Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashad Clark.
Hi Rashad, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Everything started back in from as early as I can remember honestly. I grew up in Miami, Florida and it was a bit rough. We did not everything we wanted but we made it work. Growing up with a single mom, I was shown at an early age how to find a way to win, go after what you want, but most importantly to be humble. She showed me to really My interest in fashion and modeling started at age 11 watching my Aunt Ayana shop. She would always come up with these beautiful and creative outfits for such a low price, It was so impressive, especially because you would think that she spent all this money on those clothes, and the price would be between $15 to $25. As I got older fashion became my outlet to truly express myself. Growing up in the south as a gay African-American male had its challenges of course but fashion and modeling was always there. That was how I was able to connect with people. I officially broke out my shell in 2018 at my prom. I was best dressed that night and it got a lot of people to really have a conversation about fashion, especially fashion in black men. From that day forward I wanted to really wanted to get into modeling and the fashion industry as a whole. I began to develop my own sense of style and that helped me find myself and the person I am today. I started modeling in 2020 and it has been an amazing experience Being able to showcase your vision to people and be well-received is an amazing thing. I have been able to meet amazing designers, partner with labels, walk for some shows, but most importantly to showcase my work. For me fashion is more than just clothing, it is expressing your true authentic self. That is my true goal when it comes to modeling.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Lol, the road was far from smooth. I’m sure a lot of black queer people can relate to my struggle growing up. Being feminine and proud of my femininity but being bashed of it because that is not what “a man is supposed to do, act, or dress like”. But luckily my mom was always there to support me and remind me to keep my head high, walk in my truth and be unapologetically me. Also growing up I was the short, skinny child with the crooked glasses and bad teeth, and the lame clothing. I reinvented myself in the 10th grade. I grew my hair out, got contacts, fixed my teeth, changed my wardrobe and became a completely different person. But truth was I was very miserable and unhappy. I had to do another reinvention to get to my true self in 2018 and that’s how we have this version of me today, the true, healed version. Another obstacle would be me. I suffer from anxiety and depressive disorder, and some days get rough. Some days I tend to lose focus, and the motivation to do anything or merely exist comes creeping. Sometimes I overthink and self-sabotage myself and stress myself out for no reason. It is a mental battle every day but I journal, pray, and always try to remember the four G’s ( God, Goals, Growing, and Glowing).
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the moment I have two jobs being a warehouse house associate and also I am a Guest Service Representative. I also am a freelance model. I am known for my modeling and fashion more. I like to describe myself as a “modern day it-boy”. My mind is always coming up with different photoshoot ideas/concepts, outfit ideas, and video concepts. I am very proud of the audience I was able to build on my social media platforms. Coming from a point where I was always bullied for my clothes to now those same people and others are reposting my stuff and calling me “Mr. Put That On” is very surreal. I love expressing myself with fashion and my platform isn’t that big compared to others but I always tell people look at your following and imagine that number of people complimenting you that one day, how would you feel? Everything is all about perspective. What sets me apart from others is my drive, humbleness, and compassion. I have an amazing work ethic and if I want something I am going to get it done, I will always find a way to win and make my dream come true. I am a very humble person. I know my worth, value, and what I add to the table but I never act as if I am better than the next because I can learn from anyone at any age. It is so important to have a student mentality, always wanting to learn and crave knowledge. I always tell myself know that you are a king but remember that you are surrounded by other kings and queens as well. I want to see everyone win because there is room for everyone. I believe yes there are many people wanting the same goal but everyone will tackle it differently and reach it in their own unique way. I am a pure genuine soul and I know that people see that and gravitate toward me because it is rare to come across someone with pure intentions. My goal is to be the highest-paid model in history. I know I have a long way to go but I truly believe if I put in the work I will get there. I want it to be known that you can achieve greatness no matter what obstacles you face. I want to be a role model for the black youth, specifically the black queer youth because we need that positive image and representation. That no matter what walk of life you come from, if you dream then you can believe and if you believe then you can achieve. That nothing is impossible as long as you have believe in yourself because that’s where it starts, with you.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be spending time with my cousin Takia. We would spend hours hanging out and talking about everything. She really understood me and never judged me for anything. She was always transparent with me but still showed love. She spent the summer with us in 2014 and it was absolute blast. We would be up all night talking about things from boys, tv shows, fashion, etc all the way up until 7 a.m. We would play pranks on each other and also to everyone else in the house. We would sneak things out of the kitchen and run back to my room. It was just perfect. Everyone has that favorite cousin and she is mine. Funny thing when I came out to her she didn’t judge me at all. Her words were “Baby I already know and guess what? You are still my cousin no matter what”. She was actually one of my fashion inspirations in high school, and taught me the importance of outfit layering, color theory, and angles with lighting.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saylilshad/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMo2S0KslBDbF4XWdFfTTnA
Image Credits
Lala Visuals Rashad Clark A.J Laurent
