We were lucky to catch up with Keisha Mason recently and have shared our conversation below.

Keisha , appreciate you joining us today. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?

I was just starting out and a new (to me) photographer reached via a modeling platform to do a TFP shoot. I normally try to vet photographers that I don’t know. I apparently didn’t do my due diligence with this person. Against my better judgment I met with him at his “studio” which happened to be an apartment. The shoot started out respectable until he kept excusing himself to use the restroom. I was starting to feel uneasy about it and then when he returned his advances started. I immediately grabbed my bags and left. I might’ve left a few things. He apparently was in the bathroom enjoying himself to some thoughts of me. I no longer EVER go to a shoot with a new photographer alone. I advise all of the new younger models the same whenever onset with multiple models.

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 got into the industry on a whim. A friend of mine wanted to get into photography and asked me if I would be his subject. I never took it seriously until I applied (on a whim) to be featured in a table top book and tell my story. It was up from there and I became a professional model. I love doing print work, branding and creative work. I am very diverse when it comes to shooting and I come with years of experience. What sets me apart is just that. I bring diversity. I have the ability to morph into whatever thought the creative director has in mind especially with my acting background.
I want my readers to know I bring expression, expertise and fun to any project I am on.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was on a casting call for an agency and big name brand. During the audition, I was told I had the look and nice walk but I was too old and short. Yes they said it just like that. Initially I was devastated and heartbroken because they confirmed all of my doubts and fears I had when I first started. Well as the saying goes one person’s trash is another one’s treasure. I did a shoot that next week even though I was not in the mindset and ready to quit and I was published and asked to walk in LAFW. I tell this story to say never give up on your dreams no matter how old you are. Rhianna has a model for Savage X that is in her 60’s!!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Networking networking networking.. get yourself out there. Come out of your shell and use social media as a building platform. Meet new people.. models, photographers, business owners doesn’t matter someone will always need a face to brand their business. Sell yourself and don’t ever sell yourself short

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Officially_keisha_
• Facebook: Kei Shanae

Image Credits
Photographer: Redsoco / Patience Wolfe Makeup artist: Patience Wolfe/ Redsoco