What got you first interested in your industry?
I started modeling when I was 16 years old,
but had been dreaming of it for at least 5 years
before I began. When I first expressed it to my
parents at 11, they didn’t really support the
idea. At that point I took matters into my own
hands, grabbing any fashion magazine I could
find at the corner store and watching every
single episode of America’s Next Top Model.
At 16, I found a local upcoming photographer
to work with, and the rest is history.
Did you have any mentors helping you as you
navigated your craft in the beginning?
I have a few amazing industry friends/mentors who I feel extremely blessed to have met.
They have poured so much into me, not just as
a model, but also as a person. Photographer,
Nuru Kimondo; photographer, Luis DeAndre;
and Brand Builder, Aaja Corinne have been
most influential in my modeling experience
thus far. Some of the best advice they’ve each
given me is to believe in yourself no matter
what, especially in this industry where you’re
under constant criticism and judgment.
What were some of the most important lessons
realized that help to open you to more success?
Learning your angles and lighting as a model
is not the easiest task, but its so necessary for
growth. Outside of that dealing with rejection
is the hardest part. Being able to pick yourself
back up, and keep pushing toward your dream
doesn’t come to you overnight, but as long as
you’re always focusing on that end goal, when
you fall it won’t be as hard to get up.
27/F-STYLE CHICAGO