Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzette Victoria Priester.
Hi Suzette Victoria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised Columbia, SC. I always dreamed of being a professional wrestler and filmmaker, but being in front of the camera gave me so many of the tools I needed to succeed. I was quite a loner, always writing. I was tall, fascinated with runway, and I would follow older women around hoping that some of their confidence would rub off on me. Just like with wrestling, I always found joy in seeing the underdog or the person no one believed in shining at the top. I loved the idea of being a game changer and expressing myself in the most unique ways. After experiencing being a foster kid, going through 3 foster moms, a group home, and children’s shelter, being the only person in my household that wasn’t an addict, homelessness, abuse, anxiety, amongst other obstacles, I knew I had a story to tell. So I began with modeling. Being plus-sized wasn’t a mountain that needed to be moved, it was one to climb on top of and show every little girl that no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from- dreams do come true
In a nutshell, WWE Hall of Famer, The Fabulous Moolah, took us in and from the beginning, she was grandma. From then on, I would experience being backstage at live events, seeing how “small” roles could create this larger than life spectacle. Seeing people like Triple H go from his headset in the production room, to coaching others through a segment, to going out there performing himself in the same night was so amazing to me. It was like he was superman. After witnessing that, I wanted to do it all too. I joined the production team at a megachurch I attended. I learned every piece of equipment I could while building my modeling portfolio. I flocked towards people equally ambitious as me, tried to get on any set or help with anything industry-related. I did local and charity runway to break my shyness. I sent emails and tried whatever I could to break in the business. I worked odd jobs and traveled for little or no pay. I moved to Atlanta and in the first week, I went to every agent’s doorstep. I submitted myself to as many projects and seminars as I could.
I was signed by Ursula Wiedmann Models in 2018. From then on, I’ve joined MI Talent here in Atlanta, and I also signed with Dorothy Combs Models in Miami. I bought a camera. The rest is history.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course not! I moved to a big city with no job, no family, and not much money. Only a dream and a 2003 Ford explorer. Luckily, Atlanta is home for a hustler. If there’s a will, there is a way, and that skyline at night is sometimes all the inspiration you need. I’ve been homeless, anxiety-ridden, rejected by agencies. I’ve lost jobs because I put my dreams first. I’ve had to catch a bus to a gig in the freezing cold in the middle of the night. I’ve spent more than I could afford to Uber to an audition. Budgeting to purchase gear in the midst of unemployment, not even knowing where to start. I could go on and on about what I’ve had to go through. The patience required. I’ve learned a lot. How those “no’s” can be blessings in disguises. How strangers could be the most proud if you. How you can find family in doing what you love, and just overall trusting the process. I just always knew that dreams do come true and faith moves mountains. Hard work and good intentions pay off. Treat everyone you meet as you wish to be treated.
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?
I’m a model, actress, and owner of Victoria Productions. I’ve starred in TV shows on TV One and Oxygen, and commercials including L’Oreal, featured on a Marvel TV show, short films, and stage plays, I’ve modeled for brands such as Ashley Stewart, Hibbett Sports, Macy’s, Belk, Lala Anthony, etc. I instruct a beginner-level acting class at A Lady Named Pearl Leadership Academy, and I occasionally teach in modeling workshops. I also started Victoria Productions, which has some very interesting projects and films in queue.
I’m proud that I was able to be brave without a real support system. It feels great when people tell you that you inspire them. It’s a blessing to be able to say that I can support myself off of my dreams. Plus-sized at that! Embracing my natural self, hair and all. We’ve had I got through movements and break barriers, especially black women, to get to this point,
Not only that, instead of waiting for opportunities to tell stories like mine, I’m creating the opportunities for others around me to express.
Lastly, I am in the final stages of starting Nervana, a supplement brand in which the main products would include CBD-infused coffee and beverage mixes. This was created due to the anxiety and stress I still battle on my journey (as a lot of my projects will be mental-health related.) There will be pop ups in the near future.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best? That there is a community for everyone. Where I’m from, there is no arts district. In Atlanta, you could dream to be turtle. I guarantee you, there is a group of people somewhere in the A that want to be turtles too and would fully support you on that journey! People enjoy expressing themselves. The people of Atlanta create their own opportunities, modeling & talent agencies, movie studios, everything. It’s beautiful. An entrepreneur’s dream. We celebrate each other. It’s also the second Hollywood.
What I like least? Besides the traffic? When you say you’re a model, people immediately think IG, music video vixen, or Onlyfans. People aren’t aware of resources, they think that just being here opportunities will come. They understand the entertainment side but not the business side of things. The market is considered “saturated,” so everyone feels like they are in competition instead of realizing there is room at the table for everyone. People feel like they have to maintain an image or status. A lot of people think being an entrepreneur or artist is a trend they have to follow instead of being true to themselves and doing what works for them. Also, the homelessness, and lastly the crime.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/SuzetteVictoria
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/VictoriaProductions.co
- Other: www.instagram.com/shopnervana
Image Credits:
Ty Pleas, Heather Houston, Mira Adwell, Bernita Sans
