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

Chatrea’l, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

If I could go back in time, I do wish I had started my creative career sooner. Although I started modeling when I was in middle school, I didn’t pursue it long enough to really appreciate or receive any benefits from my craft. Since I was in middle school when I first began modeling, everything had to be funded through my parents. I do not come from wealth, so in order for them to really invest in me becoming a model some sacrifices would have to be made. Now that I am older and have the means to invest in myself, I made the decision in 2019 to start modeling again. Starting sooner would have most likely opened up more doors for me because I would have had a lot more experience and knowledge by the time I reached the age I am now. I know it’s never too late to start something, but starting a little earlier would definitely be an advantage.

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 background and context?

Hello, my name Chatrea’l Waters and I am a model. My first name is pronounced (Sha-tree-el). I was born and raised in Florida. I grew up in Miami, but I have lived in Tampa for many years. I was first introduced to the modeling industry in middle school with the help of my parents. In 2019, I made the decision to give modeling another try and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. I mainly model in photo shoots, fashion shows, and commercials. Recently, I have added being a model for makeup and hairstylists to the services I provide. I am most proud of all the relationships I have formed with past clients who have continually requested my services. Not only do I strive to provide quality service, but I think forming healthy, long-lasting relationships are important as well. The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my brand is that whatever you get from me will always be REAL. I wasn’t named Chatrea’l by accident.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to remind anyone who looks like me or even doesn’t look like me that they too can be a model. God has made us all in his image, but he has also made us all in our own unique way. For the modeling world to have been so specific on what is allowable to participate in certain areas of the industry for so long is crazy. Not every woman is built to be 5’9 or taller or a size 4 and smaller. Although the modeling industry has been diversifying a little and have been giving others a chance, I believe that there is still work to do. Oftentimes while I’m doing photo shoots, I hear lots of other fellow models saying how they can’t be a runway model or be in a commercial because of how they look. I used to have the same thoughts, but since I have had the opportunities to do runway shows as well as commercials, I can serve as an example that they can do anything they set their heart and desires on too.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have been wanting to be a model since I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model. As I watched, I began to practice my model walk. I began to take modeling classes at Barbizon when I was in middle school, but that didn’t last long due to financial reasons. As I was getting older I also wasn’t getting any taller, which wasn’t really a surprise since both of my parents are on the shorter side. Usually when someone thinks of a model, they picture the really tall and thin women and that just wasn’t me. I am a 5’2 somewhat petite, somewhat curvy woman, so modeling didn’t look like it was in the cards for me. One day, I decided that it didn’t matter if I “fit” the look of what a model should be, I had to remind myself that what God has for me will always be for me. I started taking modeling classes again, but this time it was at John Casablancas. I really began to take my modeling seriously and started to book fashion shows, photo shoots, commercials, and even modeling for hair/makeup artists. If I would have just accepted that because of how I look I couldn’t be a model I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: chatrealwaters.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/cha.waters
• Facebook: Chatrea’l Waters

Image Credits
Mallary Denson, Alyssa Miller, Tyree Anderson, Wale A., Juan Rodriguez