Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xavier Passmore aka Cent’Anni. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cent’Anni, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am very pleased with my career as a creative. I find it genuinely fulfilling and it perfectly compliments my character. On my journey, there were times that I had to seriously consider having to secure a “regular job”. But being a creative in the fashion industry can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the job provides a steady income and a sense of security. On the other hand, the job takes up most of the week, in some instances opportunities might arise and you might not be able to accept due to the work schedule, or you miss a phone call. There are plenty of variables that you have to weigh in. As a model and photographer, I chose to have my business Brick Wall Entertainment help my modeling career, which focuses on high-end fashion photography. However, as we all know, being an entrepreneur is not for the “weak”. There were times when I didn’t know how I was going to pay my rent, everything seemed like it was falling apart all at once. But I knew I had to. get to that casting call, I knew I had to be at that fashion show, I knew that pressure makes diamonds, and quitting or giving up never crossed my mind. I’m too stubborn to abandon my goals, my ambition, my pride, my legacy, my character. So yes, I’ve thought about a regular job, but then who would I be?

Cent’Anni, 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?

I was first introduced to the fashion industry by Terry Washington, owner of Atelier041 Talent Agency based in my hometown Detroit, MI. However, I was always interested in fashion growing up watching Tyra Banks and Miss J. Alexander on America’s Next Top Model with my mother, and watching Kanye West evolve over the years. Terry was the first to “throw me in the fire”. Under his mentorship, he taught me how to be a better professional. He taught me how to model and photograph. I could see the “bigger picture” of things and It really left a positive impact on my life. I remember on one shoot we were in Peurto Rico and we were climbing cliffs and racing against time to avoid ocean tides to get the ‘perfect shot’. He further instilled in me what dedication to your craft really is. There is a lot of work that I am proud of, but one of my favorites was the last Emerge NYFW show back in February of this year. This show was produced by Dionne Williams, and backstage and production directors, Aaron Handy and Iran ‘Bang’ Paylor of Models, Inc. They did an excellent job putting together a high-end show and experience. There I walked for Tote&Carry. There I was also able to meet the fashion icon himself, Miss J. Alexander where he also graced the venue with his legendary ‘Jay walk’. That moment felt surreal to me. That was a big personal win for me, and it further increased the tenacity, focus, and consistency that I knew I had to put forth to push myself and my career to the next level.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that I can freely express myself through my work. And really at the end of the day, the ‘work’ doesn’t feel like work because it’s something I genuinely love to do. I can’t wait for the next photo shoot, casting call, or fashion show. I’m always excited for what’s next and discover new interesting people with whom I can connect and network.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

What society can do best to support artists and creatives is to pay them for their time and work. Share and like their content. It only takes a second. I’ve also witnessed plenty of fashion shows where they’ve had sold-out events and one of the main components of the shows, the MODELS are not compensated financially. I think that’s a big slap in the face, especially if the ‘exposure’ isn’t up to par. True modeling is hard (but enjoyable) work. Everything isn’t glitz and glamor and I feel like when cameras go off and you go back to your apartment, the bills are still due, and you can’t pay them with pretty pictures (if you get any).

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @centannii_
• Other: INSTAGRAM: @brickwall_ent

Image Credits
Brick Wall Entertainment