We recently connected with Sharay McCain and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharay , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was for Kim Kardashian and her brand SKIMS. I had just started modeling and was being denied almost everywhere. July was the toughest month for me because I received an email telling me, in short, I just didn’t have what it takes to be a model. I almost quit. A few weeks later I was working with a major brand on a major campaign. That same campaign launched on my 30th birthday. It was truly a moment that I felt was divine intervention. This taught me true perseverance and what going after your dreams is truly like. I am forever grateful to SKIMS for taking a chance on me. I believe they are the reason doors started opening for me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I love this question! People ask me all the time how I got into modeling, and what possessed me to start when I was already, “so much older.” The short answer, I’ve spent so many of my years living for other people or trying to satisfy what their idea of me might be. It took me joining the military to learn how important living to be my truest self is. I think there is honor in being honest with yourself and I take a lot of value in being someone I’m proud of. While I was on deployment, I had promised myself when I made it back home, I was going to go after all the things I’ve ever wanted. Before I knew it, I was modeling so often it was almost like a double life, as I was still serving in the military. I can’t explain how alive and fulfilled I was in these moments. I knew I was doing the right thing by betting on myself. I would say this something I am most proud of. Betting on myself. As well as my ability to adapt and overcome in all situations. Professionally, I’m most proud of my ability to model in a range of diverse projects, and I always deliver what the client is hoping to capture. The biggest thing I want readers to know is that absolutely nothing you want or desire in this life is out of reach for you. No matter what! Never let others limiting beliefs become your limited beliefs.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’m still building my audience but being my most authentic self has helped me in all aspects, but especially social media. I think so much of the time social media can be a bit out of touch with reality, where nothing feels real or lacks value. I try my best to create a space that feels welcoming and helpful, honest but also accepting. What also helps me a lot is that I often share the lows. As amazing as the highs are, it’s so important for me to share the lows. I never want to be a creative and paint a facade that everything is perfect all the time. This industry is hard! Yes I got this big job, but I also get rejected too. I want people to know that no matter what, I’m still learning and trying. I’m succeeding and failing, but I always get back up no matter what. When people see me I want them to also see themselves and know that if I’m doing it, they can to.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely! I wish I knew that there’s so many different avenues of modeling. For so long, I sat out of an industry I love because I thought I needed to be 5’9. I thought I needed an agent or a manager, and not to say these aren’t amazing positions to be filled in your creative journey, but that this is not the only way. You can be your own agent and your own management, just work hard and whenever one door closes, another one will open. The one meant for you will open! It always does. And you never miss an opportunity that isn’t meant to be yours.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sharaymccain.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sharaymccain?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==

Image Credits
Nandi Mooney Jospeh Isaacs Thomas Concordia Victoria Perez