We were lucky to catch up with Mara Naomi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mara , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Important lesson that I’ve learned…… That lesson is: “Believe and have faith in myself.” To see my vision through until the end. This lesson came after a near death experience. And I had wanted to reenter the modeling industry. But in a truly professional, hard hitting, residual income kind of way. The path that I was taking was gaining experience that is foundation and networking skills. But no true progress. So one day, I was invited to a photographer and model meet up. And was able to pose models and sets. I was super scared but everyone was kind and open minded. It had really hit home the feeling that event coordinator was going for. Everyone literally had fun and wanted my help. So, when the images came back. We were super excited, because the concept and storyboard was crisp and clear. It was then that the important lesson was learned.

Mara , 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?

Where to start…. I started modeling almost 10 years ago, with a small agency based in Birmingham, Alabama. I trained there for over a year, before going freelance. During the years I had gained experience and training from Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Which was able to allow me train models in Runway walking and posing. As well, I always been into arts and crafts, so I started upcycling pieces. It honestly took awhile to create a decent piece and even longer to build a story around it. I eventually was able to put everything together. And now it’s an adventure. To spin off that, I started painting canvas 2 years ago. And have been selling my art for a year now.

For my services:

*I’m a brand ambassador, runway model, actress, music videos model, model coach, artist liaison, portfolio builder, and painter

I provide model training. To assist with becoming freelance or agency model.

Artist Liasion: I assist with food and drinks selections entertainment, images for press kit models for videos and events.

Brand ambassador: I market clothing and items at different events, shoots and functions to bring in acknowledge and sales to the company that I’m promoting.

Painter: I started painting as a way to express feelings and emotions. I had never imagined that someone could feel what I feel and much less express it. Through that I discovered the style of art that I embrace. I do the 3 styles of abstract. The journey that my art is taking me, interesting and joyful.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was bitten by a copperhead snake. That was a time that changed everything. From induce coma 2 week hospital stay to walking again. I had to make a decision, to stay on the path that I was on. Or strive for a life worth fighting for.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

1 resource is the model union in the European country. I think the models here in the United States could truly benefit from such a likewise union.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: nayomemodel
• Facebook: Mara Naomi Early
• Youtube: Well Alabama

Image Credits
Photographer Roger Stephenson. Freddy Kruger Photographer Erin Thornton Lisa Kreations Totes and more Azalea J Boutique