A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Not the exact phrase one thinks of when imagining a social media influencer putting themselves out there for all to see. But how much of what the audience actually does see is the real person behind Tik Tok influencer @freckledlight? With an Instagram following of nearly seventy thousand on @freckledlightskin, and hundreds of thousands of views on Tik Tok; “he lives rent free in my For You,” bemoans one particular bazaarite; what we see must be what we get, surely? bazaar sat down with the social media star and model to discuss an upcoming project and ended up discovering surprisingly more about Hamad the person.
Google Hamad Jaman and of course his model agency’s name pops up immediately. You can also however find his pictures pinned under collections titled, “Unusual people whose looks can take your breath away,” or, “People whose genetics make them look breathtakingly unique”. He is a very handsome man; symmetrical, balanced features, a dimpled smile, neat frame, and lean body; Hamad is in all reality classically good looking. But, it’s what’s on top of this sound structure that makes Hamad unusual. Like his handles suggest there is light skin, more than a healthy smattering of freckles, a head of 4c curls, a deeply titian beard when it comes through, and brown eyes that feature circles of darkest mahogany on the outside to a rich hazelnut near the blackest of pupils. Unique in the modelling world, the last few years have seen Hamad arrive at exactly the right time to exploit his genes for good. The world is ready and waiting for body positive role models and we’ve seen fashion icons storming the industry like Ashley Graham, Rain Dove and Winnie Harlow. Thanks to Dove’s Real Beauty and #ShowUs campaigns, we now have access to thousands of untouched images that span a much broader spectrum of beauty than we’ve previously experienced as an audience.
bazaar asks Hamad if he thinks he’d be as successful a model if typical beauty standards weren’t being effed in the way that they are today – follow @effyourbeautystandards on Instagram to see more on the campaign started in 2013 by Tess Holliday – and he goes on to explain that he doesn’t really take all this too seriously. He was injured as a footballer, and got scouted to be a model in Sweden. He fell into the fashion industry and it’s not something he ever wanted to do, but he takes advantage of what comes his way confirming, “I don’t really do what I’m not paid to do.”
Hamad certainly seems thoughtful, in a pondering manner, not an empathetic manner, and it’s possible that being bullied as a child for his unorthodox looks and brought up by his mother and sisters, all strong, accomplished women, has developed his personality to be contemplative, distrustful and honest. Although to be fair, bazaar would hazard a guess that apparent transparency is also a tactic to stop inquisitive people delving further and therefore is an effective barrier to letting people in. Hamad explains that he finds the day-to-day interactions between people harping on about their coffee or effusing about other inconsequential and meaningless activities tiresome. #aintnobodygottimeforthat comes to mind so while the attitude may sound harsh, it’s not delivered in a completely derisory way. Hamad’s not actually wrong either, because it does mean he cuts out all the chaff of interpersonal engagement. Curious about how Hamad develops deep relationships if he doesn’t jump through the hoops and ceremonies of social forming to get there, bazaar asks about his friendships. Hamad does have his select, small circle of close friends he assures us, and it is obvious he also loves and deeply respects his immediate family; he is sporting a hoodie that reads, “Women don’t owe you sh*t” after all.
And there you have it: Hamad Jaman; an extroverted introvert, gregariously detached, a somewhat antisocial, social media star, a model of the moment, brother, son and man, and still a tough nut to crack.
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Carefree.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Driven.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Lived in multiple countries with no plans.
What is your theme song?
Stop this train- John Mayer.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Khalas (enough).
Where would you like to live?
Islands, Seychelles look amazing.
What is your dream retirement location?
Island somewhere, just nature and myself.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“Fortune favours the bold”.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
In business, a killer whale. In life, a butterfly, I’d want them to be accepting of the changes they experience in life and flourish at the end of it all.
What animal best describes your personality?
Tardigrade, very adaptable.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Salem, it’s a versatile and beautiful name.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Carelessness, sometimes I find it hard to care about a lot of things and being carefree can be a blessing and curse at the same time.
Who’s your fashion icon from history?
I don’t really have one, I just try things on and if it looks good then I will wear it.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it would make the world a better place?
Human connection. I think we have become so accustomed to living behind screens (as I type this out) that we lost the ability to connect face to face.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I have no idea to be honest, I never thought about it. I would hope it’s for good reasons.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” Temporary like any other feeling, content is what you should strive for.
For more information, check out @freckledlight on TikTok, and @freckledlightskin on Instagram, for booking contact jadoremodels.co.uk.
