We were lucky to catch up with Pauly-Young Dee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Pauly-Young, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Entering the modeling world was something I never imagined for myself. While I admired the glamour of the runway scene, I lacked the confidence to believe it could be my path. It wasn’t until 2018, after returning from college, that I felt a strong urge to do something meaningful with my life. My mom suggested modeling, but I hesitated due to concerns about my weight and my inexperience walking in heels.

However, I stumbled upon a casting call for a model organization in the DMV area and decided to give it a shot. Despite my doubts, seeing the confidence and poise of the other models inspired me to learn. Although I often embarrassed myself by falling during practice, I reminded myself that I was there to learn and improve.

Receiving words of encouragement from one of the model coaches, who saw potential in me even when I doubted myself, was a turning point. I refused to let setbacks stop me, despite the challenges. I seized every opportunity that came my way, including participating in the District of Fashion show, where I earned my model name.

As I gained more confidence, I began to land opportunities beyond my expectations. From walking in New York Fashion Week shows to being featured in a campaign for Marc Jacobs and appearing on the news for fashion segments, and published in magazines, each accomplishment affirmed my decision to pursue modeling.

Despite my achievements, I remain focused on manifesting my future goals and trusting in the opportunities that lie ahead. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief in pursuing one’s dreams.

Pauly-Young, 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?

For those who are new to my journey, I’m deeply passionate about modeling, a career path that I never expected to pursue. My entry into the modeling industry was marked by a personal transformation fueled by a desire to overcome my insecurities and pursue my dreams. Initially lacking confidence in myself, I found inspiration in the runway scene and decided to take a leap of faith. My creative works primarily revolve around the world of fashion and modeling. I provide services such as runway modeling, print modeling, brand ambassadorship, and social media influencing. Through my work, I aim to inspire confidence and empower others to embrace their uniqueness. One of the key problems I solve for my clients is helping them achieve their vision and goals by bringing their creative concepts to life through modeling and visual storytelling.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my journey of personal growth and self-discovery. I’ve overcome challenges and insecurities to pursue my passion wholeheartedly, and I bring that authenticity and resilience to every project I undertake. I’m most proud of my ability to transform my self-doubt into self-assurance and use my platform to inspire others to do the same. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand is built on authenticity, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. I strive to bring creativity, professionalism, and a positive attitude to every opportunity, and I’m dedicated to delivering results that exceed expectations. My work is not just about modeling; it’s about embracing individuality, celebrating diversity, and spreading positivity in the world of fashion and beyond. I invite you to join me on this journey of self-expression, empowerment, and endless possibilities.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Bringing visions to life and seeing personal growth are incredibly rewarding aspects of being a model. It’s fulfilling to collaborate with creative teams to turn concepts into reality, whether it’s through striking poses, conveying emotions, or showcasing fashion designs. It is incredibly fulfilling to receive messages from people who feel encouraged or uplifted by seeing someone like themselves represented in the modeling industry. Additionally, being a model allows me to collaborate with creative minds, work on exciting projects, and constantly challenge myself to grow and evolve. Overall, the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while pursuing my passion for fashion is truly rewarding.

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

I do have my own cosmetic line. Thinking back on my journey with makeup, there was a pivotal moment when I realized I wanted to pivot from doing makeup to creating and selling makeup products. While I always enjoyed doing makeup for clients and seeing their reactions, I knew it wasn’t my ultimate passion. It was during this time that I discovered my love for creating makeup products without even realizing it. I’ve always experimented with making my own lip glosses, eyeshadows, and eyeliners, and it brought me so much joy.

However, things took a turn in when my business account was hacked, and all the information was changed. It was a challenging time, and I had to go through a lengthy verification process to regain access to my account. Despite the setback, I saw it as an opportunity to rebrand my business.

During this rebranding period, I took the time to analyze which products were the most popular among my customers. This allowed me to focus on refining those products and creating a better experience for my customers when I relaunch my brand.

Moving forward, I’m excited about the future of my business. Not only am I focused on improving my own makeup line, but I also want to create a platform for other makeup artists to connect with clients through a booking page. It’s all about leveraging my passion for makeup and creativity to build something meaningful and impactful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_badgalb_

Image Credits
1. @Wellingtonuleriophotofilms (Photographer) 2. @Getboxed_ (Photographer) 3. @Kunleolafisoye_photography (Photographer) 4. @Redeyevisualzmodeling (Photographer) 5. @_Styves (Photographer) Clothing Brand : JustRedor 6. @_Styves (Photographer) Clothing Brand : JustRedor 7. @Picsbynini (Photographer) 8. Kwabena