Life & Work with Lyarra Regis of Stockbrige

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyarra Regis.

Hi Lyarra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I first walked into adulthood, I didn’t have any time to feel the ins and outs of my identity before I hopped right into college. Growing up, I always had a knack for writing and creativity, so I became an English major. It was the only thing that made sense to my reeling brain. Not enough people talk about the transitional period between graduating high school and starting your first year of college. It’s socially accepted to go to college and figure out what you want to do from there. Two years into my major, I was suffering from crippling imposter syndrome, but I still did not know what I wanted to do. I still loved to write, I was damn good at it, and I knew that. However, nothing is more humbling than the difference in feedback from your university professors than from your high school professors. While some understood my literary artistry, more often than not, I am reminded that I was different. I was reminded of that when I walked into class, I looked, spoke, and carried myself differently than my peers.

By the first semester of my junior year, I knew I didn’t want to be an English major anymore. But I also did not want to be in school for any longer than I had to. I made peace with the fact that I was no longer the awkward little girl with the 0.9 mechanical pencil and a dream. I mean, I still love writing, it’s one of my gifts, and like I said: I am damn good at it. But, after hours of pouring into predominantly white (boring) literature, and automatically being asked if I wanted to be a teacher when I say I am an English major, I knew it wasn’t for me. One day, as I was powering through a paper for a British literature class, I got distracted for the umpteenth time by my conflicting thoughts. I thought: I know this isn’t for me anymore, but do I just throw away all the hard work I’ve put in over the past 3 years? I couldn’t bring myself to walk away from everything that I already invested; all the late nights and long mornings, so I still will be graduating this year. However, my thirst for something more kept my heart open.

The way I carried myself and looked attracted a lot of different people. I met some really awesome people who put me in rooms I could not even imagine. One day, I met Isis, and she introduced me to my very first set. I was a model for an artist, and we were filming a short film for his album teaser. My interest was piqued because I fell in love with the environment. Being in front of the camera invigorated me in ways that reminded me of the moment I first broke out of my dyslexia and began writing. It felt like… color was being reintroduced in my otherwise gray life. Once I did an impromptu shoot with Ben, almost a year later, it was solidified. That tennis shoot was what set the trajectory of my newfound love. It got so much love, and suddenly things changed for me. Really quickly. I learned that modeling fulfilled me in ways that being a traditional college student couldn’t; it brought me joy. I was in these rooms being my true, authentic, loud, (sometimes) sarcastic self, and it led me to meet even more amazing people. Next thing I know, I was in more shoots, walking my first show, directing my first film and shoot, seeing myself on Pinterest, and so much more. I came so far, and the little ostracized dark-skinned girl inside me is indescribably elated.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
To say it has been a smooth road would make me a pathological liar– it gets that serious. I think modeling and entering the creative world has brought me face-to-face with many old and new insecurities. I do not bring that up lightly because, due to the media and various influences, insecurities are almost taboo in this field. One thing I gathered from being in this industry is that it is really easy to question the amount of love you have for yourself. Or, at least for me. Things that I never used to question about myself would become an obsession. Like: “Why isn’t my stomach as flat? Do people notice my boobs are uneven? Do they even care? Is my eye doing that weird slack thing it does for whatever reason?”
Since I began modeling, my body has undergone many changes. My body has shifted and expanded in unrecognizable ways, though it may seem insignificant to an unkeen eye, I became hyper-aware of everything.
While juggling accepting my body’s changes, my other dilemma circled right behind it. I was trying to find out what I wanted my image to be while being sensitive to my family. There are so many things that I wanted to explore; however, the morals of my upbringing continue to stifle those urges. Being an only child in a Haitian household, I grew up in a relatively conservative culture. While I successfully managed to break free from most of those restricting beliefs, which is why I am here today, many of them are so deeply ingrained in me that it makes me more hesitant to take risks and be authentically myself. Being in the creative industry will force you to be authentic. It is the only thing that will set you apart from others and keep you from getting caught up in the bullshit. Being authentic also means being a little more fearless. When I think of my fears, I imagine Anxiety from Inside Out 2. The firecracker of doubt, insecurity, and fear that steers me away from courage and making decisions about my art that pushes the limits. Every fiber in my being longs to push past the limits and not care what that means for everyone else. My family has been somewhat supportive of my career, but they don’t believe it is a career; they think it’s a phase. I suppose it’s a way of coping with the fact that I am not turning out to be the academic weapon with a safe, cushiony job. I am embarking on an unlikely journey for someone who never got to watch TV on weekdays, wrote 15-page book reports at the age of 11, memorized all 45 presidents (before Biden), and attended an academically driven magnet school.
However, I realized that it’s impossible to be truly happy and fulfilled while also pleasing everyone around you.
That is one of the most complex challenges I have faced on this journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do many things as an artist: I do makeup, I style, I sometimes act, I edit, and create. But I am mostly known for my modeling. I have been told by many that the only way to make a name for myself in this industry is to have a niche. I loathed that notion because it sounded so restricting. What if one day I want to serve cunty, edgy, and sex symbol, but another day I want to be elegant, regal, high-fashion, and editorial? Or if I feel boyish that day with oversized jeans and sneakers? Hell, what if I wanted to pull off a 19th-century Victorian-era look?
That is what I am known for. I worried myself with this question, because I was afraid I wouldn’t sound mysterious or deep enough. But I wanted this to be as raw as possible. But some things are just what they are. My spark, my energy, my authenticity, and my openness are what I am most proud of. Everything I have done so far has been an amazing journey that has brought me to where I am right now. My heart is here. Here, I can be as loud, sarcastic, crazy, and mad as possible, and that alone will continue to bring me joy and make me flourish. It is as simple as that.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
It may sound cliché, but the most essential part of networking is being yourself. Nobody can be you better than you. Even if that sometimes means having those awkward moments or accidentally saying the “wrong” thing. But usually, saying the “wrong” thing might be you self-censoring and trying to make yourself likable. Being unlikable to others does not mean you are an unlikeable person. We, as humans, are like puzzle pieces; some people fit, others don’t. And that’s okay because the ones who embrace your unique shape and pattern are the only ones with whom you will make the most amazing art.

Image Credits
McKayla Webster
Braxton (Groovy) Prince
Ben Johnson
Ryan (Vlonery) Constantine