Life & Work with Zaniera James of New Jersey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaniera James.

Hi Zaniera, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Zaniera James, and I’m a model from Perth Amboy, New Jersey. I’ve been modeling for the past two years, with many more milestones ahead. Modeling has been a lifelong dream of mine. As a child, I was inspired by shows like Katie’s Lee Simmons and America’s Next Top Model, which fueled my passion for fashion, runway, and commercial modeling.
In December 2023, I took the first steps toward making that dream a reality by building my portfolio with my cousin, Dashawn, and training at Diva Davanna’s Runway School of Etiquette to refine my skills. By January 2024, I fully committed to my career, began attending castings and opportunities, and have continued to grow ever since. Every experience has strengthened my confidence and brought me closer to the career I’ve always envisioned.

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?
There are always ups and downs when it comes to modeling. Burn outs, drama, MEN, even women sometimes. What matters is if you’ll keep going or not. One thing my mom told me is to never be a quitter and if you want it, get it. Modeling isn’t always smooth but this is one thing I’ve dreamed of since a child and I will never give up because of what the next person says, how people feel about me nor if a production chooses to not work with me. Rejection is always protection and I know God will never put me in a room I’m not welcomed in. You have to be head strong and stronger on your boundaries. I’ve had people say they’re my friends and go behind my back and copy me, leave me out etc. But I just ignore because I can’t control how people think or feel about me. I’ll always be my authentic self

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Im a model, creative director, content creator and a model coach. Im also a Behavior Technician for kids on the spectrum. Im very proud of who I am becoming because a lot of people aren’t doing things outside of modeling. I help kids with autism and alot of people don’t know what that is. I’m a very open minded person, caring and nurturing not just in model mode but also with kids too. A lot of people cannot say that they help kids for a living, not in this industry.

Any big plans?
My plan for the future is to become an international model of course. I also Want to work with a lot of famous celebrities designers and brands like Fenty. I plan on moving out of the United States as well and modeling outside of the states.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_zanieraa?igsh=cHdzYjh6bHhsY2Uw&utm_source=qr