Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keosha Samuel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Keosha, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a self taught model. I used online resources such as YouTube, old America’s Next Top Model episodes, old Ru Paul’s Drag Race episodes, and most recently social media to learn the different skills and techniques of the runway. Looking back on my progress, I wouldn’t do anything differently. My family wasn’t the wealthiest and couldn’t afford the fashion schools that teach models. The way I chose to learn was the most cost efficient. The most essential skill isn’t a skill, it’s a mindset. That mindset is confidence. Every model needs it to perform their best on any runway. We all have a job to do, and we can’t do it if we’re not completely comfortable in our confidence. One obstacle that stands in the way of learning more is pride. Many models don’t invest in skill building because it requires them to identify and highlight their weaknesses in which they need help with. We all want to be the absolute best, but that requires being vulnerable enough to admit we need help and constructive criticism with a plan to rectify our deficiencies. Practice to progress, but before that we need to know exactly what to practice to become more skilled.

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 am a model that specializes in runway and fashion. I use my platform for a range of inspiration and influence. Being that I don’t have the aesthetic of a traditional fashion model, I pride myself in my role of representing inclusiveness in the fashion industry. According to traditional standards, I’m too short, too overweight, too curvy, too tattooed, too Afrocentric in appearance, and too muscular to be a professional fashion model. My goal is be the face of what representation look like. For women of all shapes, sizes, ethnic backgrounds, height, etc to be afforded the opportunities to break barriers and make history in an industry that misrepresents the majority of its consumers and that promotes false senses of health. I offer runway coaching services that has a confidence course imbedded that stimulates growth in self esteem. Each plan is tailored just for each client and the areas they feel they need the most attention in. For models with no experience, their programs are built solely around their desired career path. The special attention I give to each client is what separates me from my peers. The programs I offer are personalized to each client because each client comes with different needs, levels of experience, etc so no program mirrors another one of my programs. I never had someone that I knew that could provide me any insight on my career. My progress being self taught is why I’m so proud of myself. I’m especially proud of my own journey. I studied the standard to become the standard. I was inspired by the growth of others and I knew I’d inspire someone else one day. If there’s anything I want my future clients to know, whether I’m hired to coach models, I’m casted in more major shows, or an agency decides to sign me is that I come with a built in mechanism that causes me to be relentless. I’m extremely passionate about what I do, and I don’t need external motivation to get a job done. My reputation and my desire to do well are the only motivation I need. With the best interest of who hires me, I plan to be the absolute best I can be.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can support creatives by pouring into them financially. Creativity is cheap entertainment for many if it doesn’t include popular people, brands, or trends. I challenge people to give the creators, artists, fashion industries, and anyone that uses any form of art to sow into these people by buying their products, paying for their services, providing financial aid with their events, and adding monetary value to their work when they monetize their arts.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that there’s more to modeling than how well you walk or pose. To do this, you need consistency, resilience, accolades, and a solid financial grounding. I learned this from countless experiences where if I hadn’t lacked in one area or another, I could have been casted, signed, or hired to do well paying jobs as a model.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_ithinkthats_carrottop?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Other: Memphis Voyager Magazine Interview https://memphisvoyager.com/interview/conversations-with-keosha-samuel/

Image Credits
Teddy Wright and Luis Gonzales