We recently connected with Alshernae Cole and have shared our conversation below.

Alshernae , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Modeling was never on my list as a career. Growing up I wasn’t introduced to entrepreneurship, nor careers based on creativity. In my head I was going to take the straight forward route of education then career, specifically nursing. As I was going through school I was introduced to modeling. I did my first shoot in October of 2020. A passion sparked inside of me that I didn’t even know was there. From then I began to study model walks, movement in one’s posing, and researching where I fit as a model. I even subscribed to a young lady’s program teaching upcoming models the ins and outs of the business and how to land more opportunities, especially paid ones.

The next few months involved me researching more and more of modeling. Alongside that I would go out to lounges, clubs, and events with intent to introduce and present myself as a model. I subconsciously knew that with people seeing my personality and knowing what I do, more opportunities would come and they did. I went to model calls for local fashion shows and I networked with local photographers who were open to using me to build their portfolio as I used them to build mine.

I had to figure out as I was going what was worth it or not. What was actually benefiting me? I’m still going through that because as you progress some things have already given their value. Now that more of the right people know who I am and what I do, I am more particular with what I participate in. I’m having to sit back and think of what to do to be discovered, having opportunities outside of my city.

To do any of this I had to get into to a intentional mindset. I can want to be a model all day but it isn’t until you plan and move with intention that you’ll bear fruit.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a upcoming fashion model. The idea of pursuing modeling came from participating in a promo commercial for the job I was currently working. I actually was in college finishing my degree as well. However, the creative director of the commercial invited me to an upcoming shoot for a local Memphis fashion designer. I was pretty nervous since the only modeling I had ever done was as a child. I never thought to take it serious, but since that shoot I’ve never felt so fulfilled doing something I have found a passion in. It’s like everything about myself made since when I became a model.

As a model I provide the services of walking runways to promote and/or sell one’s designs, promotional photoshoots as well as those for creative expression, and I also serve as an ambassador, modeling creators’ designs or products. I help as a piece of the puzzle to make a designer’s vision come to life.

God has blessed me with more than good looks; He gave me a golden spirit and it shows within my modeling. My clients have always expressed how well I am able to bring their fashion dreams to life by the way I walk and wear their garments, but what is loved even more, I think, is my positive, genuine personality that they are drawn to. Looks can only get you so far, but your attitude is what sets you apart.

What I am most proud of is my progression. I literally just went for it without a second though and I’ve actually been doing a pretty good job, I think (haha). I’m proud of the connections I’ve made and the friendships that have been born and growing stronger. I am most proud of me. I said I was going to do something and I’m doing it. Modeling has changed my life in such a positive way from the way I think to how I view myself, and the world around me.

I want people and my future clients to know that Alshernaé has a passion for fashion, creativity, and all forms of art. I want it to known that I am an experience that cannot be duplicated.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect that comes from modeling is being able to experience so many creatives. I get to be around art all the time whether it’s art within a designer’s clothes or being the art within a photo. I like to think of modeling as being a walking piece of art and seeing myself as art has boosted my confidence so much more than I expected.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission has always been to, 1) take care of my family, 2) travel with my family, even if the travel is for work. When I was pursuing nursing, my ultimate goal was to eventually become a traveling nurse so that I could take my family with me to work and we enjoy the new places we were in. I’ll never give up on that goal, especially seeing I can accomplish that with modeling as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/j.alshernae
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@j.alshernae

Image Credits
Photographer(s): Trell- @i92photo Roderick Williams – @rodwillphoto