We recently connected with VanillaAíday Carter and have shared our conversation below.
VanillaAíday , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?
Signing with an agency can feel like you’ve just landed on the moon!! It makes you really feel like you’ve made it in the industry!! I was signed to Aston Models & SuperModel Management! Both amazing agencies in Beverly Hills, CA. I enjoyed the opportunities that they brought to me, but due to certain discrepancies & lack of proper representation; in my eyes, I sought out to go back to Freelancing which is where I find my own work & gigs! Being signed comes with commitments that you later on down the road might not want too follow through with because they don’t necessarily go with the flow of what you’re looking for, style/type of representation you want. At the end of the day THE AGENCY NEEDS YOU. You are the model. Without models there is no agency. So always go with your gut, speak your mind, follow your heart, and STAND UP FOR what you want, need & deserve. Never settle for less, and ALWAYS GIVE IT 1,000%! And always remember to give thanks to HIM; the man above!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Hello, my name is VanillaAíday Carter!!! I am a 26 year old, transgender model mogul, first time pageant queen, influencer, singer, dancer, actress & entrepreneur! I was born in Syracuse NY, on June 16th, 1996! Being born in NY, & raised in Seattle! I’ve always been a big city girl!! I am the second oldest of 4! The only girl!! So I’ll let that sit with you! I come from a very rough background; with many challenges! But I’ve never let those challenges, or mishaps stop me from chasing my dreams!! I have always been photogenic & ready to take a photo since a young age! Always camera ready! CLICK!!! I began my dream of wanting to model when I was 4 years old watching ANTM!!! By age 7, I knew, I IN FACT… WANTED TOO BE ON TOP! I grew up in poverty stricken areas with little to no influence of those who looked like me, doing what I wanted to do (model). When I was a senior in high school, I took my senior photos with a friend of mine, and I opted to post them to Instagram & boy was that the move! Because my career took off!! I began being contacted by local/international brands companies to shoot in the clothing!! By the age of 21, i had shot with brands from Japan-Italy. And was on/in catalogs accross seas! I did a promo shoot with, & for UnionBay!! Along with finally walking in local shows in my home town of Seattle, WA! I moved too the East side of the state; Yakima, WA and continued too broaden my portfolio!! Struggled in the new environment, but made every photoshoot COUNT! Then when I turned 24, mustered the courage too finally chase my ANTM dreams & move too Los Angeles, CA! I left my apartment in the heart of DT Seattle with $200 & a suitcase, & said I’M MAKING THIS DREAM HAPPEN!! Stayed in CA for a year & a half. Experiencing all that California has too offer, penthouse parties, clubs, night life, big highs, & even bigger lows. Homelessness, depression, anxiety, experimenting with drugs, etc.). I was 24, & alone. Things were VERY BAD, before they got good. I also began my transitioning in the mix of all this beautiful chaos. Eventually, through hard work, dedication & the help of many people around me, near & far. Mainly my sister back home Bianca! She helped keep me focused on WHY I came too CA. I received publication in VOGUE MX, LA Times, Apparel News 2x, and featured in a few industry magazines here & there! I walked in shows ALL over Southern California. The notorious LAFW, and was in the very first season of LASW *Los Angeles Swim Week* brought too you by ArtHearts Fashion! I had offers too walk in MSW *Miami Swim Week* I just couldn’t afford it at the time! Then I moved back too Seattle, WA too really focus on my transition. Legally changed my name, & sex on my ID, began HRT’s *Hormone Replacement Therapy* and slowly started feeling like what was matching up in my head. And have been thriving ever since!! I want too be a household name basically, where I’m able too give tips, tricks on walking, casting calls, go-sees, verbiage, fashions shows do’s & don’ts, skin care/prep, make up tips, along with many more essential things too the modeling world. Along with many other key things in other fields I involve myself in. I’m definitely most proud of me signing to 2 agencies in the past year & a half, VOGUE MX, & LA Times all things I stated I would do by 25, and did!!! With that being said, STAY TUNED FOR more too come!! VA signing off!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think the best thing society can do to make us creatives & artist feel more supported is not RIDICULE, & talk down upon new ideas & things being brought too light by people. We’re are a human species constant growing, changing & evolving. So why limit us & put us in boxes. Instead of letting us spread our wings & fly!?
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The younger generations!
They’re who/what drives me & gives me motivation to keep going, keep pushing, continually evolving & progressing. I want to show them no matter what you’ve been through/done. YOU CAN BE ANYONE/ANYTHING YOU WANT.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mshealthandfitness.com/2023/vanillaaid
- Instagram: @vanillaidaycarter
- Facebook: VanillaAíday Carter
Image Credits
Angie Whitten, Simon Diez, Wallace Styles, Alena Golovin,Edward Dose