Check Out ReNay Nelson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to ReNay Nelson.

Hi ReNay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a creative and loved telling a story through many different art forms. I love communicating authentically and creatively, whether that’s writing, modeling or creative directing. I always loved the “idea” of modeling—of creating an artistic image through the collaboration of different artists—makeup artists, photographers, models, creative directors.

Finally, in college, I got the opportunity to put this childhood passion into practice as I collaborated with friends in shoots, art events, and modeled. When I modeled and saw the image I participated in tell a story and make people feel something in response, I knew that modeling was more than a passion—it felt meant to be. Like something I was made to do.

A few years later, life looked a lot different than I expected. I was a young mom, but still couldn’t shake this desire to pursue modeling. So, I finally decided to give it a shot and used YouTube to teach me how to get started.
I began booking shoots and doing creative collabs and every part of it felt fulfilling.

Now, 6 years later, life looks even more unexpected. I am now a single mom to two boys, and in all honesty, I model a lot less than I would like.
I had to step away from the agency I was signed with and focus on surviving and thriving as a single mom.
This year, I am feeling ready again. Ready to pursue what I was designed to love and share. I am using the hardships I’ve endured over the last few years to shape a story I am thrilled and hesitant to share. Through modeling, creative directing, and writing, I want to help people feel seen, heard and encouraged through all of the unexpected life dishes out. Beyond storytelling, I want the art I share to communicate something to others while also making them feel heard. What I share will be present with you—just as God has been present with me through all of the difficulty.

I look forward to this next season even though I’m not quite sure what it has in store.
But I believe there will be a lot coming from me, and I cannot wait to share it with you

with love, ReNay

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?
It has not always been a smooth road. In the middle of me pursuing my dream of modeling, I became a single mom. And that reality came with trauma, hardship, grief, and a continued state of exhaustion.

However, I am a creative at heart. So even when I’m not producing something for others—something to be “seen”— creative expression is still happening. I had to leave my modeling agency to be more present with the realities of single motherhood. But I still have had so much to share. Even if it’s not through the artistic expression of modeling as much, it has been on social media, poetry in my journal, conversations with friends. Creative honesty pours out of me, and even more so after the struggles I’ve been through.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What’s sets me apart in modeling and creative directing is my vulnerability. I find so much joy and fulfillment in sharing honestly what I am learning, feeling, and experiencing. I love connecting with others on a deep level, and I bring that into every shoot I participate in.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love combining art forms to tell a story from many different angles. Currently, I am creative directing a shoot that will include models and dancers where I have storyboarded shots to music, and I will share the images with poetry. I am not just a model, but I am a writer and love combining the two (and more!)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/withloverenay
• Other: Substack — @withloverenay