Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Samuels.
Israel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Modeling was something that came to me naturally. I keenly remember begging my mother to take my picture at the tender age of five as I struck a fierce pose. Unfortunately, I didn’t start modeling until 2018 with no clue as to what a successful model does and no knowledge of where to start. I modeled here and there until I began to realize I knew very little about modeling and I was quite ignorant as to how the industry works. This spurred me to educate myself as my passion for modeling grew so I bought a book called the Wilhelmina Guide to Modeling. It opened my eyes to the inner workings of the fashion industry, gave me an idea of how hard a model works, and banished a lot of misconceptions shrouding the industry. After I read that book, it helped me cement my career plan of becoming a Supermodel. That being said, I unexpectedly met the best photographer in Columbia, SC, last year summer and thus began a wholesome photographer/model relationship. During summer 2019, Deon Turner and I collaborated on at least seven shots and since then, we have probably done close to 15 photoshoots! Modeling has driven me to change myself and my life for the better. I feel the need to be the best at everything I do and modeling is no exception. I lost 70 pounds between December 2018 to June 2019, I eat far healthier than before, I try to work out consistently, I can model in any weather, and my creativity is at an all time high as I style myself in most of my photoshoots. I don’t want to miss my opportunity because I didn’t give it my all as I have everything riding on my “dream”. I am a single mother of a four year old son so modeling is not only my passion; it is my it is my future bread and butter.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest thing I struggle with is self-doubt. I critique my walk and find it lacking. I judge my pictures and think I can pose better. I look at my body in the mirror and feel I’m not fit enough. Living in Columbia is also frustrating because I am finding there is still a preference here for certain skin tones and body types and many times, I don’t fit in the spectrum. I once had a designer promise to make an outfit for me since all of her clothing at the scheduled fitting was too small. A week later, when the fashion show was being held, she ignored me until I asked if I was walking for her and she proceeded to tell me she had nothing to fit me. Incidents like this are common for me. Although I project confidence because in this industry, if you do not, you’ll get eaten alive, these are things that weigh on me. Not long ago, I competed in the infamous Miss Jetset modeling competition. I had hopes of being the first African woman to win. I managed to compete until I lost during the third to the last round. I know I got farther than most but not winning crushed me because I felt like losing was my fault. I was fighting so hard with depression and self-pity that I felt it necessary to take a step back from self-promotion and focus on my mental health.
Fashion Model – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a fashion model as well as an entrepreneur and YouTuber but I am first and foremost, a fashion model. I am open to every type of modeling! Whether it be commercial, editorial, runway, fit, swimsuit and lingerie, I want to do it all! It is safe to say I love editorial and print but the runway is also close to my heart. On that note, I haven’t done a lot of commercial work yet, but as I continue to pursue my dreams, hopefully, more opportunities will arise, I specialize in bringing visions to life. I grew up on America’s Next Top Model and something that stuck with me is as a model, you should be able to portray an emotion, a look, and wear any crazy outfit all while making it look effortless. That is what I aim to do every time I stand in front of a camera or walk down a runway. Model but make it fierce, sassy, sexy, flirty, joyful, angry or whatever the occasion calls for.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as when a person believes they have achieved the completion of a goal/ goals and it leads to you gaining new levels in your life. Personally, my marker for success will be when I’m recognized by the “right people” for my talents and I gain work and build a career because of it. I would consider peak success to be when I reach supermodel status. It is a dream of mine to be on the cover of Vogue and Paper magazine, be the face of a Chanel fragrance campaign and walk for Valentino.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8438471649
- Email: israelsamuels97@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chameleon_pekin?igshid=1otwxbbn7ajyh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/israel.samuels.5
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IsraelSams
Image Credit:
Deon Turner
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