We recently connected with Aleena Axel and have shared our conversation below.

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

I was freshly 18, living in Los Angeles, and I had multiple people message me claiming to be photographers who wanted to work with me. At the time I was incredibly cautious and a bit paranoid if I’m being honest and I turned them all down in fear of being abducted or something 😂 until one day a photographer named Angel,(profile photo shows a beautiful blonde woman in a red corset) I looked through their photos and I had a great feeling about this one especially because I thought it was a female photographer. We planned a boudoir shoot and about a week later the big day finally came! I was running a little behind and struggling to find the studio in the large downtown buildings, so I called the photographer for directions and found out that Angel was actually another male photographer! I panicked for a moment, thought about cancelling, but then decided against it. I was here, outfits ready, and a friend with me for safety- let’s go for it. So I did, it was kinda awkward at first but once I started shooting it was like magic. All my insecurities melted away, and the results were gorgeous. After the shoot I submitted the photos to a few magazines, and guess what!! My first shoot ever received the cover of Babe Watch Magazine!! At that moment I decided I should pursue modeling. It’s been almost 5 years, hundreds of photographers and jobs later I’m still here creating and in love with what I do.

I was into plays, theatre and the like when I was a child so I’ve always loved to preform/express creativity in some way or another.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello everyone! My name is Aleena Axel, I’m 22 years young and I grew up in Los Angeles. I am a model, actress, and dancer currently located in Colorado Springs. I started modeling when I was only 18, at the time I had low self esteem. My self love was majorly lacking and had been for years. Modeling transformed my relationship with myself, it gave me confidence, it gave my control over my life, and most importantly it gave me an outlet to express myself. I provide modeling services for brands, commercials, personal photographers, magazines, and more! In my years of experience I have gained extensive knowledge in communicating, taking direction, and building lasting professional relationships. Posing comes extremely natural to me and all the practice I’ve dedicated myself too helps out quite a bit! Every photographer I’ve worked with in Colorado has went above and beyond when complementing my talent for posing. Modeling is much more than just standing in front of the camera. A photo holds the potential to convey a feeling or tell a story, if you’re uncomfortable at all that’s going to come across in the photos. I spend a lot of time making sure my body looks how I want it to, from eating a completely plant based diet, working out often, to exercises like shadow work and positive affirmations. At the end of the day YOU are your only competition, the only person I’m trying to be better than- is who I was yesterday. A few honorable mentions throughout my career so far include; Starring as a contestant in season 2 of a new reality game show, being featured in Malvie Magazine which was my first UK publication, being featured in over 17+ magazines worldwide, Walking the runway at Denver Fashion Week, and modeling for up and coming clothing brands in LA! For anyone out there looking to get started, just know that it all comes from within. The self love, the confidence, the magic it takes to create real art- it’s all within you right now.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Growing up in LA modeling jobs came to me, I was able to support myself by working full time as a creative. However I decided that I needed more adventure in my life and I decided to remodel a van, sell everything I own, and go live on the road for a year. I did orchestrate multiple shoots while living in my van, however I ended up settling in Colorado Springs. I have been extremely disappointed to find out that the creative scene here is not even a fraction of what I am used to. In Colorado, models are rarely paid or treated with respect. So, I’ve found a way to provide value to the creative community, I have begun hosting styled shoots and inviting photographers & models to come work together. This isn’t exactly what I’m used to but it’s a great way to do what I love and help to build the creative scene here in Colorado.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a model/actress or dancer is the Freedom! Freedom of expression is one of the key factors for me. I love finding way to express myself, my sensuality, my love for life/my body. The feeling I get when I’m preforming or shooting is unlike anything Ive ever experienced. Next would be freedom of schedule, being a creative does come with some last minute plans and sometimes last minute cancellations (more common in Colorado than LA!) however I notice I have a lot more free time and control over my daily life as a freelance creative than if I were working a normal job. Lastly, being able to provide an income by doing what set your soul on fire.. nothing will ever compare.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aleenaaxel.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/aleena.axel
• Facebook: Aleena Axel

Image Credits
Angel Valera Kira Ports Ismael Gomez Rob Walker Jeffery Jenkins Dezire Photo Asymmetry Photo