Ayla Sham

Although you might have seen her on magazine covers or at events, where she consorts with the crème de la crème, there’s so much more to Ayla Sham   than that. You could say, though, that she grew up in the spotlight and solidified her status as a style maven when, aged just 17 years old, she walked the London Fashion Week runway in 2019 only months before making her debut at Le Bal Paris. Since then, she’s featured on the cover of Prestige’s March 2021 issue and those of other magazines too.

But Sham’s life as a model, fashion fixture and socialite hasn’t been without hurdles, and she’s frank about the struggles with self-image that came with living in the public eye. “To be very honest, I think self-confidence was an issue, in terms of not believing I could do all of this,” she professes.

“Fortunately, I have a lot of loving people around me who support and believe in me. I wouldn’t say I’m a confident person yet, but I’m getting there.” Sham has also been open and grateful for the support she received in her career of choice from her parents, actress Chingmy Yau and I.T executive director Sham Kar-Wai.

Last year, she decided to branch out, with hopes of a new career as an actor, either in China or Korea. She’s just released her first picture book titled The Head to Toe Guide to Being Happy. She’s also aiming to complete a script that one day may make it to the big screen. But whatever heights her pursuits might lead her to, Sham hopes to use her platform and influence for good. “I hope with the little fame I have, I can use that to make a difference and help people in need. I want to be a multi-hyphenate,” she says.