We were lucky to catch up with Sasha Nicole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sasha Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Modeling was never part of the plan—at least, not one I thought was realistic. But in the back of my mind, it was always there. I was always the girl who dressed her best, no matter the occasion. I treasured each little detail—the way an outfit could transform a mood, the way confidence came alive through personal style. I wanted to live in that feeling every single day.

But life happens. You grow up, and some things seem like they will only ever be dreams. I didn’t really think I could actually live my life playing dress-up. So, I moved on to other interests. My family and I started a business together in my senior year of high school—built from the ground up. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had immense determination and a relentless work ethic. It was a huge risk, but one I’m so glad we took. I love being a businesswoman—interacting with people, learning things I never thought I would, and growing something meaningful alongside my family.

But even with all of that, I felt like something was missing. I just wasn’t sure what.

Then, after about a year of being fully immersed in the business, I got together with my best friend. And being me, I decided to play “dress-up.” That turned into a spontaneous photoshoot outside. It was freezing, misting, and honestly not ideal for pictures—but I was so caught up in the moment. I laughed uncontrollably, smiled until my face hurt, and for the first time in a long time, I felt something click. And just like that, the thought crossed my mind again: What if I actually tried this? But I brushed it off.

Fast-forward a few years. The thought never really left me. So, I took a leap—I reached out to a local photography studio about getting professional pictures taken. What’s the harm in just seeing what they say? I told myself. I wasn’t expecting anything to come of it, but when they welcomed me so warmly, I felt excited. Nervous, but excited. Standing there, practicing angles, I wasn’t sure how it would go. But the moment the camera started clicking, something inside felt right. I relaxed. I had fun. And walking out of that studio, I knew—I wanted to try. No matter the outcome, I wanted to pursue this.

But don’t get the impression that it was—or has been—all rainbows and sunshine. After those first pictures, I was selected for a casting, only to find out I wasn’t what they were looking for.

But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept going. I had two more photoshoots—each one helping me practice, get comfortable, and ultimately, just enjoy doing what I loved most… Dressing up!

Then came street photography—outside, in the snow. It was freezing, but thrilling. The crisp air, the energy, the way the world felt so alive—it reminded me why I loved this. Each shoot was another step forward, another moment where I felt myself growing—not just in skill, but in confidence. I was discovering who I was in front of the camera, and more importantly, who I was beyond it.

Through it all, I discovered a truth that completely changed my perspective: the biggest risk you can take is believing in yourself. At first, I thought I needed the connections, the money, the perfect timing to make this dream a reality. But what I had was so much more important—I had belief. I had a vision, a fierce determination, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when I didn’t have all the answers.

When I finally took that first step, it was like the world opened up. Opportunities came my way, but even when they didn’t, I found the strength to create my own. Each setback became a lesson, and each small victory felt like a sign that I was on the right path.

Now, I know this is just the beginning. Because this—what I’m doing, this journey—is something I can’t imagine living without.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Sasha Nicole—entrepreneur, model, and someone who has never believed in doing things the easy way. I’ve always been drawn to stories of resilience, of people who built something from nothing, who didn’t follow the expected path but trusted in something greater. That’s the kind of story I want to look back on—not one of convenience, but one of extraordinary faith, perseverance, and bold choices.

I was raised in a small town in Minnesota, homeschooled, in a family that believed in hard work, faith, and community. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had something even more valuable—determination and a strong work ethic. If we wanted something nice, we worked for it. My family also had somewhat of a hobby farm so that meant early mornings, long days, and learning firsthand that nothing worth having comes without effort. I grew up understanding the value of hard work, of stretching what little we had, and of appreciating every blessing—no matter how small.

Starting a business wasn’t something that came easy for us, but it was a leap we were willing to take. My family and I built Heavenly Fresh, a health-focused business, from the ground up. It was a risk, but one that shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It taught me resilience, leadership, and the value of building something meaningful with people you trust. I learned what it takes to run a business, from handling operations to understanding branding and marketing. Most importantly, it showed me that success isn’t just about numbers or status—it’s about impact. That mindset is something I bring into my modeling career as well.

Modeling wasn’t something I always planned on. It found me in a way I didn’t expect. A spontaneous photoshoot was the spark, but the deeper realization was that I had been conditioned to believe I didn’t belong in this industry. That beauty had a narrow definition and that I didn’t fit it. But in that moment, standing in front of the camera, I saw the truth: beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, confidence, and the energy you bring into a room.

