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

Jhamella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

Today with social media and celebrities having such an impact of everyone it’s easy to be discouraged. Everyone wants to look like him or look like her and it takes a lot of self awareness and self confidence to really get out there in this day and age to model in such large crowds. When you don’t fit the image of what everyone hypes taking the risk and stepping out of your comfort is not the easiest but i promise over time it’ll be a walk in the park. I was terrified to model because one, i was dark skin two, i was a size 0. Not only was i ashamed of being dark skin but i was “skinny”. I took the rest of stepping out and not caring what others had to say and because of modeling i am the most confident version of myself i have ever been. Take the risk because so many more doors will open once you take that first jump.

Jhamella, 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 got into modeling on accident in a way. I thought that i model call was something that opened doors for people who simply wanted to model. In my head i thought we would sit, talk, learn how to get into it but no! I walked in the building and they gave me a number i immediately turned around and said never mind because i knew i wasn’t ready to model yet. I couldn’t barely walk in heels at that time but for some reason i just so happened to have a pair in my car. The team hosting the model call insisted i stayed telling me how they liked my look and helped me through giving me tips and lesson and lots of encouragement.

After months of practice i had my first show and i learned from the mistakes i made. I paid for trainers, i watched videos online, i paid the people who were better than me at the time. Even when i wasn’t that great i continued to travel and go out to model calls. Surprising everyone seen something in me that i had not seen which was very helpful because the way everyone encouraged me made me feel i had what it took.

The only problem i would say that i have faced is losing people i thought were friends . Once you get to a certain point or outgrow your own self you tend to get backlash. You have the people who once helped you think that maybe you think you are better than them. Once you’re working out of state and for bigger names then you’re “acting Hollywood”. The best thing to do is stay focused on the bigger goal. You will always having people who don’t like you or don’t want to see you win. Just win! Keep
Going! I’ve had people deliberately not do my makeup right before a show and even though i cried once i recognized what was going on i still got out there with my bare face and i walked! When you’re in a new state, new city consider it a bigger opportunity someone is always watching rather you see them or you don’t!

What sets me apart from others i would say is my connection to God. I know that everything i have and have done and accomplished is all because of God. I thank him everyday for my journey. I love a humble life and no matter who I’ve walked for or what I’ve done and accomplished i will remain humble. I will always bring some someone else up with me. It’s all about love, love one another. It’s more to life and looking down or acting like you’re better than someone will be the one thing that stops someone from taking their risk. And wouldn’t you want to be the reason they made it? The reason someone just like you is just as bold and making it too? I know i would love to be that person.

The one thing I’m most proud of is, the fact that i never gave up. We all have a story to tell but the best part is telling it after the storm is over. Through the hard times, tears, confusion and the world itself being about to keep your faith and stay steadfast is something to be proud of in itself

How did you build your audience on social media?

I currently am rebuilding my audience on social media after losing my first Instagram account. I’m still learning as i go. Post! Post! Post! No matter how many likes or comments POST IT. The right set of eyes will see it. Hashtags work! Create content. Show who you are working with, tag them. Repost your mentions. Be bright always. I also keep my social media pages strictly business.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Stop judging! We were not all created to be alike. We all serve a purpose and have our own journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Jhamellah_