Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Mcnarie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
I tend to get misunderstood a lot even though I’m a very authentic person. People wonder why I’m vulnerable and an open book about things, while at the same time still reserved and private about myself. I think it’s balance of the two, that gets misconstrued. Am I hiding something from you ? Am I telling you what I want you to know? I’m just me, no hidden agenda, authentically showing up as best as I can. I have my strict boundaries and morals, while trying to remain open and receptive to new bonds with people. Before judging me, please hear this. It took me 18 years to undo the web of chaos created around me. I’m trying my best to fit into this world I’m experiencing but I’m only human. I was shown the side of the world that’s conniving, vengeful, abusive, off balanced, manipulative, narcissistic, and truly just disgusting. I used to be scared of the world and people as I still fought against all that negativity every single day because I knew deep down that it wasn’t right. That’s why I’m so moved by little things like a pretty set up, cute flowers or nice people. Not for a persona, not for attention, not to fake something, but because I purely am happy to see good or beautiful things I knew were there this entire time. I’ve face tons of situations where people were off put by me, It’s all the same. Whether I’m “overly excited” or happy and bubbly, someone is put off because I’m “doing to much” Per se. Then I’m reserved and quiet observing reality at hand and they’re put off because I seem stuck up or hiding something. As I was looking within to find a balance to appease both parties I realized it’s not my job. We’re not on this earth to appease, change or adjust to everyone around us, We’re here to shine as bright as possible in authenticity and charge towards our dreams.
Nicole, 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?
Hello, I’m Nicole McNarie, I’m a Freelance Travel Model also signed with Nymmg. I started modeling because I always found it intriguing but never had the confidence to do it. I knew that if I decided to go with a 9-5 job instead of my passions, I’d be unfulfilled in life, so I went for it. That leap of faith brought me to Bella Modeling School, where everything changed. I remember the moment I made the decision, I was sitting in their office with all the paperwork. Only one thing on my mind, it’s either I take this jump for myself or I would use the money to move away. It took 10 seconds on a phone call to know. I chose myself, for the first time in 19 years I bet it all, on myself. It was 6 months where I was either at my job, at modeling classes, or practicing at home while taking care of my grandmother. My class at Bella Modeling school was life changing, I took everything seriously and absorbed as much information as I could. Everyone there was so supportive, and really pushed me out of my shell! I found my passions in the industry and after graduating, I had two brand ambassadorships, connections, and the knowledge I needed to move forward. That’s how I started my modeling career, from then on I just continued to build connections and push myself forward through all the nerve racking moments. After shaping myself into the women I am today, I’m ready for any situation I’m put into. I face life with a positive & grateful attitude, my energy and presence will shine no matter the circumstances. I’m determined, serious and adverse in my craft. I am easily able to adjust to last minute changes and tweaks to plans. I remain humble and nice to all no matter if there’s differences at hand. I would say that’s what’s different about me from another. I have an inner determination to continuously grow into the best version of me possible.
I’m no where close to done yet, so follow my social media to watch my journey! Stay tuned!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn would be aggression as a protective method. When growing up in an unsafe world people tend to turn to aggressive tactics to ward off negative situations. In almost a hierarchy way, it’s If I’m meaner than them then I get my peace and they leave me alone. At least that’s what I used to feel like. What I learned is, that just ends up hurting you more than it helps. As someone who was scared of the world, in its entirety, I always felt the need to be “protective” , I used to walk around everywhere with a mean mug, harsh words, and a dingy look. It did ward off some situations that could have gotten worse, but it took away a lot of opportunities. I’m the end things still turned bad, why? I , myself, was reflecting exactly what I didn’t want from others. Once I realized that, my life changed. I began to smile and walk around with one thought, “whatever may happen, I still have a place to stay, water in my body and food in the fridge”. Started slowly figuring out how to handle aggressive situations with a calm, cool and collected mindset. It drove me into a self acceptance journey of learning my fear wont dissipate in a day and it’s OK. In turn helping me realize everybody is going through it, everyone could be just as scared as I am.. to then just give enough space to everyone for them to be themselves, and the mess they might be. Blessing me with the understanding that being unhealed around a bunch of unhealed people IS PERFECTLY OK. Now I’m able to walk around in confidence of my authenticity, that yea I might be tired, and “making a face” but I know the person over there that looked at me weird, is probably just .. tired .. too.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One thing I tend to see non-creatives, not understand about creatives is why? “Why take risks” , “why invest so much when you might not make it back” , “why is your sleep schedule so messed up” , “why don’t you just get a 9-5 so you know you’ll have regular income?”. To answer all those, it’s because of the big picture goal and my creative passions. It’s a crazy path that will take time, but i think I can speak for all when I say we knew what we signed up for. I want to create generational wealth for my family, and change perspectives as I do it. I plan follow the path into modeling, and do social media to gain a foundation of support and to brand myself. After that comes a business, using my brand, Then branching out my creativity to new aspects to further the brand and add more flow into my businesses. An endless cycle of me finally getting to do everything my passions desire, gaining support on the journey, while having businesses around it to make the generational wealth for my future family. It’ll take work, long nights, and last minute surprises but it’s my dream. I couldn’t just go do a 9-5, have someone telling me to clock in everyday and maybe take some vacay days. I love the fun, quirky, off schedule but still on time life style!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tappy.tech/Nicole.models
- Instagram: Nicole.models
- Facebook: Nicole.models
- Twitter: Nicolemcnarie
- Other: TikTok: Nicole.models Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Photo 1&2: Photographer insta : @lowellmalinis Name: Lowell Malinis Photo 3: Photographer insta: @huf.diamonds Name: Ed Photo 4: Designer: Your Fashion Wholesale Photographer insta: @Chp.xo Name: Chantel Pichardo Model insta: @kar.dog Name: Karli Smith Photo 5: photographer insta: @remington.jay Name: Remington Jay Photo 6: Photographer insta: @dwsnapshot Designer: Lavilicious Event insta: @indie.fash and @topshelfordie Photo 7: Designer: Donthejunkman Photo 8: Photographer insta: @sharrongogh Name: Sharron Designer: Korazon Clothing