Leyna Zniber

“My creativity lies in storytelling through different mediums across different channels- in being able to interpret, create, and execute the narrative of an entity, brand, or product.”

Intercru: Where are you from?

Leyna: I am half Moroccan, half French, and born in New York City. I grew up in Morocco until the age of 15 and then I came back to New York for boarding school.

I later attended college at Parsons School of Design, from which I just graduated in May with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Photography.

Where do you live and work now?

I came to Morocco from New York in March due to COVID-19 and finished my bachelors degree from Parsons online here. I’ve been in Morocco since March due to borders being closed. I am going back to New York soon but for now I am working in branding, digital marketing, and PR here.

How did you get started modeling?

I started doing some modeling last year when a production team reached out to me to star in Maluma and Gim’s music video of Hola Senorita as “Maria.” I’ve done some modeling jobs here and there but I don’t really consider myself a model- I think of it more as partaking in creative projects. I have some friends who are models signed with agencies and their work is entirely different from mine. I only partake in projects which I feel a personal connection to.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My father is my biggest inspiration. He was an honest and hard working man who built his empire from scratch. He did a lot of good around him, he was generous and kind, and always humble. He had the type of aura that would light up a room. He was a handsome man, always well groomed and well dressed. A bon vivant who loved life and who turned his passions into successful enterprises. Yet, all he truly needed to be happy was some good blues or jazz and his loved ones by his side. Although he is no longer here today, his spirit and values will continue to guide me throughout my life.

How would you define your creative style?

My creativity lies in storytelling through different mediums across different channels- in being able to interpret, create, and execute the narrative of an entity, brand, or product.