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

John, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

It wasn’t until around 2015 or so that I began freelance modeling, and it wasn’t until about 2017, that I started taking modeling more seriously. It’s not as that in 2015 that I didn’t take it serious, however, I found myself building my confidence up in the content that I began to create. I started connecting and reaching out to local freelance photographers who were looking for talent and/or, wanting to build up their portfolios.

John, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started modeling in 2015, and began evolving more so as a model in 2017 and thereafter.

Over the last few years, I have learned so much about the modeling industry. I think the biggest aspect that has set me apart is that I have the ambition and courage to continue to step outside of my comfort zone.

There are many moments that I have been proud of in my modeling career thus far, in particular is that I had the opportunities to be featured in a French Magazine, Lattirance, in February 2022. I also landed my first magazine cover of Marika Magazine for the August/September Issue.

Having those milestones moments in my career, only pushed me further to continue in the industry to not only shine, but to exceed beyond any limitations that I might have on myself or of those that society places upon me and breaking those walls down.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I believe that one of many of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative influencer, is the connections and networking that I’ve been able to build over the years.

Although, I know people locally in the state of where I reside – I also have connections in different states across the U.S. and honestly there’s beauty in that; because I’d be able to know that if I was to visit their cities and/or states, I’d be able to reach out and collaborate with them, or even more so meet new people.

The other part is meeting other models, creative influencers locally and globally. It’s always fascinating to meet those who are in the same industry, being able to share similar or different experiences, ideas, etc.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I honestly built my social media platform, predominantly by putting out content. That is the number one goal and key. I also have rebranded my Instagram page to showcase more of my work in the modeling industry. Of course there are times that I may post a more personal post, but I’ve geared my page more towards to content work.

My advice honestly, as I am also taking my own advice, is to continue to network through social media, you never know who’s watching and interested in the content you create. I have met many creatives and influencers based off social media content and been able to build business partnerships through that. This isn’t just for creatives, but athletes, musicians, etc. It’s important to share your craft with the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: RealJohnDabla

Image Credits
Drew Bryant Steffan Studios Peng Yang Jerusanya Kundi