Today we’d like to introduce you to Renata Walsh.
Hi Renata, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My degree was in broadcast journalism so I started with a dream of being a morning news anchor. However, I started as a radio host, on two different radio stations for Clear Channel. Then I was hired as a reporter for STL-TV for a few years. These were part-time jobs and during that time I was also working for a department store in fragrances. A lady asked me to be in her fashion show that happened to be walking through shopping. This would be my first fashion show that I would walk in and the rest is history.
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?
This has not been a smooth road at all. Many obstacles, however, I lean on God for strength even when I felt like he wasn’t hearing me. Once I was picked up by a Talent agency things seemed to be wonderful. I was getting booked pretty regularly however, I still had to keep part-time jobs to make ends meet. Little did I know those periods fluctuate from a lot of bookings to very little and I found myself not being able to make a living off of this career. I won’t say that no one can make a living off of this career. It just can be very challenging if you are not able to pay your normal bills and live properly. I was even homeless for a month or so until I was comfortable enough to tell my agent what was going on and she found someone to rent a room to me. There have been lots of struggles along the way, however it has shaped me and made me stronger. I even had a Photographer Tell me one time that she wouldn’t shoot me until I got my size down to a zero or two. She told me that my face needed to be structured and I should go 10 days without anything to eat, just drink water. I went almost 3 days and couldn’t do it anymore. Later on she came back to tell me that my pictures looked great years later. There were so many learning experiences.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I will have to say this was hard to pick because I’m still an artist and a creative however, I am also a professional. I have a team that I am over in the property management field. I currently do property compliance for single-family home rentals. I enjoy this job, there is never a dull moment, and this has been my professional career for the last 10 years. Working with all different types of people. I started in Leasing and now I’m making sure the properties are fit to lease to renters.
I am also an artist and a creative, that is just where my core is. I produced and wrote my first film this year named “Nina”. It is a series that I am still working on to share with the world. I released the pilot on YouTube this summer of 2025. I also am an actor who has appeared in the most recent Movie House Party, tv shows…The CHI, as well as Chicago Med, Beyond The Gates and many others. I also Mentor and Coach Models and actors. I’ve been mentoring for the last 20 years or more and I absolutely love to encourage enlighten people who are entering into this field. I just recently published my own book called, “Where is my Broken Broomstick”, it’s now available on Amazon. In this book I talk about getting into the modeling business and how to stay relevant, mentally sane, while still having respect for the industry.
Lately, I’ve taken a liking to painting and have found another talent that God is gifted be with so I will forever create.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Something I wish I knew when I was starting out was how to monetize myself, when it relates to branding. This is important because it could make or break you!
Other than that, I think it’s best that everyone goes through the journey so they can have their own learning experiences to build off of and learn how to move to the next Great thing. Spiritual grounding, Emotional intelligence and having thick skin is the key. Unfortunately, you will run into people who don’t have your best interest at heart and are not so kind in this industry. But you have to stay Professional. There are also some amazing people in this business, the key is to ask God to lead you to your tribe and You will find them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @RenataWalsh_
- Facebook: Renata Noelle
- Youtube: @ReNoirBeautyRWalsh
Image Credits
Elliot Liss
