Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to De Lore`. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
De Lore`, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I have taken was moving out here to Phoenix in 2018, to pursue modeling. I had just graduated from Western Kentucky University in December of 2016, with a Bachelors in Criminology, minoring in political science. I felt very accomplished for reaching that milestone, of graduating college, in my life but not at all fulfilled. Honestly, I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety during that time between graduating and moving, and the only thing that ever made me feel better was modeling. There wasn’t really a big modeling industry where I lived, so usually I had to drive 2-3 hours to participate in runway shows in neighboring cities. Eventually I started asking my friends and other creatives in town, to meet up and have photoshoots to build our portfolios. Even though we were getting a lot of great images, there just weren’t many ways for us to display them outside of social media.
My mom’s family is originally from Phoenix, and at the time my sister was living there. I knew I wanted to live in a bigger city, to help get my name out there in the industry, and Arizona just seemed like the place I was meant to go. Prior to moving, I joined several Facebook groups for models and photographers in the Phoenix area, so I could have some sort of networking foundation to start from when I arrived. Moving across the country seemed like such a huge “risk” or “challenge” to take on to other people, but I knew I had to get it done to get to where I wanted to be.
One thing about me is, once I actually make my mind up about something, I am going to go full force ahead until I accomplish my goal. I knew that the more modeling I could do, the happier I would be. So I threw all of my focus into moving, and all that would entail. I had a great support system at the time, who helped anyway they could. Whether it was storing/selling my extra furniture, dog-sitting my fur son until I found a home, or even letting me crash until that home was found. None of it was easy and I wouldn’t take back any of the hardships, because its going to make my successes even that much sweeter knowing that I earned my place wholeheartedly!
Everyday I remind myself that I’m living out so many dreams I’ve dreamt & prayers I’ve prayed. I was able to sign to a modeling agency, Priority Talent Agency, in November 2020, DURING a pandemic! I’ve been published in over 9 magazines, in and outside of the country. I have partnered with several different companies to be a brand ambassador and make content for them. I will continue to take risks and push the envelope, until I have conquered all of my creative dreams!
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 back background and context?
I am a published and signed Black model and creative director, located currently in Phoenix, Arizona. I have 4 years of experience, and began my modeling career doing runway in Kentucky. Since moving to Arizona, I have been published in over 9 magazines, featured in music videos and beauty brand campaigns, and have shot e-commerce for various clothing companies. My favorite style to model is fashion, but I take pride in being very versatile with my look. Outside of modeling, I also offer services such as: creative direction, posing, 1:1 model coaching, content creation, and product photography. During the pandemic I purchased a DLSR camera, which I taught myself how to use for shooting self portraits and product photography.
I am most proud of my professionalism and determination within my craft. I took the time to study everything about modeling, before I began networking so I could be knowledgeable in my role on any set. Over the years, I have taken time to hone in on my skills and work on my areas of improvement. I try to stay proactive while still being creatively inspired, by directing my own photoshoots. So the main thing I want people to know about my brand is that I am passionate and take it very seriously. I put 110% into every project that I’m apart of, no matter the role or the compensation!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
For such a long time in my modeling career, all I wanted to do was get signed to an agency. I really thought that’s all it would take to catapult me into the place I wanted to be. I quickly realized, especially in the middle of a pandemic, that it was a far reach. Getting signed isn’t like flipping a switch for getting booked. So I had to step back and evaluate what I wanted versus what I needed, when it came to the type of photoshoots I was doing and what I was adding to my portfolio. I wrote a list of different creatives and a list of short and long term goals, to help put everything into perspective for myself on paper. I had to accept that my creative shoots are not what’s going to get me booked or paid. I pivoted my focus from editorial to commercial work, and I can definitely start to see an increase in my clientele. This industry is always evolving and you have to be comfortable with adapting, which I am no stranger to doing!
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I know that modeling and creative direction are my gifts that I’m meant to share with the world. I was raised to be ambitious, to know that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, all while staying true to myself and my values. I use these key lessons everyday to fuel my mission in highlighting the importance of intelligent, natural-bodied Black Women in the entertainment industry. When I was younger, it felt like we were so rare to find on sets and on runways. Now it feels as though our deep skin tones and unique hair textures are being sought out for fake “woke” agendas. Black Women are resilient, multi-faceted, trendsetters, who should never be confined to any box! I aim to keep displaying our rich culture in authentically artistic ways. I also intend to keep spreading this #BlackGirlMagic everywhere!
Contact Info:
- Website: officiallydelore.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/officially.delore
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officially.delore
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPZzjckKAt74CZ_h9_ZqTA
Image Credits
Photo 1 (standing on table): Publication: @selin.magazine Vol. 10 ISSUE 44 Creative Director/Model/Hair: @officially.delore Photographer: @aubree.photos MUA: @tyler.preyer Wardrobe Stylists: @effortlessly.ebony & @claudistheillest of @ecstylemethod Photo 2 (green feathers): Model/Hair/Styling: @officially.delore Photographer: @farofocal MUA: @zhonetheekreator Lingerie: @savagexfenty Studio: @blok_studio (Van Buren E) Photo 3 (can on top of head): Client: @drinkaguabonita Photographer: @dillon_ivory Model/HMU/Styling: @officially.delore Photo 4 (black and white): Photographer: @orlandopelagio Model/HMUA/Styling: @officially.delore Studio: @afternoonsstudio Agency: @prioritytalent Photo 5 (cowboy hat): Client: @sleepymountain Photographer/Stylist: @svodufo Model/HMUA: @officially.delore Agency: @prioritytalent Photo 6 (Genzo tear-sheet): Publication: @geznomagazine May 2021 Issue #3 [Pages 54-67] Creative Director/Model: @officially.delore Photographer: @blo602 of @legendslegacyia MUA: @prettyray_mua Hairstylist: @kosmokris Wardrobe Stylist: @inditheholisticstylist Wardrobe Assistant: @nowplayingtoystory Featuring: @loveurdesign