raise the standard to provide a safe space for artists to be expressive and earn from what they’re passionate about. He aspires to be the person he needed as an artist to help develop new and emerging talent to their highest potential. Michael really hopes this initiative will come to the attention of institutions in power to support this amazing journey for the benefit of the entire country’s creative sector.
“Be patient with yourself and be disciplined on your journey. Obstacles may manifest in your way to delay your process but don’t let it ever stop you. Remain authentic to your true self and be unapologetic with your goals and aspirations,” is Michael’s advice to youths and potential models. With each new project, Sam demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the development of his craft, while inspiring and evolving. He embodies the essence of what it means to be a successful model. Michael now serves as a mentor and inspiration to aspiring models and a beacon of talent in the world of fashion and modelling.
Persons interested in Michael’s service can connect with his business on the following platforms: Instagram(@houseofxtsy), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085185833736&mibextid=LQQJ4d)and Tiktok @houseofxtsy, WhatsApp /Call 5926847776 and Houseofxtsy@gmail.com.
