We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zoe Lenn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zoe below.

Hi Zoe , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I started modeling because I was bullied in school and had self esteem issues growing up. Modeling was a way for me to truly showcase what I believe beauty to be and encourage others as well. Every time I walk on a runway it allow others to see how you can find beauty and confidence in unique ways. In addition, I’m an artist and I love to draw so having a face as a canvas to create a beautiful masterpiece and sharing the joy of a happy client allows me to draw more motivation to continue to contribute. My brand is built on a mission to lift others up and help them feel better about themselves through my talents and positive energy.

Zoe , 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 started modeling when i was about 12 years old. I started at a Preview models casting and went to LA California. I had acting lessons, fashion shoots and a fashion show. When the time came to interview I was denied by the agencies there and that just was my motivation to grind even harder. Since then, I have been casted in many amazing shows and have become a well respected young entrepreneur and model. I first started with makeup when I was younger (5yrs.old) using my mom and aunts as my canvas but i really started to take it seriously due to the lack of African American makeup artists in the backstage scene. I found myself always having to fix my skin tone or redo my whole face almost to the point where I never felt comfortable getting my makeup done. I had a few experiences where hair and makeup did not have enough makeup artists or stylists to meet the needs of the models; so I had to do my own hair and make up before the show started. Of course, I wanted to ensure you I didn’t insult the talents of anyone so I would ask for the look and execute it on myself perfectly to the point where BeatsByLenn was born. I started bringing my make up case to shows going forward and respecting the fashion shows and productions I would confirm if they would allow models to come hair and makeup ready. It worked in my favor to continue to market my brand and I started to be my own walking advertisement. I started to increase my bookings with models, weddings, birthday celebrations and several fashion shows as part of the glam team.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, the book, “The Awakening, 9 Principles For Finding the Courage to Change Your Life.”

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Never compare yourself to anyone because their journey is not yours.. The importance of having tough skin in the industry and hearing “No” a lot but understanding that all that matters is one day the “Yes” will come with commitment, perseverance, dedication and grinding really hard. Modeling is not for the faint at heart and there are a lot of things people do to try to fit in or get selected. Being true to yourself, your brand and building strong connections with other like minded influencers and communities will get you through the hard times. One of the biggest things I believe is there’s room at the top for everyone and your biggest obstacle or competition is yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/zoelenn
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamzoelenn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoelenn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZoeLennTheModel
• Other: https://instagram.com/beatsbylenn

Image Credits
Photo credits: Lance Mills @lance_Mills_ @pbl.studios Kim Davis @kdomarphoto Oluwaseun Asade @awesomeafrican1 Tre Isaacs @phototrenic Jeenèa Innis @iambigredz Nii Capture @nii_capture