From Morocco to Belgium: How Taha Laarissi turned pain into purpose.

Meet Taha Laarissi. Born in Morocco on May 13, 2000 (or a day earlier or later) by unknown parents. Adopted and around the age of one came to Belgian parents with Moroccan and Algerian roots who couldn't have children. Discovered the truth at 16.

This 25-year-old model's journey proves that your biggest struggles can become your greatest strengths.

What we dive into:

Finding those adoption documents by accident in March 2016 - "everything collapsed, it was silenced, it was black"
How his parents reacted when he told them he knew
The anger phase during university and how therapy changed everything
Writing a letter to come out to his parents because he's "more a writing person than a talks person"
His father's initial struggle and their eventual healing
Why modeling became his safe space and therapy
How rejection taught him "you don't have to take it too personal"
His advice to other adoptees: "Get to know yourself."

This isn't another feel-good story. It's raw truth about identity, family, and finding yourself when everything feels uncertain.

The real message: Stop waiting for permission to be yourself. Your authenticity is your superpower.

Credits: Photography: Lennart Knab (our shared photographer for 30 Years of Wisdom)
Website: https://www.storytellermediastudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennartknab/?hl=en

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About Taha's Modeling Career: Currently, Taha is building his runway presence across Europe, with upcoming fashion shows in Amsterdam and Brussels, and will be walking at Paris Fashion Week in September. His modeling journey began as more than just a career ambition. It became his safe space and therapy during his most challenging years.

Modeling was a significant aspect of his development, which he really enjoyed. And it was like a safe space, a therapy," he explains. For bookings and collaborations, Taha can be reached through his Instagram, LinkedIn, or email.

He's also expanding into styling work, having discovered a passion for the creative direction side of fashion. His unique look - what some called "too feminine" in his youth- has become his greatest professional asset, proving his philosophy that you can "turn the most negative part that you hear about yourself into your best skill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taha.laarissi/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taha-laarissi-05668111a/
E-mail: taha.laarissi@gmail.com

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With gratitude,

Jacky – Founder, 30 Years of Wisdom

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