Meet Tyler Burkley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Burkley.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After I graduated the salutatorian of The Soulsville Charter School, I attended the University of Memphis for African and African American Studies. During my second year of college, I was on cloud nine. I was in the dance program, my grades were good, and I was a student teacher at a prestigious early childhood school. One day when I left work, I received a call that my mom had a massive stroke. Til this day, she has trouble speaking. After that, my nephew died at five years old. These two tragic events broke me to the point where I lost myself. I got depressed, stopped doing extracurricular activities, and ultimately gained about 50 pounds. After college, I struggled with my self-esteem so bad that I only wore clothes like leggings and big t-shirts. I barely did my hair and my emotions were all over the place. During my first year of teaching 2nd grade, my partner encouraged me to revamp my image. We would go shopping and look for actual clothes and not just oversized comfortable clothing. At first, I felt really out of my element so she started showing me plus-sized models. I would look at how they were carrying themselves and I aspired to be just like that.

I started my plus-sized modeling career with a local agency in Memphis, Tn. I got off to a really good start with booking many local fashion shows and many photo shoots for boutiques. It didn’t take me long to realize this was my passion and I was going to put all my energy and time into following my dream in modeling. Doing every opportunity that came my way helped me get my face and brand out there and eventually, I started to book even bigger jobs and got signed to an agency.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Pursuing my dream like anything else have had its challenges. I knew if I wanted to take this far, I was going to have to travel and audition for any and every opportunity that presents itself. I had to juggle teaching, traveling to auditions, and investing in my portfolio. I also knew going into it that I had to have thick skin and become comfortable with the word “no”. A word that I got a lot. I stayed determined because just as easily as I got a no or a rejection, I was able to get a “yes”. It takes so much more than just looks. It takes effort and sacrifice. Some times when money would get tight, my partner and I would still find a way to make it to auditions. I’m human, so yes sometimes I would get discouraged, but I just want everyone to know that no matter what might stand in the way of your dream, if you keep fighting and pushing through, then you’ll eventually reach your goal! Keep perfecting and keep pushing!

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My brand is myself. Finding my passion for modeling has motivated me to pursue this career with everything I have in me. I got my start in Memphis, TN two years ago when I modeled for Memphis Fashion Week. It was my first big audition. When I made it, it was a huge accomplishment because this was just their second year inviting plus size models to audition. I walked for Rachel Roy and my picture ended up on her website. That exposure opened up the door for more opportunities to come in! From there, I modeled for multiple brands such as Catherine’s Plus Sizes, Renee’s Armoire Boutique, and Jibri Online (Classique Fashion Show for the Curves); just to name a few. I’ve done numerous news/tv appearances for different brands as well.

Contact Info:

• Email: tylerryan26@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com//burkley.tyler
• Facebook: www.facebook.com//TylerBurkleyRyan

Image Credit:
Directed by Skin – Ariel Powers, 87 images, Frank Chin, Marcus D. Jones

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