So, I took the risk. I stepped into an industry where I wasn’t the ‘traditional’ mold and decided that was my greatest strength. I reached out to photographers, built my portfolio, and learned the business side of the industry just as much as the creative side. I didn’t just want to be another model—I wanted to be someone who redefines beauty standards, who brings authenticity and substance to fashion.

What sets me apart? It’s not just my look or my style, though my aesthetic is a blend of vintage sophistication with a modern, bold edge—think old Hollywood meets fearless individuality. But beyond that, what truly makes me different is how I approach this industry. I bring the mindset of an entrepreneur. I understand branding, storytelling, and the power of showing up as your full, authentic self. I know that this industry is about more than just taking photos—it’s about creating something that lasts, something that makes people feel something.

I’m not here to be better than anyone else. I’m not here for money, fame, or validation. I still struggle sometimes with chasing something that feels so personal, because I never want to be viewed as selfish or vain. But I’ve come to realize that this journey isn’t just about me—it’s about showing others that they, too, can step boldly into their purpose. That they can embrace what makes them unique without apology. That they don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold to be successful.

At the end of the day, I trust that God has everything planned out for me. I don’t need to have all the answers—I just need to keep showing up, putting in the work, and following where He leads. The path hasn’t always been clear, but I’ve learned that sometimes, the best things in life come from taking the leap before you can see the net.

So, for anyone following my journey, I want you to know this: You don’t have to come from money. You don’t have to have all the connections. You don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to be the ‘perfect’ candidate. You don’t have to know exactly how it will all unfold. Just trust in God, trust in yourself, and take the first step. The best stories aren’t the easy ones—they’re the ones that require faith, courage, and a willingness to stand out.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I decided that my story would be the one I always hoped for—not one of convenience, but one that is extraordinary. That choice shapes everything I do.

My faith in God is at the core of my journey. Faith isn’t a limitation—it’s a foundation. It has shaped my resilience, my work ethic, and my belief that anything is possible. In a world that often defines success by talent, luck, or image, I know it’s something deeper. It’s about trusting in a purpose greater than yourself, having the courage to walk your own path, and knowing that you don’t have to compromise who you are to achieve your dreams.

I’ve always been drawn to timeless beauty—the kind of confidence and grace that never fades. Women like Audrey Hepburn and Ingrid Bergman carried themselves with class, yet had a quiet boldness that made them unforgettable. That’s the presence I want to bring into my modeling. Not just the vintage style, but the strength behind it—the kind that stands for something.

I believe women don’t have to degrade themselves, dress in ways that don’t align with who they are, or compromise their values to chase their dreams. Success isn’t about how much you reveal—it’s about what you bring to the table. Presence, confidence, and authenticity will always be more powerful than any industry standard or expectation. I want to be a role model who proves that you can be bold, elegant, and successful while staying true to yourself.

For me, modeling isn’t just about fashion. It’s about telling a story. It’s about redefining beauty, stepping into purpose, and proving that you don’t have to change who you are to belong.

I want to be someone people can look up to—not because I chose the easiest path, but because I chose the one that was true. If I can inspire others to own their story, embrace their individuality, and walk by faith, then I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is knowing that I have the opportunity to make an impact. I don’t just want to take beautiful pictures—I want to create something meaningful. I want my work to stand for something, to inspire people to embrace who they are, and to remind them that they don’t have to fit into a mold to be seen, valued, or successful.

I think about the younger version of myself, the girl who didn’t see many role models who looked like her, who had her kind of story. I want to be that role model for someone else. I want people—especially young women—to look at my journey and know that success isn’t just about talent, looks, or luck. It’s about faith, resilience, and the courage to step into your own path, even when the world doesn’t quite know where to place you yet.

Beyond that, modeling is deeply personal to me. It’s something that’s mine. I’ve spent so much of my life giving to others—through my family business, community work, serving at church, and just who I am as a person. And I wouldn’t change that for anything. But this? This is my space to create, to express myself, and to build something for me. I’ve always loved dressing up, putting together looks that feel like an extension of who I am, and embracing the little details that make something feel almost magical. Now, with every shoot, I get to step into that fully. I get to embody the vision I’ve always had for myself—one that blends vintage elegance with fearless individuality.

The most rewarding part of this journey is knowing that, with every step I take, I’m not just proving something to myself—I’m opening a door for others, too. I want to show that it’s possible believe in Jesus, chase big dreams, stay true to yourself, and to build a life that’s extraordinary—not just convenient.

And that? That makes everything worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sashanicole.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashanicole.modeling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SashaNicole.Modeling

Image Credits

JoJo Spencer