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

Nelly, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One thing I know for sure my parents did right was made sure I knew from a young age who God was. They; especially my mother and grandmother encouraged me to have a relationship with the Lord and took me to church faithfully every Sunday and even on Fridays. I never understood it as a child but as an adult in the world on my own journey, it has made quite the difference. My faith anchors me in all my storms and leads my decision making. Prayer is so powerful and works 1000%. In the midst of it all good bad indifferent, I will always make time to pray and thank God for the lessons and the blessings. For the people that were only for a season or just a reason & for the community I have now. One thing I will always thank my parents for teaching me and my siblings about God& for fostering a community that held faith cause that is also so important. God will see you through everything and bless you in the most beautiful ways. Be grateful for every moment and never stop praying.

Nelly, 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?

My name is Nelly , I am a fashion and beauty model. I started modeling after graduating high school. A friend of mine at the time asked me to walk in her show and from there I discovered my passion for runway. My deep passion for modeling comes from showing others who look like me; Dark skin curves and hips, someone who may not be considered or fit the role of the ideal or normal fashion model or beauty Standard in society that you are beautiful. God says we are beautifully and wonderfully made! The creator has already placed that beauty in you so I want people to see me and know that you can get on a runway or in front of a camera and be confident in all that you are JUST the way that you are in all your beauty and shine.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is watching the completion of your vision/work come together. It feels so good when you set a goal or have a vision in mind for your art; like for me it’s watching my ideas for shoots/projects come to life. The process of taking a shot on your mind and making it real can be so hard especially when you’re so specific about what it is you want to see; in the end finally seeing it all come together is just beautiful. Watching others become delighted and inspired even by what you’ve created is the most accomplishing and rewarding feeling for me.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support authentic Art !! Support authentic music and musicians, Support authentic fashion. Stop running behind what’s trending so much. It’s what waters down the quality of the Art and Entertainment industry the culture even. Support BLACK artists, musicians, fashion, & not just when it’s trendy to do so. Give credit and flowers where they are due. Collab with these people instead of stealing or copying their work !! There is enough room at the table for everyone to eat and more than enough room in this world for everyone to grow! Let’s do it with Love and support and genuinity (if that’s even a word lol). But let’s pour into each other the creative community will grow, thrive and prosper. & i think it would bring back such a beautiful quality that is missing from the entertainment world at this moment as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanein.__
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nellyygz?_t=8rWfwK3axdz&_r=1

Image Credits

Styled By : Nelly Ferguson
Photographer : Toni F Smalls (Instagram : Toni.creations)