Fashion
Life Is but A Runway
She’s a New Orleans girl and she’s just getting started.
Photo by: Bads Photography
One thing about New Orleans, it’s a place like no other and the people are one of kind. You could be talking to a musician or even a model and not even know it. Speaking of which, let’s dive into that.
ReRe is a model who is born and raised in the Crescent City and a song by PJ Morton comes to mind. Have you ever heard it? No? You definitely should. It’s called New Orleans Girl and like any girl from the city, ReRe holds magic within her. Like I said, you never know who you could be talking to when you’re talking to someone that from the city and consistently, she’s been modeling for a little bit over a year.
We asked ReRe a series of questions from her favorite color, which is pink, to her weirdest habit, but first let’s see who ReRe is and why she started modeling to begin with.
When and why did you start modeling?
“I always wanted to model since I was young, but like most, I was too afraid to do so and now, I have what I call a 3.2 mission…3 reasons/2 audiences, first reason being that I’m an overcomer with a message. ‘Don’t let fear stop you. God can bring you through anything. Have faith and know anything is possible.’ After dealing with sickness and multiple surgeries, I boldly stand going after my dream. Knowing if God was faithful enough to bring me through near death, then why let fear stop me from doing anything I’ve always wanted to do?”
Which models, if any, do you admire and why?
“I’m inspired by some amazing models I met during this journey…CoCo Haynes, Meka Palmer and Rondregus Underwood have all taken the time to coach, teach and guide me. I’m so grateful to all of them. They really took me in and showed love.”
In the world of modeling, there are those who use social media as a means to start their careers or to gain exposure. We also asked ReRe how she felt about those that use Instagram and other social media platforms and from the looks of things, she’s all for it.
Photo by: Bads Photography
“I think Instagram and Facebook are great platforms for models. It helps with networking and gaining more exposure. I really dislike the terms ‘IG Model’ or ‘Social Media Model’ and while we may post on social media, we work hard for and in what we do. In modeling, branding is a huge part of it, so in that we put ourselves out there a lot via social media. In no way is that where we stopped. Our work and exposure go far beyond social media and said should not be belittled and titled a such.”
Any advice to those that may be shying away from utilizing social media platforms to pursue their modeling aspirations?
“Don’t. If you plan to be in the public eye, you have to put yourself out there for the public to see. These days social media is a huge part of working in itself. Just about all businesses are social media regardless of what industry they are in and you will need to be seen by others. With that being said, when you put yourself out there you will get loads of attention, some good, some bad. Never let the negative comments and attention turn you from your goals. Instead, let it fuel you and drive you to push harder and to achieve whatever it is in your heart to accomplish.”
Photo by: LeBray
What was your first experience with modeling and when did you know that was something that you would take seriously and it ultimately leading up to your career as a model today?
“After getting comfortable on set, it’s a feeling you get while working and seeing the results after…it’s a rush! It’s an unstoppable feeling just looking at your work, seeing that it’s YOU that’s doing what you feared you couldn’t do and yet, YOU are doing it and loving it!”
What are your fondest memories with modeling and your favorite shoot?
“Working with great photographers, laughing and being silly on set. It’s so much easier to get in the zone when you live who you’re working with.
Photo by: Bads Photography
As far as my favorite shoot…that’s a hard one, but I’d say the most emotional shoots were a Breast Cancer series I’ve done that was dedicated to my mother.”
What do you practice and how do you perfect your craft?
“I commit to 2 hours of mirror posing every day, facial expressions, runway walking and body control. Even with those, when I’m from home, I catch myself posing in the stores or ripping the runway with a bag of veggies (lol) and I’m always working on my craft no matter where I am.”
Photographer: Rondregus Underwood
Which models, photographers, etc. have you gained insight from that you believe will help you be more successful in the future?
“ALL OF THEM! I try to take something from everyone I come in contact with. Every experience is a learning one, even if it has results that don’t feel so good. I’ve gotten extra insight from models/leads such as Coco Haynes, Edward Jones, Meka Palmer, Pandora Strother and Cherry Davis to photographers like Ron LaShawn, Damon Edwards, Rondregus Underwood and DeJuan LeBray. They all have taught and coached me whenever we had contact (and they’re still teaching me), so I’m truly grateful.
ReRe also told us that some of her favorite hobbies include doing outreach and helping others, singing at church and blowing off steam at the gun range…which reminds me…that’s still something that’s on my bucket list. Her weirdest food habit is having to eat almond butter with a mini spoon. According to her, it tastes better that way (no judgment sis). What excites her the most is traveling, modeling, swords and GUNS (hey that last one was in all caps) and her favorite shoe is a stiletto, the weirder the design, the better…figures lol.
Photo by: Bads Photography
Finally, what inspires you to keep doing what you do?
“LIFE, and my family. I’m so happy to still be here in spite of what I’ve gone through and to have a husband, children and siblings that have my back 100% is an amazing feeling! There’s no way I can give up.”
I have a feeling that there is so much more to come with ReRe. She’s a New Orleans girl and she’s just getting started.
Model: ReRe
All jewelry provided by Tiffany Papa Accessories!
