Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenton Abernathy

Hi Trenton , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

There was a modeling agency by the name of “Model Productions” going around to different regions across the country advocating for young local talent; encouraging families to join their collective. I was about seven or eight years old and my family was in the mall one day when my mother had noticed there was a sign-up station for an upcoming talent show. Unbeknownst to me she filled out an entry slip and submitted my name. “Huh?!” is what I thought to myself as she told me after the fact. Sure enough, a week or so later I was asked to prepare a one-minute showcase that best represented my personality, which would be followed by completing a walk down the runway. After nervously performing jokes out of a book and being blinded by the bulbs at the end of the catwalk, I was encouraged to continue modeling with the agency. From that moment forward I was pushed to go on to model for sorority fashion events, VA fashion week, and eventually become a member of Wilhelmina Philadelphia for print. As the agency expanded, they had begun to offer acting opportunities in addition to the modeling gigs.

After discovering that I had a natural gift and the ability to memorize considerable amounts of text rather quickly, I began auditioning and booking acting gigs. From the VASPCA, to PopTarts, to Walmart’s “Fight Hunger” campaign, I was starting to build a foundation for myself within the industry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

As my senior year at NYU Tisch was coming to a close, I began asking myself what the next move was. I knew for a fact that I wanted to do something artistic; then again how was I going to get to the point where what I created could provide me the lifestyle that I wanted? Not having to sacrifice my time for money, but to instead partner with it to conduce art that will attest to my personal story and financial freedom?

After realizing that I didn’t want to be limited to an hourly rate system, I found myself back home in Virginia. Fulfilling my role as the man of the house, while also expanding my horizons into the automotive industry as a salesman. This groomed my perspective about business; establishing rapport with customers, time management, and having the ability to build maximum value in big ticket items. Skills that in the long run will flow over into my own brand building.

I had many victories being a car salesman. Within my first year I diligently become a 3x Top-Salesman, in addition to having the highest vehicle protection sales in the entire company for the month of January 2023 (also the first time I won salesperson of the month). Yet, being in the car industry began to make me feel stagnant creatively. That was because a majority of my time and thought process was starting to become about finding my next deal and hitting my sales projection that I committed to at the beginning of the month. Intertwining myself with this sort of month-to-month rolling basis caused me to grow accustomed to the lifestyle. Eleven to perhaps sixteen or more hour workdays, with a fine sense of financial security. Though this was true for a while, eventually unique circumstances began to take a toll on my overall happiness and mental health; causing me to become less productive as the days progressed. Initially I was rather skeptical about hopping onboard due to my artistic background, but now I was cautious about leaving in fear of not being able to find something that’s both financially and creatively fulfilling. A game of mental tug-of-war which eventually came to an end after the passing of my grandmother. Leading me to resign.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

As a multi-hyphenate creative people know me for pushing artistic boundaries as well as being able to take on and excel in multiple practices. Aside from acting, I’ve been on a quest to quench my desire to master the art of being a recording artist and music producer. Analyzing the ins and outs of production and beat-making in order to distinguish myself beyond the amateur barrier within the industry. Studying the polished work of profound professionals and implementing my interpretations into my own work.

I also find joy in experimenting with self-portrait photography and custom fashion. Though these mediums may seem to oppose, to me they both seem to embrace the concept of a constructed narrative. Locations, materials and perception; historically manipulated or frozen in time for the inquisitive viewer.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?

Every Sunday I have the pleasure of managing the sound board at my church. It allows me to sharpen my live mixing skills yes, but there’s something about seeing the way the congregation reacts to the music that gives me a sense of joy and fulfillment. Knowing that the quality of sound contributes to how the listeners react or receive it.
I’ve been convinced that if I’m willing to give my all for Him, He will in turn do the same for me.

Pricing:

• J-MELL Custom T-Shirt = $35
• J-MELL Custom Jeans = $55

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trentonjemmell/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trent.jem
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@j.m.ell1822

Image Credits

Herman Hurston