Today we’d like to introduce you to Shivae Willis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shivae. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating with my Bachelors in Psychology, I was trying to figure out my next move and somewhere to plant my passions. At the time, so many people were encouraging me to start a modeling career so it really pushed me and made me believe it was the right time to venture into the modeling world. I started out by doing some impromptu photoshoots for some friends in my spare time and the experience was dope!
I also got the chance to model for some amazing designers in a few fashion shows in Orlando and met some incredible models and friends. I found modeling as my new scapegoat and a way to express myself on how I was feeling at that time. I’ve always been a lover of art in different forms and truly appreciate the expression of it. I found creating my own art through photography to be especially exhilarating. Every shoot is like painting a new beautiful portrait, with myself being the canvas. I am always excited about the outcome of a shoot and I am never disappointed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There’s definitely challenges that come with being a freelance model. For me, it’s balancing having a career outside of modeling but still desiring to make more time for my passions in art. I love working and studying in my field of psychology but the work-life balance can be challenging at times. It can be a tug of war when trying to choose what I want to pursue more. Overall, making that time for my art has always been worth it every time. For the future, I plan on practicing better time management to be able to set aside more time for consistent photo shoots to build under my portfolio.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As a creative, I like to add diversity to my work and portray a poetic emotion. In my spare time, I do write poetry which I sometimes share along with my photos. Through photography I hope to bring forth an emotion and vibe that others can relate to. Through photos, you can tell a story and discuss topics such as love, heartbreak, having and building self-love, everyday struggles, etc.
I am most proud of my growth throughout this journey as a freelance model. In the beginning, I did have a lot of doubt in my abilities with it being so new. With every fashion show and every shoot I’ve participated in, I’ve gotten a boost in confidence. My confidence has definitely grown tremendously since I first started to really pursue modeling almost two years ago.
Balancing a full-time career, modeling and pursuing my education can show others that you can do anything and everything you set your mind to, no matter how challenging it may seem. My main focus now is to continue to get better at my craft and build onto my portfolio as much as I can.
What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
I love the art of Miami. Wynwood Walls is one of my favorite spots to visit when I am in Miami. There are so many spots for great photos and sightseeing. What I least like might be how confusing the roads can be in Miami lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: shivaenicole@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/theshivaeway
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shivae.willis
Image Credit:
Brandon Payne, Gaeylan Blake, Kimberly Shead, @photosbyknight, @urbannaturee
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