Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephon White.
Hi Stephon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a preacher’s kid raised by grandmother that was born in Newark, New Jersey. I used to always love participating in the church fashion shows or going to church in my “Sunday’s best” attire whenever I had some free time, I would watch Americas Next Top Model wishing that they would cast guys on the show. I also used to watch reruns of cartoons/shows with one of my siblings and we would reenact the things we seen while trying to stay in character and not laugh. We ended moving to a small country town called PInetops, NC. Once I was of age to play sports, I somewhat forgot about fashion and let the sports world consume me, playing around six to five sports a year and being a star or one of the star players on each team you understand how that could easily happen. After graduating high school, I was blessed to attend Benedict college once there, I realized something was missing and that was my love for runway/modeling and acting. I ended up meeting some awesome individuals that model and acted in Atlanta and surrounding areas they encouraged me to do shows/auditions. From that point on I put all my focused back into my first love and decided to never to allow myself to get away from the industry again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not Been smooth, even after realizing what I wanted to do with my life funding always played a major role, so I had to force myself to get full-time jobs to support my dreams. Most of that work being in a warehouse job setting working ten to twelve hours a day, I had to make time for auditions or when I was selected to do a show I had to beg to get time off. Even when I had work covered and money wasn’t an issue, self-doubt started to set in I started to think I wasn’t good enough to be on anyone’s tv or runway because I didn’t look like the average African American model although I definitely had the height sometimes I didn’t get booked for a high fashion show because of my hair”locs”. It was and somewhat still is discouraging when that is the only reason I was not selected. There has been so many times that I contemplated on cutting my hair off or dreamed that I cut off my locs just to be booked for those major high fashion shows or campaigns, as the world is evolving I’m seeing much more diversity in the fashion industry thanks to “Kerby Raymond and his brand “Pyer Moss” although I have not walked for his brand yet I’m looking forward to attending most of his castings and walking for his brand. He’s not the only one, just one of the many gifted designers that not only stood out to me but also encouraged me to keep going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently employed as a traveling “CNA” Certified Nursing Assistant part-time and I specialize in home health and rehabilitation. I basically go into people houses and give them hope will also encouraging them to live life even with the obstacles that they may be facing.
Mostly I am known the “determined hard worker” every time there’s a request for a caregiver, staffing would pick me first to go into a patients home and get the job done. I’m heavily requested even years after I’ve completed an assignment, families always want me back to give care to a different relative.
I’m proud that I’m finally able to find balance between working in corporate America and being in the industry although I want and can’t wait to work in the industry full time! It’s satisfying to know that I am able to do both with a smile.
What sets me apart from others In the industry is I’m not afraid to take those “no lines” background and extras roles when it comes to acting and as far as fashion, I don’t mind walking in designers that’s brand new to the industry fashion show, No matter how far I make it in the talent industry I will never be too big for any job you will always be able to count on me.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Currently, watch online all the fashion shows(New York, Milan, Miami, etc.) that’s for spring 2022 so I will know what walking pace and style their looking for.
Also on Instagram, I get runway/photoshoot tips from Mandy Lieveld “runwaycoach” on her IG page and bootcamp information.
Acting side I watch self-tape videos that is on Instagram or that mornell studios post and I go on my Mentor Devon Knightner page for inspiration.
Tyler Perry page has been a great overall resource that has helped me do my best in life, his speeches to me are overall relatable, helpful and encouraging.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iammoda_?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAMMRMODA
Image Credits
jbackphotos Careese Robinson Ezichi Emerem Daniel Green Krisztian Lonyai
