We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyler Flowers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tyler thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When it comes to modeling, getting started can be difficult. There are so many ways that people can get started and nobody’s journey will look the same. Often times you hear of these ideal stories that someone was out in the mall, got scouted by a modeling scout with an agency, and then BOOM they became a model. Though these stories are ideal, it will not be the case for everyone who wants to start modeling.

Modeling is something that has been planted in my ear since I was a little girl. I have heard for years, “You should be a model.” My response to it was always just a smile and a laugh. Eventually, I would start to ask myself, well why not? I started considering if modeling could actually be something that I could do. Once I did decide that I wanted to model, I had no idea where to really start. I began watching a ton of YouTube videos while also following different agencies and models on social media. I remember submitting to my first agency. I thought that after that, it would just happen for me. NOT! I never heard anything back from that agency. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but at the time, I was a bit discouraged. I then met with a talent agency, and I started working with them. They had me focusing a lot on acting and soon I realized that maybe that agency was not ideal for me and what I was really interested in at the moment.

Working with them made me realize that I wanted to focus more on runway and print modeling. This is where I began to tap into the modeling scene in Saint Louis. I got pulled in last minute to walk for the first time in a local fashion show. My walk was below average and I barely knew what I was doing. However, this one walk lit a spark in me. I remember leaving that show and being determined to better myself. I wanted to be that model that everyone remembered after the show. I began practicing my walk everyday. Walking up and down my hallway, watching tutorial video, and studying the top fashion models in the game. I would record myself and watch it over and over again, critiquing myself and making adjustments where needed. Eventually, it all began to come together. I began casting for more fashion shows in the city. By the time my next show came around, I was ready.

That first official fashion show was the start of it all for me. I was casted to walk for almost every designer and I absolutely murdered it. After the show I got so many compliments. I was that model that everyone would now remember. This is where I truly realized that maybe I was made for this type of work. I fell in love with modeling and being on the runway. Its like I become a different person while I am out there. I began doing more and more shows. People began to know who I was on the scene, and the rest is history.

I still model in Saint Louis but my dream is much bigger than that. My focus now is on figuring out my next move to elevate myself and get to the next level. I am excited to continue to grow and open up more doors along the way.

Tyler, 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?

My name is Tyler Flowers. I am a 23 year old upcoming and aspiring model from Saint Louis, Missouri. I started modeling a little over a year ago. I love runway, but I also do print and commercial work as well. Over the short time that I have been modeling I have learned a lot about myself and my craft during this experience. It all started from a small idea that maybe this would be something I was interested in. Once starting, I fell in love with everything that comes with modeling. The people, fashion, the productions, the behind the scenes, and much more. In the last year I have been able to learn, grow, and network more than ever. This journey has molded me in more ways than just modeling.

I think what sets me apart from others, other than my look and being bald head… lol, is my walk and personality. I think that who I am off of the runway has definitely helped me to create a name for myself. A lot of times, when you model, people look at you and automatically make assumptions of who you are. I am more than just a pretty face, but a genuine human as well. I make it a point to show that when working with people on the scene. I have been able to make connections along this journey that have made my experience worthwhile. Just being myself and showing confidence has definitely been a separator for me.

I am proud of just what I have accomplished in my short amount of time on the scene. I have really set a tone for myself. I am proud of my growth and the work I have been able to do. I think that I have a long way to go, a lot more obstacles to tackle, but I am ready for what the future holds.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Modeling is not like many other businesses. In modeling, you are your brand. You don’t necessarily sell a specific product. Your image is what sells. My whole life I have prided myself in my character and how I carry myself. That carries over into modeling. It is very important to leave a good impression on people. When you model, you not only represent your brand, but someone else’s brand as well. When your face is seen in someone’s clothes or brand, people associate who you are with that brand. This is why it is important to have a good reputation. People want to work with others who will bring good qualities to their business. I think in building my reputation, being genuine, kind, and humble has definitely helped me. In this industry, a lot of people may be selfish and cocky. I find that people appreciate it when you are yourself and have humility. I make it a point to show up as myself all the time and be professional as well. You never know who is watching you and taking notes. A lot of times connections you make lead to opportunities that you never even imagined. I think that is why I continue to grow and be successful. When you are special and have that “IT” factor, you do not have to do much for people to respect that and feel your presence. Your aura will do enough of the talking for you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I believe that modeling is a constant journey of resilience in itself. It is a cut throat industry and you have to be able to roll with the punches. This journey has not been easy and I face challenges daily. Trying to continue on and believe in yourself is a constant battle. There are a lot of moments where I start to wonder if I still want to do this or if I am capable of achieving the levels that I long to reach. I have to often tell myself that whatever is for me, will be for me. There are a lot of no’s that come with modeling. Remembering that a no, is just one step closer to your destined yes is important.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tyflowers1
• Facebook: Tyler Flowers
• Twitter: __tyflowers

Image Credits
Joe Richardson Jamar Church Kerry Washington Tyrus Davis Martika Green Amanda