Meet Sydney Watson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Watson.

Sydney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hey, guys! I’m also known as Swatso.
Originally from Columbia, Maryland, I made my way to Atlanta almost five years ago! Back in the DMV, I collaborated with some friends and local photographers in the area. I attended a photog meetup for fun and was reached out to local artists after.

People always told me I should pursue modeling because I was tall and petite. But I ignored the comments because it’s a lot more to the modeling industry than just “the look.” It wasn’t until I won a scholarship pageant back in 2017 that I felt my passion for the art grow into fruition. I was quirky and soft-spoken; which wasn’t the typical pageant personality. Competing with multiple beautiful and diverse women was intimidating at first, but at the same time, it strengthened the confidence and the uniqueness I loved about myself. That stuck with me, and ever since, I brought the same drive to my modeling career.

That experience led me to my first large fashion show with the Living Royalty brand at Atlanta City Hall. My final years of college, I started traveling back and forth between the DMV and Atlanta, walking in fashion shows and shooting with local photographers. I’ve had the pleasure of walking with Georgia State’s Infinite Appeal & Clark Atlanta fashion students, live modeling for Iridium clothing store, and working with some talented model coaches, photographers.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not! Being a full-time student trying to make my way into modeling by going to practices, traveling to shoots while still trying to find time to study, go to work and keep my sanity was one of the most tiring times of my life. Once I graduated, I felt my self breathe. But I appreciate the hard work I put in then because it laid down the pipeline I needed to really build my brand. Enduring the rough roads makes the destination that much sweeter. So, I appreciate my journey while I’m on my path.

Please tell us about what you do.
As of now, I am a freelance model and mental health advocate. I have a B.A. in Psychology so I incorporate mental health and soundness in everything I do. I started my own initiative called #FightingForgetfulness that advocates for the mental well being of our elderly suffering from dementia and other related problems. My current project called Melanin Motive is a sister support group that mentors, highlights, and celebrates black women! Starting my pageant and modeling career, I had a few young women reach out to me asking how I did it, how I stepped out of my comfort zone to accomplish my goals. It made me realize we all have a network of role models within our immediate circle. My/your journey is a unique perspective beneficial to the next. And as black women, I think our accomplishments are there to celebrate and at the same time pass on.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could give my younger self advice, I would say, “The same things that you shy away from could be your next opportunity or life path.” There were some opportunities I second guessed myself on because I thought I wasn’t experienced enough or wasn’t as good as the next. When in reality, that door is opening for a reason.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @_swatso & @snap_swatso

Image Credit:
Calum Harley (@artsyhippiee), Neville Forbes (@legacyshots_co), AJ Sneed (Sneed Snap Shots), Misha Bucknor (@americarimade)

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