Drawn toward the light that blinds...

It's the glare that makes your eyes squint slightly, as you take your first step onto the catwalk from backstage, it's just a rehearsal right, but each time you step out for your turn on the catwalk, it catches you off guard. No matter how much experience one has, the lights can still temporarily blind you and may cause you to miss a step in your stride.

It would seem that it doesn't take much in this business, to blind a person to it's oft times harsh realities, or is it a choice by the one staring into the flashlights and the spotlight, as a way to ignore them.

Others may use 'the light' as a point of focus, in order to distract themselves from the drawl and downsides of this 'hurry up and wait' cattle-call showcase. Few develop this focus early on in their professional careers, especially the full timers, and may stumble into the path of becoming what they do, slowly diving into the abyss of nothingness, as they become another carbon copy of the others.

Longevity spanning more than a decade in the model biz is a rarity, and strangely enough in our striving, impish and not very humble industry(in comparison to the overseas fashion and model biz, and the colossal supermodel salaries that side), it is achievable. The 'secret' to it is; being yourself, oddly simple right? In a job profile that requires one to put on a facade, and act(yes 'act', it's why most experienced models can easily transition into the actors fraternity without any 'training') like a person or image envisioned by a creative team.  Yes, of course you can just be you, in between shots and after the work is done.

The illusion sometimes becomes a blurred reality for the subject commissioned to portray the perception of perfection, that society so eagerly desires to achieve, which is the moment one can lose their true identity without realizing. How this happens, is when the folks you've surrounded yourself with; subconsciously or consciously, become 'yes men' as opposed to being sounding boards to check yourself, before you wreck yourself. One thing I'm grateful for, is the authentic people I can call friends and family, that keep me sane, in an otherwise crazy biz.

Opposites of one another in many ways...my truest friend, colleague & family

I think humility in our business is underrated and slightly misunderstood, and for some reason, the number of years one has earned a living in it and the caliber of work achieved, determines whether someone should be humble or not. Um, mmmkay then...*shrugs*

I admire the professional models(y'all know yourselves) that have 'accidentally' landed in this biz, and kept true to themselves. It's funny how the ones that didn't really dream or want to become a  model, admired by many, mistaken for 'unreal' by most, are the ones that have been consistently earning and working for many years. Most of us, actually happened upon the industry, as an 'easy' way to make extra money to supplement student fees, or save money to buy a little get around car, whatever the case may be, longevity and success in this fickle biz followed.

One should not take for granted, how important remaining grounded is, and developing a sort of shield against the pitfalls of losing your authenticity. We grow, change, adjust and adapt as humans, in our ever changing environments. Sometimes, one is blessed to have a number of authentic people in their immediate surroundings, that will keep you down to earth, but also have the ability to encourage you to better yourself and exceed your potential.

Taryn & I...buds4life

Appreciating the circumstances of the continually changing and sometimes volatile economy, locally & globally, our industry has made massive steps forward, and seems to have stayed on par with international standards. The more important factor, is developing and sustaining an African identity, with a light bright enough to be seen as a force to be reckoned with and a guide for not only it's inhabitants, but the rest of the world.

Ones vision can truly get blurred, as the challenges of the biz weigh you down, but thank God for the real folks in ones life, that will always help keep you focused on what's real and what's just an illusion. The perception of perfection is what our industry thrives on, and knowing that perfection is humanly impossible, I've learned that it's pursuit will lead to living a life of excellence...which is a darn near perfect a life one could live. Be excellent!

"Energy flows, where attention goes." - Unknown

Don't lose focus, keep your eyes set on your vision, although the challenges may temporarily blind you, just breathe, pray for wisdom, clarity and refocus your energies on the positive...go forth and conquer!

Peace, love and strawberry cheesecake y'all!