Daily Inspiration: Meet Iyanna James-Stephenson

Iyanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It’s been a long journey. It started when I made the decision to pursue modeling at the end of my teaching contract in Changwon, South Korea. Following the ending of my contract, I traveled for four months visiting my friends and family on the east coast, west coast, and in the Caribbean. On January 1, 2017, I made a spiritual decision to move back home to Miami, FL. From that moment I committed myself to building my modeling and entertainment brand, creating my image, and marketing my artistry work.

2020 was the turning point for me. By February 2020, I had written, co directed, and recorded my first short film project. At the same time, I quit my restaurant job to commit working as a full time freelance artist. I was booked a month in advance for private parties, fashion shows, and music festivals but by mid-March, every gig I had booked was canceled due to the Coronavirus. With no prospective work, and no stable living situation, I left Miami to temporarily move in with family.

After leaving that relationship, and starting over, I am now focused on starting my career as a touch therapist, I am expanding my brand to officially encompass kink, BDSM and hone in on sensuality and sex education. I am anticipating my next Sensual Movement and Sex Talk event. I am currently writing several short story projects. And I am available, as always, for muse and model work in commercials, runway shows, music videos, film projects, and photoshoots.

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 has been a very rocky road.

I usually describe my experiences as slow and steady, but this past year, in 2021, my life was exceptionally difficult. Between leaving a terrible, stifling relationship, to choosing to distance from family for the sake of mental health, to reaching the lowest points emotionally and financially that I ever have – it has not been easy.

My mentality has always been “you either have a great experience or you learn a life lesson.” This, I do not regret any decision or see any as a waste of time. If your future reflects better because of it, it was meant to happen.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I go by three names: Iyanna The Model, Feline Agbara, and Empress I.

I am a muse, performance artist, writer, healer, and filmmaker working predominantly between Atlanta, Miami, and New York City.

My work specializes in developed philosophy, ethereal vibrations, alternative artistry, and social commentary. My brand is committed to truth, authenticity, and radical self acceptance.

I highlight freedom, expression, and the freedom of expression – especially through the body.

I’m known for inspiring others to be more body aware, more conscious of self, having more confidence, and encouraging a healthy way of life. I am a naturalist and strive to promote, guide, and practice the best versions one’s self.

My energy sets me apart. There are a thousand beautiful, authentic, unique, bald Black women who exist around the world, but no-one has the combination of my mind, body, and soul.

Practically, I am excellent at everything that I do. I have created legendary art in words, visuals, and motions. And if I leave this world today, I can proudly say that I have not only touched, but saved and changed lives.

I am most proud of my contributing work with a former group I was a part of called The Goddess Collective, my iconic work with Joey Rosado and Dorvilier Olivier, as well as my first short film, Sacred energy Exchange: A personal story on polyandry, kink, and masturbation.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love the most about Atlanta is the energy. It’s such a unique place to be. No other place on Earth is quite like it. Even other affluent, successful Black cities don’t reflect the energy of this space. I also love the support you get in Atlanta! People want to know you, share your work, and promote you off of authentic love and positive vibes.

This city is an inherently spiritual and equally as sexually liberated. I love that Atlanta is a staple in history, both past and present. And I love all of the vegan food here, the outdoorsy events, and the beautiful people

What I dislike about Atlanta is the city‘s infrastructure. I think with as successful as this city is, it should look better. Simple things like certain streets, buildings, and the efficiency of the city, should be better. This is also the city I’ve seen the most car accidents and car break-ins. It’s very bizarre to me and very strange. Sometimes I also wish it had a lot more integration of different cultures. But the city is very diverse, and all that it lacks does not effect the pulse or growth of the city and I love that. Above all, Atlanta is real and authentic.