We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Follow Milli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Follow, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My mother put me in pageants from the time I could walk until I turned 5. My parents weren’t too keen about modeling growing up, they were more focused on my education. In high school my favorite show, America’s Next Top Model inspired me. I then wanted to become the World’s Next Top Model. I’ve always felt that I should be in front of the camera. You ever felt so passionate about something, that the feeling never weakens? The feeling never left, so I waited.

After I got out of the Army I started practicing my craft. I created makeup tutorials and learned how to better my makeup skills. I took it a step further and worked with Ssista to Ssista Hair Extensions. I became one of their first brands ambassadors when the company launched in 2018. I learned how to customize wigs and put them on myself. Little did I know I was preparing myself for where I am now.

I booked my first official photoshoot with Hughes Photography located in Charleston, SC in 2019. I just knew I was right where I needed to be. The experience was wonderful and the pictures came out beautifully. From there it gradually unfolded for me. I then started to work with other photographers around South Carolina. During that time, I still created makeup and hair content to help build my brand.

Follow, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m versatile, I do all kinds of modeling like commercial, fashion, swimsuit, runway, promotions, and videography. I don’t cater to one specific type of modeling.

I’m able to create high-quality content for clients without breaking their bank. It’s great for small businesses that need content, but maybe don’t have the time, the space, or budget. I help bring the clients product to life by creating a visual.

The most exciting part about modeling for me is creating. I can create my backdrop, clothes, hair, and a whole make-up look. I’m able to be completely myself and express the product through my art. I love it when companies and clients give me the freedom to create a a masterpiece for them. I feel rewarded when I execute my ideas into a major masterpiece and people are in awe because I did it myself!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Not everyone will support you, but you know who will… Strangers! I always thought the people closest to you would get you to the next level and shower you with support, it does happen for some, but not in my case. I had to learn how to market myself and put myself in front of the opportunities. Being proactive has helped me more in the past couple of years than my whole career.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I post content and stay persistent. I’m still growing my social media, but in my experience, you have to constantly post great content.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followmilli/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/milli.duh.1
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdGgtegb/

Image Credits
Hughes Photography LLC