Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lexi JaNay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lexi, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
The first time I realized I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was back when I was just an elementary school kid. One of my absolute favorite shows was America’s Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. I was captivated—not just by the drama and the glam, but by the artistry of it all. It wasn’t just a show—it was a glimpse into a world I never knew existed. As a kid, I had no idea that people could actually make a living simply by posing in front of a camera or walking down a runway. Seeing the contestants travel the world, complete photography challenges, and transform into high-fashion models right before my eyes was mesmerizing. I couldn’t believe how much they were learning and growing. It wasn’t just a show to me; it was an education in beauty, expression, and the magic of capturing moments. The more I watched, the more I absorbed, and I started picking up on things like poses and tricks—ones I even still remember today.
That was the spark that set my path in motion. I became even more interested in the idea of modeling, but it wasn’t just about looking good. I wanted to express myself in ways that people would see and feel. It was an art form, one that seemed so powerful, and I wanted in. As I grew, my passion for being in front of the camera only intensified. I started taking selfies, not just for fun but to also get comfortable with angles, lighting, and expression. It became second nature to me. Then, in eighth grade, a very good friend of mine named Adrienne pointed out something that changed my perspective—she told me I was really good at taking pictures. I had always assumed that everyone could take good photos, but she made me realize that it was actually a skill—a skill that I naturally possessed. Her compliment hit me like a wave of confidence. It was more than just a casual remark; it felt like validation of something I had been exploring on my own. That one comment gave me an instant confidence boost and solidified my desire to pursue modeling seriously. That was the moment I realized this was more than just a passing interest.
Lexi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
By the time I graduated high school in 2018, Instagram was at its peak. It connected people from all over the world and I saw it as an opportunity. I made a personal commitment: I would keep posting pictures consistently until a photographer reached out to work with me. It was my way of putting myself out there, making modeling a reality instead of just a dream. That realization—that I could carve my own path and turn my passion into something real—was the beginning of my creative journey. I stayed dedicated, posting for about six months, and then it finally happened—a hair company by the name of SheGlowsHair, reached out to me to participate in a rebranding photoshoot for their business. I knew this was my moment! This wasn’t just photoshoot opportunity; it was my chance to step into the professional world. Not only would it be my first professional shoot, allowing me to start my portfolio, but it was also an opportunity to connect with the photographer and build relationships in the industry.
And that’s exactly what happened. The shoot went incredibly well, and afterward, I connected with the photographer, J. Wright. We ended up working together multiple times after that, solidifying my love for being in front of the camera. The rush, the excitement, and the pure joy I felt during that first branding shoot confirmed it—this was the path I was meant to be on. Modeling wasn’t just a dream anymore; it was my reality.
From there, I started to see modeling, photography, and self-expression not just as hobbies, but as possible careers, something that could give me a platform to create and inspire in ways I hadn’t fully understood before. It planted a seed, and it’s been growing ever since.
I offer a range of creative services that allow me to express my passion for fashion, visual storytelling, and artistic direction. My work includes modeling, creative directing, and creating fashion and lifestyle content, each of which allows me to bring unique visions to life.
Modeling
As a model, I specialize in bringing concepts to life through dynamic poses, expressions, and storytelling. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, or commercial work, I know how to work the camera and adapt to different styles and aesthetics. My goal is always to create striking images that capture emotion, energy, and artistry.
Creative Directing
Beyond modeling, I also work behind the scenes as a creative director. I help develop concepts, oversee shoots, and ensure that the final product aligns with a strong, cohesive vision. From styling to set design to artistic direction, I love curating details that elevate the overall aesthetic and tell a compelling story.
Fashion & Lifestyle Content Creation
I also create engaging fashion and lifestyle content, whether for personal branding, social media campaigns, or collaborations with brands. My content showcases style inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and creative visuals that resonate with audiences. I aim to inspire and connect with people by sharing my love for fashion, beauty, and self-expression.
With a strong eye for aesthetics and a passion for creativity, I bring a unique approach to every project I take on. Whether in front of the camera, directing behind the scenes, or crafting digital content, I’m dedicated to producing high-quality, visually captivating work.
In addition to modeling, creative directing, and content creation, I also have the ability to edit my own pictures. This skill allows me to have full creative control over my visuals, ensuring that every detail aligns with my artistic vision. From adjusting lighting and colors to enhancing the overall composition, I can refine my images to match the aesthetic I want to achieve.
Being able to edit my own photos also gives me flexibility and independence in my work. Whether it’s fine-tuning a professional shoot or curating content for social media, I can bring my ideas to life exactly the way I envision them. This adds an extra layer of creativity to my brand, allowing me to maintain a consistent and polished look across all my platforms. So I believe that sets me apart from others in my field.
One of the proudest moments in my journey so far has been walking in my very first New York Fashion Week fashion show. It was a surreal experience, knowing that all my hard work, dedication, and consistency had led me to one of the biggest stages in the fashion world. The show was even more unforgettable with celebrity guest performances from GloRilla and Ar’mon of Ar’mon and Trey, adding to the electric energy of the night.
