Today we’d like to introduce you to Phiona Reynolds.
Phiona, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up in Long Island, New York. As a little girl, I always had a passion to be in front of the camera. In fourth grade, my mom Put me in theatre and Opera. That was my first real experience being apart of a production. We would do many shows each week, which left me exhausted but it was exhilarating at the same time. I enjoyed performing in front of large crowds and liked the idea of being apart of a cast. Years later, my family and I relocated to Georgia. During My senior year of high school, a friend of mine who worked for a production company helped me get casted for a featured role in a film called Bolden. That was my first Real experience on set of a film. Ever since then, I got booked for many other featured roles in movies such as Alvin & the Chipmunks, Honey 4, Vacation, Being Mary Jane, and many others. I also had recurring roles in TV shows such as Vampire Diaries, The originals, and Star.
After years of attending many castings and having many experiences on set, I came to the realization that acting was not my passion. After I graduated high school, I soon developed an interest in modeling. I began working with local photographers in my area and would do a trade for print. This helped build my portfolio. I became a freelance model and would book my own gigs, and shoots. This however, became overwhelming and I wanted an Agency. My mom then decided to find local agencies in our area and she took my sister and I to different agencies in attempts to get our careers started. The agencies however, would always asked for money upfront. This was known to be a Scam, because no agency should ask for money, before being signed and working.
I continued to work with photographers and freelance to build my modeling portfolio without an agency, but I lost my drive and motivation and took a break. Right as I was ready to give up on my dreams, I was scouted in Target by the co-founder of Fox Models International. He told me of an opportunity to be apart of their showcase in San Diego. My nerves were at an all-time high because this was my biggest debut as a model. I had to walk the runway in front of millions without any prior experience on the runway. There were thousands of agencies looking to sign models, and I wanted more than anything to be chosen by one of them. I was intimidated by the girls there as they were much younger and taller than me at a height of 5’7’’. I did my best but unfortunately didn’t get a callback by the agency I was hoping to get signed by. I was signed by their mother agency, however, but I didn’t get much bookings with them. Even though it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, it was a great experience and taught me valuable information about the modeling world.
A few years later, I made a decision to move to Miami, Florida. It was certainly a culture shock but it helped me make the connections I needed. I instantly began to network and befriend like-minded individuals who would help me further my career. In the Summer of 2019, I was blessed with the opportunity to partake in the biggest production in my career thus far: the No Guidance music video for Chris Brown and Drake. I was casted by a local casting agency In Miami. Since then, my social media has been growing steadily and has led to collaborations with brands on Instagram. My life as an influencer has been amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to work brands such as Pretty Little Thing, Fashion Nova, boohoo Ace, and many others.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been quite a difficult journey. The modeling world is incredibly competitive and cutthroat. I was constantly comparing myself to girls who were more attractive, skinnier, or taller. I found it difficult being told no and being rejected by Big Agencies, but I have learned a lot. I learned to love my flaws, and accept who I am, and continue working towards my goals. I trust in divine timing, and the universe makes no mistake, what’s meant for me will come at the right time!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a model and an Influencer. I am currently focused on building my brand as an Instagram influencer. Creating quality content for my followers on social media and collaborating with brands has been my main priority. I am proud of how far I have come on social media. I started off as simply sharing pics of my everyday life on my page with my friends, to having a large audience and many brands wanting to work with me! It wasn’t easy. I had to be consistent on my posts and engage a lot! Networking also helped a lot, especially in a big city as Miami! Outside social media, I also work on the side as a recruiter for a successful Marketing company, In which I make a great living off of. Overall I’m very happy with my brand and where it is at the moment!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe it’s very important to never give up! There were many times I wanted to give up on my dreams, but I fought through it! Consistency is everything! Success does not happen overnight, you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot to get to where you want to be in your career and reach your goals!
Contact Info:
- Email: Phionarey@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/phionarey?igshid=1d0fzv6tmycis
Image Credit:
Brianna Thompson
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
