Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauryn Hendrix.
Hi Lauryn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was a little girl I loved being on stage and in front of the camera being the center of attention. I’ve always loved fashion and dressing to impress. Modeling was always on my mind ever since I was young but I never knew I could actually one day pursue it as a career. From ages 4-6 years old I was in kids’ ballet and tap classes so ever since I was young I loved being on stage strutting my stuff. Growing up I wanted to pursue several different careers from being a doctor to being a zoologist. Eventually, when I got into high school I became more interested in fashion but still, something felt off I still felt like I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life yet. Once I hit the 12th grade I joined a yearbook class and eventually learned that photography was my passion. I loved taking photos and learning about different camera techniques. Once Covid 19 hit my school year came to a sad ending and I didn’t really get to finish off my yearbook class I began to fall into depression and I wasn’t sure if photography was even my true passion anymore. As Covid 19 began to rise and I had more free time I began to get more into social media platforms. I began to post on my social media platforms and I started to realize I love posting and taking pictures. I realized that I enjoyed being in front of the camera rather than being the one taking the photos.
Being an Instagram model eventually became my biggest passion and it helped me to get through the Covid 19 pandemic. I was getting told by many people “I am a natural in front of the camera” or “You look like a model”.
That’s when I began to realize I love modeling and makes me happy and it brings me to life. I then began to study modeling and reach out to models in Ohio and ask them for advice and tips on modeling. Modeling was the career I wanted to pursue and I wasn’t going to give up until I reached my goal. After getting advice from models in Ohio and doing my research I then reached out to the “Sigal Models And Talent Agency” in Columbus Ohio. From there I took their modeling course classes and began to learn even more about modeling. I learned about posing techniques, runway techniques, modeling booking tips, tricks and so much more. After I had completed my model course I then joined the “Sigal Models And Talent Agency” in 2020 and from there on I became a part of their agency and have been modeling ever since. I have done brand deals, I have done many Ohio photoshoots with different photographers, and have gotten now into runway modeling my goal is to keep going further and further and pursuing my modeling career as a full-time career in the future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say it has been an easy road but nothing in life is ever as easy as it seems. Though the modeling industry is becoming more diverse and open to different body types, races, genders, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, sexes, and different backgrounds for me personally I still struggle with fitting in when it comes to modeling or wanting to book a gig or on the runway. Being a black woman there’s always that thought that you will never be the perfect model or you will never look the part. I have struggled with confidence issues and always wanting to be perfect. Being a black woman you began to struggle with fitting into society’s standards and wanting yourself to look like how society wants you to look and act rather than how you personally want to look and act.
Another struggle I have faced is booking gigs and shows and making sure it’s the right gig for me. Booking gigs in the modeling industry is sometimes a challenge because you want to make sure it’s a legit gig and that you’re protecting your health and career and doing what’s best for your platform as well as yourself. Modeling can be a hit or miss at times because there can be moments when you don’t book any gigs at all and you have to reach out to brands and businesses and designers yourself. Modeling is all about putting yourself out there. I have always struggled with anxiety and so putting myself out there has been a struggle reaching and getting my name out there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a 21-year-old Instagram Model and Fashion And Lifestyle Model. I am most proud of the fact that despite the trials I have faced in my life and times when I felt like giving up I never did and I didn’t let anything or anyone stop me from reaching my goals and pursuing my career as a model. I have suffered from mental health troubles since I was young but I kept pushing and used that energy for something good.
Whenever I was going through bad times I used that to motivate me to keep going and go after my goals. Something that sets me apart from others is that I come up with my own photoshoot ideas at times and design my own outfit ideas and plan out looks for every photoshoot. I also try to include messages in each photoshoot I have. Say there is an issue or a problem in the world I try to put that issue into my photoshoots to spread the message or to inspire others and help them to understand what’s happening in the world today.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
One day I want to start my own fashion brand and create my own brand photoshoots. And model for my brand and invite other models to join. I wanna travel the world and model and show everyone my talent. Also, since I myself have struggled with mental health I one day want to start my own mental health group.
Contact Info:
- Email: Lavishlaurynhendrix@gmail.com
- Instagram: @adoree.lauryn
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCKUMxVomyDUKR-FgZUVLp5Q
Image Credits
@MalikMPhotography, @CarolineRosePhotography, and @DwhiteArt
