Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chyenne Roan-Santini. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Chyenne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first money I earned professionally in modeling came from an H&M campaign that I booked independently when I was still a freelance model. I began my journey in modeling without an agent, traveling around the city by bus to go to auditions/castings, and leaving shifts at my day job for the same reasons. There were days that I hardly had enough money to eat. When I booked the campaign with H&M, it was completely surreal-prior to this I had never experienced receiving a large lump sum of money under such unreal circumstances, especially coming from a low income background. I remember the feeling I had when I saw the rate that I’d be paid… I was completely floored. Reaching this accomplishment alone gave me the belief necessary to push harder toward my dream of modeling… especially under the living circumstances I was experiencing.

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 got into modeling in 2016/17 freelance, with no agent and no prior experience in the industry. All I had was pure ambition and survival mentality, especially at the time that I began pursuing it. I was living in a toxic environment with a relative, and this pushed me to go after my dreams, no matter how crazy or unattainable they seemed to others. With this mentality, I left my day job as an after-school teacher when I booked my first professional modeling gig and began to be requested for more shoots/castings, and the rest is history.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my entire story. I come from a background in foster care/kinship care, and I did not have the typical support/resources to pursue this particular industry. I had to truly learn through networking, intuition, trust in self, and establishing genuine/meaningful connections. I’m most proud of myself for utilizing my past to leverage everything that I set out to do… not as a crutch, excuse, or barrier, but to show people that I am proof of what is possible when you are intentional in your life and when you’re of service to yourself and to others. The main thing I’d like people to know, especially black and brown people like me, is that you are responsible for the legacy that you are creating/leaving here. I’ve heard stories of people that have been through far more than I have, who have still been extremely successful. This is another example of what pushes me to be my best and to create the best life for myself… I believe that this is the ultimate way you can honor yourself and your story.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The main mission and goal that is driving my creative journey is to integrate my story in my work in an authentic and intentional way. My goal is to reach others who are similar to me, people of color with lived experience in foster care, advocacy spaces, etc in a way that accurately reflects our voices. As I’ve progressed in the field of fashion, I have done my best to integrate these conversations in a way that creates dialogue and awareness around foster care, homelessness, juvenile justice, etc. This is the main goal that I have as I gain more of a platform in my modeling and advocacy work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative has been watching my creativity birth additional creative ventures/opportunities, and seeing my career expand in ways I could not have anticipated. My mind has opened up to additional creative paths, which have presented opportunities for me to not only incorporate my artistry/creativity, but further possibilities for my future. As I’ve expanded, I’ve noticed that others have caught on and as a result they have expressed desire to collaborate with me, or to simply provide assistance in whatever ways possible, which I am extremely grateful for. Over the years I’ve learned how important genuine connections are-both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Chy_Mellow
• Linkedin: Chyenne Roan-Santini
• Other: Tik Tok: @Chy_mellow

Image Credits

Audrey Maria Joyce (byamjw.com)
Christopher Blackwell @chrisblackwellphoto
Anton Watts @antonwatts
Marlon Turner @marlonturner_