Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wendy Church. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Wendy , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As a child, I used to envision myself modeling, and getting photographed in top magazines; however; as I aged it became evident that being a dark-complected woman in the modeling industry was quite difficult and sometimes it was almost unheard of. I spent a lot of time watching America’s Top Model and while the show brought inclusivity (to some degree), the competition winners did not give any representation of me. By the time I was graduating high school and moving into the adult world the dream of modeling was shelved in my head. It was evident that my beauty was not considered a standard worth being represented in the fashion world. This resulted in me navigating through life and exploring other elements of my journey. Fast forward to 2018; a hot summer day in FL, where it was the safer bet to indoors rather than set foot anywhere that did not include AC; I was on YouTube attempting to find some form of musical entertainment or something to watch and I was somehow guided (the universe was knocking at my doorstep), to viewing Alec Wek’s runway walk of her tossing her wig into the audience at the Betsey Johnson show. I replayed that video 3 times feeling a plethora of emotions. For the first time since I began dreaming of modeling; I finally saw myself. I was viewing someone whom I could relate to; in their beauty, walk, and most importantly their essence. After genuinely sitting with the absorption of that video it was evident to me that I had to stop shelving my dream and work on turning that into a reality. At the time I was (and still am) in the military. I took a risk and a leap of faith in myself with confidence that the journey was going to unfold and take off in the manner it was supposed to. In 2019, having been home from deployment and stationed Stateside, I dove into the journey after taking some time to learn the craft and understand what key things of starting modeling. In that same year, I was able to be featured in a magazine, and that was the confirmation that I needed to continue with the journey. I learned at that moment, that beauty is defined and represented by me first and foremost, and the bet I took on myself was worth every bit. The rest is history.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Kenyan (born and raised) woman living in America, crafting and executing her dream. I entered the industry of modeling in Jacksonville, Florida after having met a photographer at a salon who felt inspired by my beauty and look through conversation.

As a model, my main focus entails all things beauty, art, print, and fashion; mainly commercial modeling. On the other hand in the influencer department; I provide services of partnerships and sponsorship where I review, educate and showcase brands and products mainly related to skincare, some body care, and fragrance. The goal for any content that I create or what I model is to bring forth my perspective and take on products as well as highlight how what I am showcasing is a great addition to my beauty.

In my journey as a whole, I am most proud of 2 things. The first is, taking a leap of faith in both parts of my creative career at a time and climate that still was not showcasing dark-complected women at the forefront of fashion and where being an influencer had somewhat become heightened in the world of social media. The second is my magazine feature for RAAMAT Magazine with a 6-page spread highlighting bridal boudoir.

As for potential clients, followers, and fans; it is incredibly important that they know and understand that I do not take my craft lightly. I am passionate about what I do, create, and represent because I believe that there is someone out there who will look at my work and have the same feeling that I did when viewing the Alec Wek runway video. If I can inspire, light up, and or motivate just 1 person on earth through my journey; I have met my purpose. While I enjoy being in my creative element, the visions clients bring to the table and want to be executed must be in alignment with my values and morals to bring forth my best work. Being a paid creative is great and sensible when you can have a validated feeling about what you have worked on and can be at peace with it when it’s all said and done.

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

What I enjoy most about my artistry is when the work is complete and on display. While going through the process is enjoyable, viewing the final edit of projects is my favorite part. This stage of the project allows me to take the moment for myself before it goes to the world. Once a project is out, there is a nostalgic feeling which returns to that final stage and cannot be duplicated. That is what is the most rewarding.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We are in the age of technology where everything happens here, now and the next moment comes and the cycle continues. While this may be beneficial due to access, unfortunately, artists and creatives will more often than not end up experiencing burnout due to attempting to meet that need. Creatives and artists deserve to have the projects that they have worked on be appreciated for an extended period especially when viewers are unaware of how long it may have taken to bring the project to life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: iamxwendyc
• Twitter: iamxwendyc
• Other: Pinterest: iamxwendyc Website: coming soon

Image Credits
1. Tiedyerx & Corvega Fall ’21 Campaign. Photographed by Emily Kicksal
2. Bridal boudoir for Raamat Magazine May ’21 Issue 4. Photographed by Antoinette Vaughner
3. In Piece Collaborative Corner. Photographed by Elizabeth Netland
4. Jalona Marie Bridal Styled Shoot. Photographed by Rika
5. St, Augustine Fashion Week Virtual Show ’21. Photographed by Dawn
6. Imani Cowrie Collaboration. Photographed by Antoinette Vaughner
7. Cultural Collaboration. Photographed by Jaisun Lundy
8. Wendy Blues. Photographed by Steven Adams