Today we’d like to introduce you to TyChenell JONES.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello, my name is Tynika Jones but in the modeling industry, I am known as TyChenell. My interest was piqued at a festival that was held in my hometown called Harbor Days (they had never crowned an African American) so I decided why not me. I competed twice before I earned that crown. My parents encouraged me to never give up and enrolled me in modeling schools. I went on to win the USA NATIONAL MISS OHIO in 1992. I was always the underdog because I didn’t have the standard model look or figure but it never stopped me from trying. I got pregnant with my daughter at 21yrs old and decided to put modeling on hold to focus on being the best mom and giving her all the opportunities, I could. Fast forward to when I turned 40 my daughter said to me “Mom it’s your time” “Time to pick your dream up and get started”. She submitted me to a Casting for Forman Mills in which I got booked and appeared in the winter advertisement and commercial. After that so many doors opened doors including but not limited to: National Tv shows The Chew, Empire, commercial work for Jack Casino, Kroger, Ohio Tourism, print work for Comfort Keepers, David Ford Collections Eyewear, Ohio Health Odawa Casino, runway work for Ohio Fashion Week, Harlem Fashion week these are just a few of the amazing projects I had the opportunity to work on. I’ve had opportunities in Atlanta, Michigan, and Chicago and was crowned National Extraordinary Miss- Ms. Ohio 2021, I will be competing for the National Title in Tennessee. September 202.
As I continued to move through the model industry, I realized there was a need for sharing my knowledge and coaching others. I’ve had plenty of no’s and knockdowns but when you have a solid foundation and understand the business it helps you to get back up and continue pushing on to the next project. My company Elite Talent Management gives individuals a place to learn the basics and present themselves professionally. My goal is to empower and build confidence for both men and women. I believe this will help them not be taken advantage of and understand every opportunity isn’t a good opportunity. It is so important not to lose yourself trying to make it in the industry.
My motto is Be Bold, Be Confident, Be You!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been smooth, it’s been a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears. I’ve had people try to break my spirit and I’m not talking about not booking projects because everyone knows you can’t book everything that is a part of the business. My main obstacles were those people who tried to tear me down by saying I’m not model material and those who had clicked and formed their opinions on others and did not take the time to have conversations and view my portfolio and resume for themselves. I was told I wasn’t pretty enough, skinny enough, big enough (plus-size model) but I continued to present myself professionally and worked hard at being the best me possible! What I learned was those aren’t the kind of people with who I needed to work anyways.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
TyChenell -Professional Agency Signed Model, Published Model Actress, Model Coach, and Beauty Queen What sets me apart from others is that I am timely, prepared, and professional at all times. I strive to give my best and help others along the way.
I am most proud of honoring the promise that I told my dad on his deathbed that I would finish what I started in my younger years in the industry. I would be on National Tv, do a print Ad and walk the runway in New York. I feel I have made him so very proud of accomplishing these projects.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for networking is “Show Up” you have to position yourself in the right environments to get your name out there! Join different groups that pertain to your field and go to the meet and greets. Have your ice breaker ready to open up a conversation then be prepared with your comp card or business card; you never know who knows someone that knows someone that can get your information into the hands of the right people. Keep your social media clean. A person should be able to find you and know exactly what business you’re in. After networking and handing out my comp card or business card I always ask myself what’s next…well getting their information back is so important we all have good intentions but you have to take control over your destiny. What has helped me is being able to build relationships. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and re-introduce yourself- stay in contact. Build your contact list, and surround yourself with positive people. Take a chance on yourself and get connected!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@elitetalentmgmt.com booktythemodel@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tychenell
- Facebook: facebook.com/TyChenells-Portfolio-217184728694881/
Image Credits
Sam MUA
Sylven Lamar
Shawna Jones
