We recently connected with Allayna Marie and have shared our conversation below.
Allayna, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I’m definitely happier as a creative. The freedom. The joy. The outlet to creatively express myself without limits is an amazing feeling. It fuels me and keeps me grounded. However, being a full time creative doesn’t cover all the bills at times. It’s very up and down. You truly have to trust the process to fully lock in. I’ve also looked at other ways I can still be creative and bring in another stream of income. You can now add “author” to the list of my accomplishments. My first book will be released on 10/10. It’s about really knowing yourself and what you’re passionate about. A lot of people will not understand your path. Sometimes it gets lonely. A lot of times you’re making ends meet but to see it all come together at the end, I wouldn’t change that for the world. The hard work and sacrifices will pay off. Stay consistent and trust yourself. God has you on this path for a reason.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Allayna Marie. I’m from Mississippi. I am 30 years old and I been modeling professionally for 11 years now. I am also a new author (10/10) and co-owner of a development agency for independent artist in Atlanta (VolumeOneAgency). We offer services to independent artists looking to get their foot in the industry. Photo shoots, studio sessions, EPKs, marketing roll outs, or we can customize a package to your liking and budget. For awhile I had to stop thinking one dimensional when it came to my brand. And I want to continue to grow it. I am most proud of my consistency. I go in deeper detail in my book “Soul Searching” which releases 10/10. My ambition and determination got me here along with God of course. A lot of times I had to go back to the drawing board. I would figure it out each and every time and that’s how I knew I was built for this. I don’t try to set myself apart. I stay in my lane and mind my business. People gravitate towards authenticity. It’s relatable and not forced. Whether you meet, Allayna the author, model, business owner, or simply see me out running errands, it’s the same me.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The crazy part about this answer is that it cost nothing. Support is FREE. A like, share, comment and/or repost is FREE 99. But to go a step further, supporting events or buying merch or even word of mouth, can bring more exposure to someone’s brand. And even if you don’t agree with their brand, just showing appreciation that they are thinking outside of the box and still doing something productive with their life is enough.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Listen I had to figure everything out on my own. I had to navigate being a little girl in the world by myself so once I figured out who I wanted to be in life it was no different. There was no manual on how to be a model in MISSISSIPPI of all places. I had to get out in the world and FIGURE IT OUT! That’s why I help every person that needs advice about modeling or life in general. I always wanted to be who I needed when I was growing up. Someone to show me the ropes and help navigate my career. I learned through experience. Trial and error. A lot of errors might I add.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/_AllaynaMarie
- Instagram: MissAllaynaMarie
- Facebook: AllaynaMarie
- Twitter: AllaynaMarie_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/allayna7?sub_confirmation=1
Image Credits
@lateralusphoto @rar3element