Book gives life to model’s dreams

Model and Instagram influencer Raja Syn found her life transformed by the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, a parable of sorts about two men, one who worked hard but never became financially secure, and another who invested wisely to become financially independent.

For Raja, that book – endorsed by Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith, among others – was the catalyst for her to take her life by the reigns and do exactly what she’s always wanted to do, knowing that working for herself would suit her much more while providing her a better chance at success.

“I used to feel comfortable working every day for someone else,” said the former vegan restaurant worker, who chose to pitch it all and move to California to pursue her career in modeling after briefly attending the University of Maryland, where she sought a degree in foreign language (Chinese) before realizing that higher education did not seem like the right trajectory.

Then, she picked up the book on securing a comfortable financial future.

“It totally changed my idea on life,” she said of the 1997 book, which has been both praised and panned since it was released. “In that same month, I began to take influencing seriously.”

She moved to Atlanta, which seemed a better fit for her, and within a year, her Instagram account had grown to 300,000 followers who tune in regularly to see her latest jaw-dropping photo shoots.

“I’ve gained lots of support from other influencers and celebrities,” said the Jamaican-born model, who was raised in both Brooklyn and Baltimore, where she developed her hard-core work ethic.

Working hard is key

For Raja, hard work is that catalyst for her success, and she approaches it relentlessly.

“When I’m not working, I’m most likely still working,” she said. “I’m a very determined person, so when I have a goal set in my mind, it’s the only thing I’m thinking about.”

She visits the gym daily to maintain a body that she sculpted with grueling workouts – “I’m 100 percent natural, no surgery, but I perfect my image in the gym,” she said. – and considers different directions to chart her career, including a potential music gig and penning her own book.

“I aspire to be a TV personality with my own show,” she said.

She may also consider releasing some workout routines to help others mold their own bodies into snakelike curves.

In addition to Instagram, Raja currently does paid photo shoots, music videos, has a platform on Onlyfans, and dabbles in crypto trading.

She is also considering branching out into music, although that is not a certainty.

“I can sing, but I’m not really focused on a music career,” she added. “It might happen. Right now, I’m just moving where the universe takes me.”