Ubah Ali Hassan was born on August 27, 1983, in Somalia. Her early life was marked by significant upheaval due to the Somali Civil War. In 1991, her mother and sisters fled to Ethiopia, while Ubah, her father, and her younger brother remained in Somalia until they could move to Kenya in 1994. At the age of 15, Ubah moved to Canada to reunite with her mother and sisters, where they initially lived in a homeless shelter. This challenging start did not deter her ambitions; instead, it fueled her determination to succeed.
Career Beginnings
Ubah’s career in modeling began unexpectedly when she was discovered by a photographer at a park in Canada at the age of 17. This chance encounter led to her modeling in Toronto and Vancouver, eventually catching the attention of Click Model Management in New York City in 2007. Signing with Ford Models, one of the world’s top modeling agencies, was a turning point that launched her international career.
Rise to Fame
Ubah Hassan quickly became a prominent figure in the fashion industry, working with renowned designers such as Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Rachel Roy, and Oscar de la Renta. She appeared in major campaigns and on prestigious runways, making her mark with her distinctive East African and Middle Eastern features. Her breakthrough came in 2008 when she was featured in Vogue Italia’s “Black Issue,” photographed by Bruce Weber.
Her modeling career includes highlights such as being the face of Ralph Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2009 campaign and working with high-end brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Fendi, and Victoria’s Secret. These accomplishments not only established her as a top model but also opened doors to further opportunities in the fashion industry.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to her modeling career, Ubah Hassan ventured into entrepreneurship. She founded Ubah Hot, a vegan hot sauce brand inspired by her African heritage. Launched in June 2021, the brand gained significant attention when it was featured in Oprah Winfrey’s “Favorite Things” list later that year. Ubah Hot has since expanded, being sold in over 1,000 stores nationwide, demonstrating Ubah’s business acumen and ability to diversify her income streams.
Reality TV and Media Presence
Ubah’s media presence grew substantially when she joined the cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” (RHONY) in its 14th season, which premiered in 2023. Her appearance on the show introduced her to a broader audience, allowing her to showcase her personality, business ventures, and philanthropic efforts.
Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Ubah Hassan’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth is accumulated through her successful modeling career, her entrepreneurial ventures with Ubah Hot, brand endorsements, and her participation in RHONY. Her financial portfolio is a testament to her hard work and strategic career moves.
Personal Life
Ubah is known to keep her personal life relatively private. She is currently in a relationship with investment banker Oliver Dachsel, whom she began dating in 2022. Despite her public persona, she balances her professional and private life with grace and discretion.
Philanthropy
Beyond her professional achievements, Ubah Hassan is deeply involved in philanthropy. She has supported various causes, including educational programs and healthcare initiatives. Her notable philanthropic efforts include working with Toms Shoes’ charity initiatives and raising funds for the Cambodian Children’s Fund. In 2023, she was recognized by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research for her efforts in raising awareness and funds for cancer research, motivated by the loss of her mother to leukemia.
Conclusion
Ubah Hassan’s journey from a war-torn country to international modeling stardom and entrepreneurial success is truly inspiring. With a net worth of $5 million in 2024, she has established herself as a significant figure in fashion, business, and reality TV. Her story of resilience, talent, and philanthropy continues to inspire many around the world.
