Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Starks
Hi Chase, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’d like to start from the very beginning mainly focusing on my support system. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my little family. My mother, older sister (Autumn), and my little sister (Amoni) helped mold me into the person I am. My mother raised us in a single parent household and stopped at nothing to make sure we had the best childhood imaginable. She instilled a fire in us that can’t be watered down, and for that I am grateful. With that being said, ever since I was 15 I have worked, and worked, and worked some more. I was able to purchase my very first car right before I turned 16. As a teen, I was always involved in extracurricular activities, volunteering, sports, duel-enrollment, etc. I played any sport ‘UPWARDS’ had to offer. UPWARDS is a non-profit organization that offers youth programs in churches across the US. I highly recommend it for those families who can’t afford expensive sport programs. Once I was too old to play I volunteered to become a coach for kids ranging in ages 5-14. I also coached a team for young people who had disabilities. I’ve always had an incredibly empathetic view on life, and to be honest that’s my favorite thing about myself. It can be a gift and a curse, however the feeling of turning someones frown upside down is one of the best feelings in life. After graduating High School May of 2019, I attended Albany State University that fall. That is where my modeling career began. It’s so funny though, because I never thought that I had the looks, style, or charisma to become a model. Until a friend, ugh I wish I could remember her name, but we attended a club fair my college was hosting. I had no interest in anything, I think it was because I was so homesick. My friend said “Chase you would be a fantastic model, like I see that for you.” I’m like “girl noooo, I’m too anxious and anxiety-ridden for that” She made me signup, and I got a call back to audition. I just knew I wasn’t going to make it. Audition day came, my nerves were so bad, the anxiety had me sweating. Once I got on that runway though, that fire instilled in me lit up and consumed me. I never felt so confident, and alive. I was one of the first numbers called, right after auditions, in front of the crowd. I was so proud of myself. Ever since then I knew that modeling is what I aspire to do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is often compared to a road trip—full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Like many in my generation, I’ve struggled with self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure to have everything figured out. Social media only amplifies these feelings, showing a curated version of success that isn’t always reality.
After graduating high school, I felt immense pressure to go straight to college, even though I wasn’t sure what I truly wanted. My college experience was a rollercoaster—I switched majors multiple times, faced academic challenges, and navigated the shift to online learning during the pandemic. Over time, I realized I was investing time and money in a path that didn’t feel right for me. Leaving college was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, and it took a toll on my mental health.
I took on jobs in retail and food service—work that I respected but that left me feeling unfulfilled. My goals felt further out of reach, and my self-confidence wavered. As someone passionate about fashion, I participated in casting calls and runway shows, but my anxiety made the experience overwhelming. Eventually, I stepped away from something I once loved.
2021 was my lowest point. There were days, even months, when I struggled to get out of bed. I felt like I was merely existing rather than truly living. In February 2024, after years of internal battles, I was officially diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. For a long time, I resisted the idea of therapy, fearing judgment from myself and others. But taking that step was life-changing—I now believe everyone should experience therapy at least once in their life.
Today, I feel like myself again. I’ve taken control of my life, and my mental health is continuously improving. While the journey hasn’t been easy, it has shaped me into a stronger, more self-aware person. I’m learning that success isn’t about following a linear path—it’s about embracing growth, resilience, and authenticity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
There’s no straightforward answer to what I do—I wear many hats! During the day, I’m a freelance model working toward my dream of signing with an agency. I’m also a student at Chattahoochee Technical College, studying film and video production. At night, I serve at a steakhouse.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Didn’t you say college wasn’t for you?” And at one point, it wasn’t. When you’re solely focused on the traditional college path, it can be hard to think outside the box. Stepping away from school gave me the space to rediscover my passion for video editing through my YouTube channel. Since then, I’ve made it my goal to refine my skills to the point where I can edit any type of video. I aspire to be part of production teams for music videos, TV shows, movies, commercials, and even photoshoots.
Creativity is at the core of everything I do. Most of the photoshoots on my Instagram weren’t just modeled by me—they were creatively directed by me. I take pride in the steps I’ve taken toward my success story, but I know there’s still more work to be done. My to-do list is full, but I’m learning to take life one day at a time, and I love that for me.
Beyond my creative pursuits, I believe what truly sets me apart is my personality and the way I care for people. Everyone has a superpower—not in the way we see in movies, but in their strongest gift. Mine is my deep sense of empathy, and I take pride in that.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
A lot of people who meet me assume I’m an extrovert, but in reality, I’m very much an introvert. I’ve learned to mask it in public spaces, but deep down, I’m shy, and it takes me a while to open up to people. If I’m in a room full of strangers, I’d much rather someone approach me first than the other way around.
I think my experiences with being bullied when I was younger made me more self-conscious, leaving me with the feeling that people judge me before truly getting to know me. Therapy has helped me work through this, and over time, I’ve found that I’m probably more of an omnivert now—it really depends on my environment and what’s happening around me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cchasetaylor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-starks-575a01290
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@chasetaylorproductions3922
Image Credits
Matthew J Roachford Photography
Gen Trofort Photography
Devision Photos
