Aoki Lee Simmons, daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, is challenging the ideals of beauty and brains. Which of course, she undeniably has both.
Recently, the 19-year-old was questioned, “You’re so articulate and obviously educated .. how come u chose modeling?” Well, the Harvard University student couldn’t resist addressing the fan in a TikTok video, asking why can she not be both.
@aokileesimmons Replying to @kthadon4 would we listen to the podcast guys?
♬ original sound – Aokileesimmons🇰🇷🇯🇵🇺🇸
“Well, one, models aren’t uneducated and not articulate, but two, I think what you’re really getting at is, ‘Why am I going into a field that doesn’t necessarily require a degree or require a whole lot of book smarts when I have a lot of education?'” Simmons addressed her fans in the video.
She continued in the TikTok video, “Well, one, because I love it, and I think we should normalize liking something. You don’t have to do what you’re immediately good at. “You can be good at something and not want to do it forever, and you can be bad at something and still pursue it.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTunYv3rIFw/
If you remember, “The Harvard Model,” as she has donned herself on Instagram, made her fashion-world debut on the runway for Pyer Moss Paris Couture show. Additionally, she has, not only walked in New York Fashion Week for the @carltonjonescollection, she closed out the show for the iconic brand, stepping out of her famous parents’ limelight and into her own spotlight.
Aoki ended her video by saying, “I really want us to move towards a future where young women aren’t being asked this question. Like, not being asked, ‘Why did you follow your more creative passion even though you’re smart?'”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdjKvlIpZBw/?hl=en
Adding, “I would like to change the idea that you can’t be smart and pretty, or you can’t be smart and enjoy your looks or enjoy a creative, beauty- [and] fashion-based career. You can be two kinds of people in one person. Do whatever you want. Get a degree; don’t use it. Get a degree; use it later … Get a degree later. Don’t get one — do whatever you want to do! And nothing is a waste of your talent.”
Aoki didn’t stop with this one video on TikTok. She made additional follow-ups, addressing the subject, and of course, they are all worth a view!
