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Today we’d like to introduce you to Queen Joseph.
Queen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi, my name is Queen. You would think that my life is a walk in the park with a name like that, but infact it was the exact opposite. When I was 18 years old in college, I was discovered by a talent scout. She was the Leander and founder of the model club at Miami Dade college. Once I joined there team, my life changed forever. Now to give you a little background story, I was raised by a single immigrant mother who believed modeling and any form of entertainment was the devil’s work. So imagine me alone in this industry with no guidance or support. I had no clue of what I was doing. Life happened fast! I was doing fashion shows and posing for Hype Hair magazine, where they would give me my own spread!!! My first music video was for one of Miami hottest artists at the time Pit-bull! I was invited to hot parties and penthouse owned by one of Miami’s biggest modeling agencies.
Then, it happened. My life crashed. Everyone thinks your this fabulous person who has it all together but the truth is I have never been more insecure in my life when I began modeling. With everyone pulling you apart telling you what to think about how to dress, you begin to lose your identity. If you ever had one. That was it I lost my identity, although I never actually had one I never actually knew who I was. So one day, this famous photographer, he shot with some of the biggest stars of today from Ti to Lil Wayne, even Trina. He Convinced me to come over his place to shoot. He could tell I was a bit nervous, giving that I was alone with this grown-ass white man in his 50’s and that’s where he introduced me to drugs. He says every model does drugs. He could tell I was lost and confused, not be able to handle the pressures of the industry. He told me it would help me feel better and I will be able to shoot. So I did it. The pictures came out great. This same man booked me for a magazine shoot one day, which changed my life forever. I always knew he had a thing for me whenever we were alone shooting he would show me naked pictures of models who shoot but these pictures weren’t your average classy feminine shoot they were young and naive girls just like me busting it wide open. Now you tell me where those pictures are going to end up except stored on his computer for his freaky little fetishes. So I vowed to never let him see me naked.
Now back to the shoot, that day, so many people were on set. We had hair and makeup people, even a wardrobe stylist. As well as other models. It was my turn to shoot. He told me he didn’t like my outfit and had something else for me to wear. It was this mid-cut blue, white, and grey dress. That was sheer lace on top. I knew in my heart he wanted me to wear this so my breast can be out so he could finally see me naked. Not wanting to cause a scene along with the pressure to get the work done, I wore the dress. I can remember tears falling down my eyes as my hair and makeup was getting done. People I’m the room tried to assure me that my breast will be blurred out for the magazine so there is nothing to worry about. But they had no idea of the thoughts running through my mind. This photographer guy who preys on young victims like me to keep naked pictures of us stored on his laptop as a prize. I felt so empty inside I was traumatized. So I quit. I quit modeling, although it was going so well for me.
It took me years to gain my confidence back and to find myself. Once I did, I hoped back in the game. This time on my terms. Stronger than ever. I started my brand theeofficial_queen to remind young girls of there strength. To show them, they can still be beautiful and full of greatness without compromising their beliefs. I began theeofficial_Queen the brand exactly two years ago. Within two years, I was able to get booked for other brands and become the face of there brands. I have published on there websites, Instagram and more. I’ve done interviews where I would speak on confidence and the importance of it. I’ve been booked for music videos from artists in the US as well as France and Mexico! One of my biggest accomplishments today was to be able to shoot with Sports Illustrated. I became one of there too finalist out of hundreds and thousands of girls who entered into the competition. And they choose me! Me to be apart of there finalist where we got to meet the editor MJ and shoot with Yu Tsai who was the photographer for ANTM. It was all a dream at least that’s what it felt like. Although I was not chosen to be in the magazine, that experience meant so much to me. It was a Win for me. I’ve got to meet Tyra Banks and so many Top models like Camille Kostek, Winnie Harlow, Hailey Clauson, Jasmine Sanders and much more.
Theeofficial_Queen is not just a Brand; it is a business. My motto is You can be Abundant without Compromise. My goal is to uplift young girls and women into being Confident. My story is just beginning.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge that I faced was, in my mind. I didn’t believe in myself and what I was capable of. Just believing in myself. I had no one who believed in me as a child. So growing up, I literally had to give up those limiting beliefs I was taught. Once I finally did that, I was able to move forward a lot quicker.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a Brand I offer my services to other brands who is looking for a face to be their model. I specialize in dance and clothing. So I get booked for a lot of music videos and companies who is looking for a body to put on their clothes for there website.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by not giving up when you get knocked down. Showing up even when you feel depressed. Giving your best and then some to every person who hires you, when you can lay your head at night and be proud of you.
Contact Info:
- Email: theeofficialqueen@gmail.com
- Instagram: Theeofficial_queen
- Facebook: Theeofficial_queen
Image Credit:
Photographer: Manleyphotography
Photographer: rollyphotos
Photographer: Blue Gem photos
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