We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carmella Dean. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carmella below.

Carmella, appreciate you joining us today. 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.

Being a model, every step of my career carries risk — from attending castings to stepping onto photoshoot sets. But it’s a risk I eagerly embrace every time!

Despite the nerves and uncertainties, I made the decision to attend the casting call. I prepared meticulously, ensuring my portfolio was polished and my runway walk was impeccable. On the day of the casting, I arrived early, dressed impeccably, and presented myself with confidence and professionalism.

Recently, I took a bold step in my modeling journey by swapping my heels for ballet shoes. As creatives, we are meant to express ourselves in unique ways that stand out. I, Carmella Dean, aka Mellarina am the model who now brings ballet to the runway. Instead of the expected all-black attire with new or black heels, I chose to arrive in striking red pointed ballet shoes. Incorporating my ballet training into my walk, I aimed to capture elegance and presence, akin to a black swan.

This decision was undoubtedly the biggest risk I’ve taken in my career so far. But it has brought me not only joy and happiness but also a significant platform. In just one week, my social media presence has skyrocketed. By daring to wear my tiny red shoes and infuse ballet into my runway performance, I’ve opened doors beyond modeling — into content creation and beyond.

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

My name is Carmella Dean, and I’ve carved out a unique path in the fashion and modeling industry through authenticity and resilience.

My journey began with a decision in 2021 when i decided to transform personal challenges into creative passion.

Over the year This pivotal moment led to the creation of my persona and platform, “Mellarina, the model who doesn’t need heels.” This identity resonates deeply with my ethos of embracing individuality and self-confidence, which has garnered viral attention, including a TikTok video that reached over 1.3 million views and helped build a loyal fan base of 1.6 million supporters.

As a professional model and artist I specialize in breaking conventional norms by showcasing beauty and grace without the necessity of heels, thereby challenging traditional beauty standards. Beyond modeling, I offer a unique perspective and inspiration through my creative works, influencing a wide audience across various social media platforms.

What sets me apart is not only my distinctive approach to modeling but also my ability to connect authentically with my audience. I solve the problem of limited representation in the fashion industry by championing diversity and empowering individuals to embrace their true selves confidently.

I take immense pride in not just being a model but a role model, inspiring others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. My journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and perseverance, proving that with dedication and belief in oneself, anything is possible.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand stands for more than just aesthetics—it stands for empowerment, inclusivity, and the celebration of individuality. Whether through fashion shows, social media engagement, or personal interactions, I strive to uplift and motivate others to embrace their unique beauty and pursue their passions with unwavering confidence.

Thank you once again for allowing me to share my story. I look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment and inspiration with all who join me along the way.

This response aims to capture Carmella Dean’s journey, achievements, and the core values she represents, aligning with the interests of potential readers and clients.

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

As an artist and creator, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey is the ability to transcend boundaries with my talents and dreams. I’ve been fortunate to showcase my modeling across a diverse array of locations, including Paris, St. Thomas. New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Atlanta, as well as closer to home in North Carolina, South Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia. Each city has offered unique opportunities to not only model but also to connect with different cultures, styles, and perspectives.

Traveling beyond the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) region has enriched my artistic vision and expanded my influence within the fashion industry. Whether I’m walking the runways of Paris Fashion Week or collaborating with local designers in Atlanta, each experience has contributed to my growth as a model and entrepreneur.

These journeys have not only broadened my professional horizons but have also allowed me to bring diverse inspirations and insights back to my community and followers. I believe in the power of fashion to transcend geographical boundaries and unite people through creativity and expression.

Moving forward, I am committed to continuing this journey of exploration and artistic discovery, seeking new opportunities to inspire and empower through my work. sharing it with others.

In February 2024, I made a pivotal decision to transform my pain into passion, embracing my authenticity and bringing a unique sense of self-confidence to the forefront. This journey led me to create a name and platform for myself known as “Mellarina, the model who doesn’t need heels.”

What began as simply being true to myself unexpectedly blossomed into a platform where I’m recognized as a professional model, opening doors to numerous opportunities both in my career and personal growth. My TikTok video, which went viral and reached over 1.3 million views, played a significant role in building my platform to a fan base of 1.6 million strong.

