Today we’d like to introduce you to Alistair Edwards Jr.
Alistair, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I used to be a bagger at Publix when I was in high school and man, did I hate that job. Day in and day out packing groceries and taking them out to peoples cars. Until one day and I’ll never forget it this one lady told me on the way to her car “You have a really good look. Have you ever considered modeling?” At this point in time I think I was a freshman in college and pretty insecure, so I didn’t think I was the best looking guy around. So, I responded baffled “ uhh no it never crossed my mind.” Then, she said, “well, you should consider if you have an amazing look.” After that day, I didn’t think much of it until two more people at separate times and places gave me the same comment. After that, I said to myself well maybe I can make something out of this.
Then, I started my Instagram page specifically made for modeling @aedwards_1906 to get my name out there. I was lucky enough to have a friend (Reggie Daniels IG: @pp_productions01) that did a lot of photography at my school (Albany State University) and was willing to do to shoots with me for free. I was surprised when they actually got a lot of traction and praise from my fellow peers and also people I didn’t even know.
I also reached out to my friend Courtland who I knew had a friend who was very successful in the modeling industry. He then introduced me to my now amazing mentor Julian Green. He gave me tips on how to find an agency, which ones are really good, and also how to move around and be successful in the industry. One of the agencies he suggested was Ursula Wiedmann Models, which is the agency he was apart of. Now, at this point, I had gone to an open call for Click Models and got declined, but I wasn’t going to let that stop or deter me from pursuing my goals. One day, I got a direct message from Ursula saying she really loves my look and would love for me to come in and speak with them about a possible signing. I thought “oh great, Julian must’ve put my name out there and got me in.” Turns out when I went to the interview and met Ursula that wasn’t the case. One of her scouts Kristen found my Instagram page and liked my look. At the end of the interview and meeting with Ursula, she offered me a contract. I was really excited, never would I have thought I could come from being a bagger at Publix to being a professional model especially being as insecure as I was.
Now, I’m trying to finish my last semester of college in the fall so I can dedicate my time to making modeling a full career. I am also looking into acting as well so stay tuned for that.
Great, 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 not always been a smooth road. I’ve battled with personal insecurities and depression all my life. I never thought I looked good. I was always the scrawny kid and got called “yellow” or “light bright”. People couldn’t even pronounce my name right, still can’t even till this day.
At home, my siblings were always getting on trouble and causing stress on my mom, and my dad was always working to keep a roof over our home, so I was lonely. I’ve learned to become a loner and a person really detached from the world around me.
But I’m not regretful or even spiteful of those experiences, because they make me who I am today. Being called scrawny all those years pushed to me to start working out with one of my best friends from middle school that actually plays football for KSU Tanner Jones. All those insults and also his motivation drove me to now go to the gym and actually build self-confidence.
Being a loner taught me to look at the world from a different lens. One time at publix an old man complimented me on being what he called an observer. “A person who can see this world for what it is.” He told me having a skill like that will take me far in this life and I agree. So far, it has and I think will continue to do so.
So, yeah, I have gone through some challenges in my life, but they all had a purpose and has made me a better person because of it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
At Ursula Wiedmann Models, I am signed as a professional model. I have done a jewelry commercial. I have shot with some of the best photographers in the industry like a chrisean rose.
I am known as the nice kid that’s always smiling, because looking at my background and how far I’ve come and how much further I’m going to go I can’t help but to smile.
What I am most proud of when it comes to UWM is the family aspect that Ursula creates in the company. She does her best to make everyone feel valued and as if they didn’t sign up to be apart of an agency, but apart of a family and I thank her for that.The thing that sets me apart from others is that I feel as if I succeed when others also succeed and that I am always looking to better myself in any way possible. At my school, I do a lot of free shots with up and coming photographers at Albany State because one of them helped me get my start so I’d like to help others get there start as well in any way that I can.
I also always look for what I can do to make myself better than I was the day before. A trait I picked up from my dad. I’ve started listening to motivational and inspirational videos that talk about growing and developing my mindset and how I think to further myself in life. I also workout at least 3-4 days a week whenever I can. Im always searching for the next opportunity to put my foot in the door within this industry, and I’m passionate about doing so.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far is the commercial I did for Fana Jewelry it was my first time doing any real acting. Even though there was not any lines involved or anything, I had a blast during the whole shoot and it opened my eyes to how great acting can really be. That shoot is what pushed me to start pursuing acting on top of my modeling career.
Contact Info:
- Address: 651 Dallas St NE, suite b, Atlanta, Ga 30308
- Website: http://www.ursulawiedmannmodels.com/portfolio/men-mainboard/men/1361348/alistair-edwards
- Phone: 4043781804
- Email: Ursula@ursulawiedmannmodels.com
- Instagram: @aedwards_1906
Image Credit:
Austin Joiner, Reggie Daniels, Chrisean Rose, Arik Sparano, Neffy Alexandria
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