In the public eye from a young age, Asallah’s model-turned-actress journey has garnered her an unfathomable following and fanbase. If you are even mildly active online, it’s likely that you’re one of the six million-plus people who follow Asallah on Instagram or TikTok. At the very least, you’ve seen one of her signature ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos, travel vlogs, or candid, piece-to-camera stories of her life.

In a digital world where influencers of this status have the power to shape trends and ideas, Asallah Kamel carries the responsibility of being a role model with grace. “It’s a huge responsibility, but one that I embrace wholeheartedly,” she says, her voice warm and inviting, much like the image she projects to her followers. “Social media has given me a platform to inspire, entertain and connect with people from all walks of life. I always strive to be authentic and share my journey – both the highs and the challenges – because I believe that real influence comes from being relatable and honest.” She acknowledges that this responsibility is not one to take lightly. “I want to empower young women to chase their dreams fearlessly, just as I did,” Asallah adds, her words punctuated with passion.

Tulle Dress in Yellow from the Blue Hour Collection, THE SORAYA AT DESIGNERS&US. Classic Platform Glitter Embellished Clog in Gold, CROCS

It’s clear that her impact is not just measured by numbers, but by the connections she creates through her personal story.

Indeed, Asallah has made a name for herself online, but before she became an algorithm favourite, she was grafting. Born in Cairo in 1995, she began her acting career just five years later. She modelled and starred in a few small roles before becoming a host on Nickelodeon Arabia at the age of 14, marking her foray into showbiz. Fast-forward to 2025, Asallah boasts a whole heap of TV appearances, including a long-standing role as a host on MBC, and a number of TV series such as The Neighbors and Shama’s Daughters.

“Success isn’t just about numbers, fame, or financial achievements, it’s about fulfilment. For me, success is waking up every day doing what I love, making an impact, and constantly evolving. It’s about staying true to myself while growing in my career and, most importantly, finding happiness in both my personal and professional life.” Asallah’s success isn’t a destination, it’s a continuous journey of personal growth, self-expression, and living authentically.

Renee Dress in Soft White Jersey, 1309 STUDIOS. Classic Platform Glitter Embellished Clog in Gold, CROCS

From career accomplishments and motherhood to role models and the representation of Arab women on TV, Asallah’s view of the world is pretty empowered. She has a natural openness that makes you hang on to every word and feel deeply invested in her.

“My goal is to inspire young women to believe in themselves and their dreams” she says with conviction. “I want to show them that they don’t have to fit into a mold – they can create their own path. Whether through TV, social media, or fashion, I want to leave a legacy of empowerment, authenticity, and positivity. If I can encourage even one girl to chase her passion without fear, then I’ve done my job.” Asked if she thinks there’s enough representation of Arab women on the small screen, Asallah ponders for a minute, cocking her head to the side. “It’s improving, but there’s still work to be done,” she concludes. “Arab women are powerful, diverse, and full of stories that deserve to be told. I hope to see more narratives that reflect our realities; not just in traditional roles, but as leaders, innovators, and creatives. That’s why I’m passionate about using my platform to showcase the strength and talent of Arab women.”

Her platform now transcends the small screen, with Asallah having landed herself a major gig in the Middle East’s fashion calendar as the face of Crocs’ Share the Joy Ramadan campaign. And all in less than 10 months after she announced her engagement and got married to her partner of five years. In January this year she announced she was pregnant with her first child, no doubt transforming her life completely. It is, for want of a better phrase, a lot.

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Is she slowing down? It certainly doesn’t look like it.

“Ramadan is a time of reflection, connection, and giving back, and I love that this [Crocs] campaign celebrates comfort and self-expression during a sacred month,” says Asallah. “Partnering with a brand that embraces individuality and inclusiveness makes this collaboration even more special. It’s not just about fashion, it’s about embracing who you are and sharing that with the world.

“I absolutely loved the outfits from the GRAZIA shoot. It’s refreshing to see how fashion can break boundaries and challenge expectations. Styling Crocs with elegant gowns was such an unexpected but brilliant twist. It proves that style is about confidence and creativity. Fashion is meant to be fun, and this shoot embodied that perfectly,” she adds.

Asallah Kamel is very much at home on set. At least it certainly looks that way. Dressed to the nines
in Versace, Dima Ayad, and 1309 Studios, with gold Crocs and a glittery aray of limited edition Jibbitz from the brand’s Ramadan collection peeping out from under billowing gowns. “Fashion has always been a passion of mine,” she smiles through the answer. “Growing up, I was fascinated by how clothing could tell a story and express emotions. I love playing with clothes and mixing up different pieces, blending them together to create a different vibe and aesthetic.”

Bonbon Dress in Metallic Blue, ROZEEN AT DESIGNERS&US. Classic Platform Glitter Embellished Clog in Gold, CROCS

But it’s not just acting that Asallah has put all that graft and tenacity into – in just a couple of months she will begin what is arguably her biggest journey yet. “I can’t wait to experience the unconditional love of motherhood,” she beams. “I was looking for a new purpose for the past few years of my life; I felt fulfilled by the success in my career. I can’t wait to break cycle of generational traumas and give my little girl all the love in the world. I have manifested this little family.”

‘Manifesting’, Cambridge Dictionary’s 2024 Word of the Year, which GRAZIA is deftly exploring in this issue, Laws of Attraction. It seems only right, then, that I stop her here to ask her views on this form of magical thinking. “I practice affirmations daily,” she shares. “I speak positively over my life, my career, and my relationships. I manifest by setting clear goals and visualising my success. I believe the way you speak to yourself and about yourself shapes your reality. Everything I am living today is something I have dreamt of since I was a little child and saw myself doing back then.”

She speaks so emphatically that one begins to understand there’s a reason the world is obsessed with talking about and practicing this philosophy. “I strongly believe in the power of energy and mindset. I’ve seen first-hand how a positive outlook can transform situations. When you radiate positivity, you attract opportunities, people, and experiences that align with your energy. Me being on this cover today is a true manifestation; Crocs is a brand that I genuinely love and have worn for years, so when they approached me for a Ramadan collaboration, it was like a sign from the universe. Of course, hard work and perseverance are key, but having a strong belief in yourself and your dreams makes all the difference.”

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For someone still relatively young – Asallah is 29 – she seems to have a pretty strong grasp of life’s answers. She attributes that, along with manifesting, to her mother’s influence. “My mother taught me resilience and strength, she encouraged me to stand up every time I fall and push through no matter how bad a situation might seem. So today, I always stand up and try again. I am a very hopeful person who believes in lights at the end of each road no matter how bumpy it might be along the way.”

“I am a person that sees the good in every person and I strive to learn from each and everyone around me and take lessons from each situation,” she tells us. “I see anyone who passes through my life as someone I can learn from, take lessons from, to grow and broaden my knowledge and perspectives. I look forward to creating a warm, supportive home where my children can thrive, be themselves, and dream big. Family is everything to me, and I want to pass down the values of kindness, ambition, and gratitude.” With Asallah Kamel, it’s clear: when you trust the universe and stay true to yourself, every step leads to something extraordinary.

PHOTOGRAPHY VLADIMIR MARTÍ
FASHION STYLIST LAURA JANE BROWN
HAIR JEAN LUC AMARIN
MAKEUP MANU LOSADA
SENIOR PRODUCER STEFF HAWKER
STYLING ASSISTANTS LUCY SEMAAN & ASHIKA MIRIYAM
LIGHTING ASSISTANT SCAR SALARIO
TALENT ASALLAH KAMEL
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO CASA ROCA