Adwoa Aboah has become one of the most recognizable faces in contemporary fashion, but her influence extends far beyond the runway. Born on May 18, 1992, in Westminster, London, she has transformed from a struggling teenager into a powerful voice for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment.
Early Life and Family Background
The name Adwoa carries special significance, deriving from the Akan word meaning “born on Monday.” This traditional Ghanaian name connects her to her rich cultural heritage through her father’s side.
Adwoa Aboah’s parents come from diverse backgrounds that shaped her worldview. Her father, Charles Aboah, is a Ghanaian location scout, while her mother, Camilla Lowther, is an English photographic agent and former model. This mixed heritage of Ghanaian and English roots gave her a unique perspective on identity and belonging from an early age.
Growing up wasn’t without its challenges. Adwoa Aboah’s sister, Kesewa Aboah, is an accomplished artist and model in her own right. The two sisters share a close bond and have both made their mark in creative industries. Through their mother’s side, the family has connections to British nobility via the Lowther family lineage.
She attended Millfield boarding school and was an active member of the National Youth Theatre during her formative years. Her passion for performance led her to pursue higher education at Brunel University, where she graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Drama.
Breaking Into the Fashion World
Adwoa Aboah began her modeling journey around age 18, quickly gaining attention for her unconventional beauty and powerful presence. Her signature shaved head, freckles, and striking features challenged traditional beauty standards in an industry often criticized for its narrow definitions of attractiveness.
By 2017, she had reached the pinnacle of modeling success. That year proved transformative as she was named Model of the Year by the fashion industry and British GQ’s Woman of the Year. Her accomplishments translated into financial success as well, earning $1 million in modeling contracts in 2017 alone.
Her face has graced countless magazine covers, including British Vogue’s December 2017 issue—notably the first cover under editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. She’s also appeared on American Vogue, Vogue Italia, Poland, Mexico, and Hong Kong editions, plus i-D magazine and TIME Magazine, where she was recognized as a Next Generation Leader.
Brand campaigns followed rapidly. She became the face of major fashion houses including Calvin Klein, Fendi, Christian Dior, Burberry, Alexander Wang, and Kenzo. Beauty and sportswear brands also sought her out—she represented Rimmel as their global face, became a Nike Global Ambassador, and worked with Revlon on their PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation in 2018.
Television and Film Career
While modeling brought her fame, acting allowed her to explore different creative dimensions. Her film debut came in 2011 with the short film “To Get Her,” followed by a role as Lia in the 2017 sci-fi film “Ghost in the Shell.”
Television offered new opportunities in 2022. Adwoa Aboah Top Boy appearance marked her television acting debut, playing the character Becks in Netflix’s gritty British crime drama. That same year, she joined the Disney+ fantasy series “Willow” as Scorpia, leader of the Bone Reavers, showcasing her range as a performer.
Looking ahead, she has an upcoming role in “Too Much,” a Netflix romantic comedy directed by Lena Dunham, continuing to expand her acting portfolio.
Mental Health Advocacy and Gurls Talk
Behind the glamorous exterior lay a painful personal struggle. She battled depression and bipolar disorder from a young age, compounded by drug addiction. In 2015, while at a rehab center, she attempted suicide by overdose, resulting in a four-day coma and subsequent recovery in a psychiatric hospital.
Rather than hiding this dark chapter, she transformed her pain into purpose. In 2017, she founded Gurls Talk, a community-led organization dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing among adolescent girls and young women. The platform aims to destigmatize mental health conversations, creating safe spaces for vulnerable discussions about topics often considered taboo.
Gurls Talk has grown into a global movement, hosting events in cities worldwide. The organization received the Lovie Special Achievement Award in 2021, while she personally received the Mentor of the Year award at Stylist’s Remarkable Women Awards in 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched the ‘#CreativeTogether’ initiative to connect people through creativity and combat lockdown-induced anxiety, demonstrating her commitment to community support even during challenging times.
Her advocacy work has taken her to prestigious platforms including Women in the World Summit, WE Day, and Google Zeitgeist, where she’s shared stages with influential figures like Salma Hayek, Idris Elba, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, and Meghan Markle.
Recognition and Awards
Her contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Beyond the British Fashion Council Model of the Year (2017) and British GQ Woman of the Year (2017), she’s been featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and earned the title of Models.com Social Mover of the Year in 2021.
Personal Life and Relationships
Adwoa Aboah’s partner is Daniel Wheatley, a U.S. skater with whom she began a relationship in 2021. Adwoa Aboah’s boyfriend and she welcomed their daughter, Shy Trinity Afua Wheatley, on August 23, 2024, marking a new chapter in her life.
Standing at 5’8″ with red-brown hair, brown eyes, and distinctive freckles, she continues to reside in London, United Kingdom, staying connected to her roots while maintaining a global presence.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Adwoa Aboah net worth is estimated between $1-5 million, accumulated through her successful modeling career, acting roles, brand partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures. Her financial success reflects not just her marketability but her business acumen in building a multifaceted career.
Legacy and Impact
She has fundamentally challenged what it means to be a model in the 21st century. By openly discussing mental health struggles, embracing unconventional beauty, and using her platform for advocacy, she’s shown that influence can be wielded for positive change.
As a champion for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, a mental health awareness advocate, and a role model for young women globally, her impact extends far beyond magazine covers and runway shows. She represents a new generation of public figures who refuse to separate their professional success from their personal values and social responsibility.
From the depths of a psychiatric hospital to the heights of international fashion, her journey embodies resilience, authenticity, and the power of transforming pain into purpose.
Also Read: Hoda Kotb The Beloved Broadcaster’s Journey from Morning TV to New Beginnings
