We were lucky to catch up with Abigayle James recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Abigayle, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I actually didn’t know I wanted to pursue and creative career path for a long time. I remember when I was younger I always loved hair and makeup and taking pictures but it never occurred to me that I could make a living out of that. I actually was planning on going into the medical field for most of my childhood up until about 3 years ago when I decided to switch my path to cosmetology school. I have done modeling for about 4 years now and I always figured that would be a side hustle for me but as I’ve gotten older I’ve fell more in love with it & began taking that more serious along with my cosmetology career.

Abigayle, 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?

I got into modeling through an event called IMTA which I had so many amazing opportunities. I was able to get signed with a manager soon after who then got me signed with different agencies across the U.S. As for cosmetology, I fell super in love with doing hair a little while after starting cosmetology school at Aveda. I loved seeing my talent shine through and being able to showcase that.

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

Growing up it was hard to find myself and not compare myself to beauty standards especially being a POC because I didn’t see a lot of people who looked like me. I think the most rewarding piece in modeling is being a part in changing the standard because I don’t want kids who don’t fit that standard to think they aren’t beautiful. I want them to see people they look like and truly believe in their beauty.

As for my cosmetology career the most rewarding part is seeing the confidence shine through after someone gets their hair done by me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the only lesson I really need to learn is more in my modeling career than my cosmetology career. I’ve had to unlearn being so harsh and critical of myself because of what others look like. I had to teach myself that just because I don’t look like some of the other models I know doesn’t make me less beautiful or worthy. You do not have to fit in a box or fit a certain description to be beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @abigaylejames_
• Facebook: Abigayle James
• Youtube: @abigaylejames

Image Credits
Caroline Miller @Carolinemillerphotography Lauren Schoepfer @Laurenschoepfer