We recently connected with Devorah Story and have shared our conversation below.
Devorah, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Over the last decade, I’ve immersed myself in the world of modeling. Through runway training, extensive studying, and firsthand experiences, I’ve created my own unique path in this industry.
Looking back, I don’t believe there was anything I could have done to accelerate my journey. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and unfolds exactly as intended. This perspective allows me to trust that every part of my journey has led me to where I am today, and everything that happens moving forward is guiding me to where I’m meant to be. My life has proven that all parts of the story matter, which helps me embrace the ebbs and flows of life’s experiences.
While in the midst of your journey, it’s easy to feel as if the current moment lacks purpose or is potentially wasted time when your present moments doesn’t align with your desired future. For instance, after graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, I spent eight years doing behavioral therapy with children with Autism and other developmental disorders. I worked in various settings – clinical, home, and school. Years later, I would apply my skills as a behaviorist to support my son in coping with separation anxiety during my transition into co-parenting. This experience, once again, reinforced my belief that every part of the story matters.
I’ve been able to incorporate my consulting experience as I provide model development to other women desiring to break into the modeling industry and then creating measurable programming to guide their process. I’ve also utilized behavioral therapy techniques to shape my own behavior and explore the world of self-care, which has inspired other women to join me on this journey.
It’s beautiful to see how different chapters of life come full circle. This realization has taught me that I’m not just taking chances, but I’m being led. Surrendering to the process of evolution has become easier, knowing that even the challenging parts of my story are necessary for my future.
I’ve faced several barriers along the way: building a modeling career while having no prior knowledge of the industry, becoming a single mother while still discovering my purpose, being the first entrepreneur in my family, but still moving amidst many limitations. While these factors could have derailed me, they didn’t stop me – and I’m proud of that. Instead, these challenges have become driving forces behind my passions. Once again, all parts of the story matter, and this is perhaps the most important lesson of all.
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’m a professional model, mother, and self-care advocate. Over the years, I’ve used my platform to inspire women to love and feel good about themselves. I’ve shared my industry insights through conversations, workshops, and opened up about my co-parenting journey via social media and our podcast, ‘The Co Parent Goals’.
My passion lies in fostering healthy relationships, which led me to create ‘The Story Collective’, a community for women of color to connect, grow, and prioritize self-care. Through my own experiences, I’ve realized how crucial support, community, and self-care are to achieving success. As Black women, we carry significant responsibilities and hold immense power. Our strength multiplies when we share our individual stories, creating even greater narratives. I believe that healthy relationships, starting with the one with self, can easily extend to those around us. I’m proud of the community I’m building with The Story Collective. It’s fulfilling a need greater than I initially realized, providing the very support I’ve sought throughout various seasons of my own life. It’s become a beautiful example of what reciprocal support can look like within the element of community.
What sets me apart is my multifaceted approach: combining my modeling experience, psychology background, and personal growth journey to create a unique space for women’s empowerment. Whether through modeling, personal development workshops, or community building, my goal is to inspire and guide women to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose.”
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
“Being a Black, curvy model with natural hair who also happens to be a single mom—talk about beating the odds. The epitome of resilience. Throughout my career, I’ve faced a ton of rejection and countless ‘no’s.’ But perspective is everything. There were seasons where I received rejection, but simply having the opportunity present itself was a form of growth and eventually became a new measure of ‘success.’ It’s all about how you view it.
I’ve spent my entire career continuously self-reflecting and giving myself permission to redefine success as often as needed. Life has a way of making us quickly forget how amazing we are and the incredible things we bring to this life. Acknowledging the strides I’ve taken, both big and small, has been a game changer for me. I’ve accomplished many things, both personally and professionally, that statistically I shouldn’t have. So, I consider myself blessed. My resilience lies in my ability to adapt, redefine, and continue pushing forward despite the odds.”
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is the freedom it brings. It’s the ability to take an idea and turn it into reality, which is incredibly empowering and an act that not a ton of people get to experience. We all have the power to shape the story we want our lives to tell. I often remind myself that I am not a victim of my circumstances; I am a contributor to my life. Everything that happens to me—whether good or bad—can work in my favor if I create the space for it to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devorahstory.com
- Instagram: @devorahstory
- Facebook: Devorah Story
- Linkedin: Devorah Story
Image Credits
Personal photo: Photography: @stillxduval; Stylist: @kenyaiman.style
1. Photography: Katie Parker; Son: @christianIdudu
2. Photography: @stillxduval
3. Photography: jar2photography
4. Photography: Howell Designs Studio