Check Out Aude-Ellen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aude-Ellen.

Aude-Ellen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started modeling the second I stepped foot on my college campus, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was very young. I remember when I was just 6 years old, my mom signed me up for a modeling event at Discover Mills Mall (now called Sugarloaf Mills Mall). My memory of it all is a bit hazy, so I have no idea what the prize was or what end goal 6-year-old me had envisioned, but what I do remember is waiting my turn to walk down this super tall platform in the middle of the mall, with people seated all around the runway. Crazily enough, I forgot about that whole experience until I found old photos of me from the competition years later. I was contestant #696. Even though I never thought about that moment again until later in life, it was one of the many experiences I’ve had that quietly but surely pushed me down this path.

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?
Absolutely not. I really don’t want to admit it, but this wouldn’t feel as fulfilling if I got every opportunity or if every self-tape led to a booking. Where’s the challenge and growth in that, you know? But I wholeheartedly believe that God guides me and makes my crooked places straight. Faith without works is dead, so I trust that as long as I’m doing the best I can, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

One of the biggest struggles I’ve experienced is handling rejection. Even though it happens to all models, it can still be frustrating, and a challenge to remember that it’s just redirection. I think what’s important, however, is relentlessly trying again and again and again. There are so many people I admire in completely different industries who have experienced mountains of rejection and challenges but overcame them by continuing to try one more time. What they received ended up being so much better than they could’ve imagined for themselves. That is what I want for myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a model. There is so much I have yet to do, but so far, I am truly proud of the fact that I am trying, doing, and growing. I will say, though, that everything I do is for my inner child. She’s the one who really started this all. Contestant #696. I think, in a way, my blind loyalty to my inner child is what makes me different. Of course, people can be inspired by anything in life, but I find it endearing that I’m inspired by 6-year-old me, who had fun in a fashion show at her local mall, or 14-year-old me, who binge watched every Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show she could find on YouTube, or 9-year-old me, who played Hannah Montana design games for hours on end. I’m driven by these kid versions of myself, and because of their wonder and imagination, I can’t help but go after amazing opportunities. I think that’s what sets me apart.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck plays a major role in my life, but I view luck a bit differently. Personally, I see luck as what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I want to be the luckiest version of myself, and because of that, I’m always thinking about whether or not I’m doing what I need to do in order to be lucky. It’s a challenge. I teeter between feeling like there’s even more I could be doing and reminding myself that I am having amazing experiences that no one in my family has had before. All I can do is continue to give all that I can in different areas of my life and keep going down the path that feels right for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audeellen

Image Credits
Photographed by: Lucie Keen