Check Out Naudia Cherry’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naudia Cherry.

Hi Naudia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
Well… to be honest, it just happened. I mean I’ve always been into modeling and fashion. Growing up, I’d watch America’s Next Top Model like all the time and make clothes and dress up my dolls. I’ve always dreamed of being on that show or going to New York Fashion Week to see all the high fashion/top models and the work of amazing designers. I also think that my love/interest for fashion and modeling came from my grandma and my mom. My grandma loves clothes and fashion, as well, and she sews, so I’d admired that and wanted to become a fashion designer, as well (which I’m going to school for now). My mom, who is 5’11, used to model, as well. So, I guess it was kind of in my blood to model. Growing up, I knew I had the potential in me but I didn’t have much support, mostly financially, so I couldn’t go to model or acting calls or have the material to go to an agency. I was bullied a little bit in school growing up and I didn’t really like my look, but I was always so petite and tall.

My mom wanted me to focus on school anyway lol. I was an honors student from kindergarten all the way until my senior year. But it wasn’t until like my freshman/sophomore year that I started my modeling career. I essentially began by building my portfolio in a way. I had some photoshoots here and there and practiced my walk. Then I signed up for this acting company called “XXI Century”. I gained some acting and modeling experience there, but I felt like it didn’t help as much or was worth the money we were paying for it and I left. Later on, around late 2019, I was introduced to this modeling and pageant company called “Shine”. I feel like that was the best decision of my life because I was taught by the best and I was able to build my confidence and improve the skills that were buried in me for so long. With that help and motivation, I was able to get casted for model calls and have great turnouts on my photoshoots. I’ve received so many compliments since then and recognition from designers and casting agents and I only plan to go up from there. There’s still a lot to learn but I can definitely say that I’m going to go far (that’s what my model coach, Karina, said to me) and I absolutely believe it.

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?
It most definitely have not been an easy road. I’ve faced many obstacles and challenges in my life, mostly pertaining to bullying and having low self-esteem. Things weren’t so pitch-perfect at home either. My mom is a single mother so she had to work hard to provide for my brother and I. Sometimes, I would have to look out for him or do other mature roles. We also moved around a lot, especially during the times we were homeless or facing homelessness, so I couldn’t do all the things I wanted to do, like certain school activities or other events and extracurricular activities I liked.

I suffered from depression for a certain period time of my life and I was at an all-time low, as well. I even was a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence in middle and high school. But what kept me going, what kept me from not giving up and to keep moving forward, was my love for modeling and fashion. And the urge to do better for me and make a name for myself so that my future children won’t have to go through the same things I did. Also, I’m that type of person who loves to prove people, who have doubted me or wronged me wrong or show that I have what it takes to get to that top-level, so I push myself to do better and be better through modeling. And of course, I do it for myself because it’s something I love and is really good at. I believe I can make a career out of being a model/actress and fashion designer.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Right now, I’m still just doing photo shoots to build my portfolio. I have worked with some designers on projects and I have about two or three shows lined up for me in the next couple of months. I plan on signing with an agency so that I can get more experience and get cast for paid opportunities. I believe I’m approaching that level where I should get compensated for my work. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m a fast learner and with my drive and passion for modeling, I believe I’ll be one of the highest-paid models in the next couple of years. When I’m not modeling, I work regular jobs, but I’ll be going to school this Spring semester for fashion designing and management. One day, I want to own my own fashion design company. I want to have multiple store locations worldwide that sell my clothing brand. Besides that, I do hang out with friends and go to events around town sometimes, but I mostly be working on my business plan and plan out what will be happening in the next few months.

I guess that’s what set me apart from some people— I’m very goal-oriented and I plan ahead for my future. I want to be prepared for what’s to come, whatever it may be. Waiting until the last minute isn’t a smart decision, especially when it comes to the modeling industry. You have to always be prepared because these agents and casting directors have a huge agenda and stuff planned too, so you gotta be on their time otherwise, they will close the door in your face. This business is very serious, so you have to take it seriously. I also tend to go above and beyond. I try to be unique in everything I do, whether I’m at a casting call or photoshoot or just doing a school project. There’s nothing wrong with being different lol! And then add that with a great personality… BAM! They’ll love you! I believe that’s what I’m most proud of about myself— my accomplishments and the hard work and dedication I put into it. My confidence have certainly grown over the years and I feel more like myself but a better version every time I achieve a milestone. That’s most definitely something to be proud of!

What matters most to you? Why?
In this order: self, family, and success. Of course, self and family can switch depending on the situation because I’m a very selfless person, but my health and well-being matter a lot to me because I’ve been down a dark road before in my past, as I mentioned before. I was a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse and I was bullied in school and I’ve suffered from homelessness on multiple occasions and depression. I’m not saying that I hate myself or anybody for what I’ve been through, but I’m sort of relieved in a way because it caused me to do better and build my character and mold me into the woman I am today. So, making sure I’m ok and on the right path matters because it affects my relationships with other things like my family/friends and my work and success.

Family is important to me because where would I be without them? Some don’t have the luxury of having a family or a family that cares about them, so I have to be grateful for the one I have even though it may not be perfect. At least I have someone I can go to if I need help and so, that means a lot deep down. And lastly, success matters to me because I don’t want to fail like ultimately. And yes, no one wants to fail but I mean completely. There’s gonna be mistakes down the road but I don’t want my endgame to be an ultimate failure. So I strive to do better and be better every day—whether it’s in health or in work. Like I also said before, I don’t want my kids to go down the same road as me. I want them to live a good life and be whoever they want to be. But that can’t happen if I’m failing or not setting a good example, so I have to work extremely hard to get there.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://naudiacherry.wixsite.com/shinepageantsandmode
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_officialnaudiacherry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naudia.cherry.3

Image Credits:
Arnold Amonu (aka Mazi A)
Daniel Miranda (DVMProductions)
Terrel Antoni