This viral success has brought me incredible milestones, from attending Paris Fashion Week to gaining viral acclaim on TikTok and various social media platforms. One of the most gratifying rewards has been the ability to generate income, allowing me to balance the demands of motherhood and everyday life while pursuing my dreams. Along the way, I’ve become increasingly aware of the impact I have on others. People who follow my journey have reached out to share how inspirational my story has been to them, how seeing my confidence in a video can brighten their day and bolster their own self-assurance.

I’ve come to realize that I’m not just a model; I’ve become a role model and a source of motivation for many. The joy of knowing that my journey resonates with others, and that I can inspire them to pursue their own dreams, is incredibly humbling. It’s a solitary journey in many ways, yet the support and recognition I receive—whether it’s hearing my name in a crowd or being approached for advice—continues to fuel my determination and passion.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a creative, I’ve come to truly appreciate and embrace those who planted the seed of inspiration in my life. My daughter, Autumn Neolle Dean, has been the cornerstone of my journey, providing unwavering motivation and strength. While single motherhood wasn’t initially part of my plan, Autumn has been my rock, instilling in me the confidence that I can overcome any challenge through faith.

Throughout this path, Autumn has been not just my daughter but my biggest cheerleader, supporting me wholeheartedly from near and far. She has played an integral role in every step of this journey. One of the most important lessons I aim to impart to her is the power of creating one’s own beauty, even when the world may not see it.

I’ve been incredibly blessed to witness Autumn follow in my footsteps with such positivity. Moments when she joins me on stage to model have been the absolute highlights of my life. Seeing her dance around in my makeup, outfits, and heels fills my heart with joy beyond measure. I affectionately refer to her as my “pure joy,” for nothing can diminish the strength and resilience she embodies.

Her smile, her laughter, even her tiny toes—all of these elements contribute to making my dreams a reality. Without her, none of this would be possible. Autumn has developed a keen interest in the fashion world, and watching her prance around the house in my heels only fuels my determination to work harder.

Together, we are a team—inspiring each other, lifting each other up, and creating beauty and strength through every challenge we face.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@24kmagicmella?_r=1&_d=ee71kf8g01746l&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAAc0WXbnFy1XBV5StlWZ4fqmS3MFIq8KyWp647WCh5CzH_AvPiD_6gO8kBZ0vr11Ya&share_author_id=6806178463193711622&sharer_language=en&source=h5_m&u_code=dbd65a45hiccl5&ug_btm=b8727,b0&social_share_type=4&utm_source=copy&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAc0WXbnFy1XBV5StlWZ4fqmS3MFIq8KyWp647WCh5CzH_AvPiD_6gO8kBZ0vr11Ya&tt_from=copy&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=client_share&enable_checksum=1&user_id=6806178463193711622&share_link_id=6D5B43E1-4B75-4653-B8FA-1BA96C40274E&share_app_id=1233
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmella.dean.96?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@24kmagicmella?_r=1&_d=ee71kf8g01746l&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAAc0WXbnFy1XBV5StlWZ4fqmS3MFIq8KyWp647WCh5CzH_AvPiD_6gO8kBZ0vr11Ya&share_author_id=6806178463193711622&sharer_language=en&source=h5_m&u_code=dbd65a45hiccl5&ug_btm=b8727,b0&social_share_type=4&utm_source=copy&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAc0WXbnFy1XBV5StlWZ4fqmS3MFIq8KyWp647WCh5CzH_AvPiD_6gO8kBZ0vr11Ya&tt_from=copy&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=client_share&enable_checksum=1&user_id=6806178463193711622&share_link_id=6D5B43E1-4B75-4653-B8FA-1BA96C40274E&share_app_id=1233

Image Credits

@mtoddphotography

Antonio john @tjohns_production

julianna yates @crippledbutcute_artistry MUA

Designer : Rell @hausofrevoshowroom

trilla :@stupendous_trilla
@twinbehindthelens

@2lowephoto