What makes this moment even more special is that it all came from me consistently posting content on Instagram. I stayed committed to showcasing my work, refining my craft, and putting myself out there—and that dedication opened the door to an incredible opportunity. Walking in NYFW was a dream come true, and it reminded me that persistence, confidence, and staying true to my creative vision can lead to major accomplishments. This experience has only motivated me to keep pushing forward and reaching for even bigger milestones in my career.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media was never about following trends or trying to fit into a mold—it was about staying true to myself. From the beginning, I focused on being authentic, embracing my personality, and creating content that genuinely reflected who I am. I never felt the need to be overly social or constantly network with large groups; instead, I stayed in my own lane, focused on my craft, and let my work speak for itself.
One of the biggest things that helped me grow was not being afraid to showcase my personality. I knew that in a world where everyone was trying to be “perfect,” the best thing I could do was be real. Whether it was through captions, videos, or simply the way I carried myself online, I made sure my audience saw the real me—not just a highlight reel. People connected with my energy, and that made my growth feel organic and meaningful.
At the same time, I remained humble. No matter how many followers I gained or how much engagement I received, I never let it get to my head. I always reminded myself that numbers don’t define me—my character does. I continued to interact with my supporters, respond to comments, and show gratitude for every bit of love I received. I knew that staying grounded was the key to longevity.
Another major factor in my growth was supporting others. I never saw social media as a competition; instead, I viewed it as a space for creativity and collaboration. Whether it was hyping up other creatives, sharing their work, or simply showing love in the comments, I made it a point to give back the same energy I wanted to receive. I understood that real success comes from uplifting others, not just focusing on yourself.
Through consistency, authenticity, and genuine connection, I was able to build an audience that truly supports and engages with me. I didn’t chase clout or change who I was to fit a certain aesthetic—I stayed true to myself, and in return, I attracted people who appreciated me for exactly that.
Building a successful social media platform takes time, patience, and strategy. If you want to grow and create an engaged audience, two of the most important factors are consistency and finding your niche—and sticking to it. Here’s some advice on how to do both effectively:
1. Be Consistent with Your Content
Consistency is key when it comes to social media growth. If people see you regularly showing up on their feed, they’re more likely to remember and engage with you. Here’s how to stay consistent:
•Post Regularly: Find a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Whether it’s daily, every other day, or three times a week, consistency helps keep you relevant.
•Stay Active in Your Niche: Engage with other creators in your niche by commenting, sharing, and interacting with their content. This builds visibility and connections.
•Keep Your Branding Cohesive: Whether it’s your editing style, color scheme, or the way you write captions, having a recognizable aesthetic makes your content stand out.
2. Find Your Niche and Own It
Your niche is what sets you apart from the millions of other people online. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on what makes your content unique and valuable. Here’s how:
•Identify Your Strengths and Interests: Ask yourself, What am I passionate about? What type of content comes naturally to me? Whether it’s fashion, beauty, fitness, lifestyle, or something else, choose a niche that you genuinely enjoy.
•Study Your Audience: Pay attention to what your followers engage with the most. If certain types of posts get more likes, comments, or shares, that’s a sign of what your audience wants to see more of.
•Stay True to Your Brand: Once you find your niche, stick with it. Avoid constantly switching topics, as that can confuse your audience. Instead, build authority and become known for something specific.
3. Combine Consistency & Niche to Grow Your Platform
Once you commit to a niche and stay consistent, growth will come naturally. People will start recognizing your content, engaging with it, and even sharing it with others. Over time, you’ll build a loyal audience that looks forward to what you post.
Bonus Tip: Don’t get discouraged if growth is slow at first. Every big creator started with zero followers. Stay patient, keep improving, and remember that social media success is a marathon, not a sprint.
Stick to your niche, stay consistent, and watch your platform grow!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is hearing how much people admire and are inspired by my work. There’s no better feeling than knowing that something I’ve created—whether it’s a photo, a concept, or simply the way I present myself—has impacted someone in a meaningful way. It reminds me why I started in the first place and fuels my passion even more.
What makes it even more special is when people reach out to tell me that my work has encouraged them to pursue their own creative passions. Whether it’s someone gaining confidence in front of the camera, stepping into modeling, or simply expressing themselves more freely, knowing that I’ve played even a small role in their journey is incredibly fulfilling. It’s moments like those that remind me that creativity isn’t just about personal expression—it’s about connection and inspiration.
I also love when people come to me for advice on their own creative work. It’s humbling to know that they value my perspective and trust my insight. Whether it’s tips on posing, growing their social media, or building confidence, I always do my best to share what I’ve learned along the way. I remember being in their position, looking for guidance and inspiration, so being able to now provide that for others feels like everything has come full circle.
At the end of the day, knowing that my work resonates with people and helps them in some way is more valuable than any amount of likes or followers. It’s a reminder that what I do has meaning beyond just me, and that’s what keeps me going.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexijanay?igsh=MXI0Zm14YjI5MG5hZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FJhXWY3Zs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/lexijanay?s=21&t=XoF8KGhc0uvBCpQ6EeC32Q
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lexijanay?si=HZRcahYAu-X32TW1
- Other: TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@lexijanay?_t=ZP-8tTpRrpUJKR&_r=1
Image Credits
Carlos Stephenson
Sean Carter
Keionte “Oddyssey” Wade