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Life & Work with Colette DuBose of New York

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette DuBose.

Hi Colette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut in a God fearing home where faith, love, and music were at the center of my upbringing. Alongside those values, basketball was a natural gift that shaped much of my early life. I played competitively from childhood through college. After college graduation, I moved to Georgia to pursue an opportunity with a semi-professional basketball team.

That transition was both exciting and intimidating because I was stepping into the unknown. What many people didn’t know was that I began the season playing with a torn meniscus in my left knee. A challenge I kept to myself and never shared with my teammates or coaching staff. Shortly afterward, the team dissolved due to poor management. I had no plan B due to I envisioned this opportunity as the next chapter of my professional basketball career. I was angry, and stepped away from the game for a long time. Suddenly, I had to reassess my future and figure out life beyond basketball.

As I navigated adulthood in Atlanta, I began co-hosting a podcast with my friend (Ben Pitts). Where we interviewed a wide range of talented individuals in the fashion, comedy, and music industries. Through those experiences, I was introduced to the world of modeling, which opened my eyes to opportunities beyond the basketball court. I was invited to walk in a fashion show for a rising designer in the city, and from that moment modeling became a passion. In many ways, I feel like modeling found me. Without the financial resources to take professional classes, I taught myself by practicing my runway walk and poses in front of a mirror day and night.

Another major turning point came in 2017 when I walked in the Sheen Magazine Awards Fashion Show. During the event, renowned runway photographer Mark Gunter captured a photo of me that was later published in Sheen Magazine. That exposure led to an invitation to walk in New York Fashion Week for the first time. After NYFW 2017, I returned to Connecticut, and my modeling career continued to flourish throughout New York. Receiving pulications modeling for Malcolm Staples, Puma (Black Five Collections) thanks to Rick Davy, Mark Gunter, Denny Moe’s and many more.

Working as an independent model taught me the importance of professionalism, networking, and personal branding. Through the industry, I found myself collaborating with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, which sparked my interest in business development and operations. That inspiration led me to launch my virtual executive assistance business in 2020. Interestingly, the business was founded at the height of the pandemic, when companies were rapidly shifting virtually, making the timing ideal perfect.

Today, I am grateful to be 35 years old, still modeling, playing basketball recreationally, and continuing to grow my business. Every chapter of my journey from athletics, fashion, and entrepreneurship has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and faith. Above all, I thank God for every experience, and lessons that has helped shape the person I am today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges came after college when I moved to Georgia to play semi-professional basketball. I started the season playing with a torn meniscus, but I never shared that with my teammates or staff because I was determined to make the most of the opportunity. Shortly after, the team dissolved due to poor management, and a dream I had worked toward for years suddenly came to an end.

That experience forced me to reinvent myself and find a new path. Transitioning from being an athlete to exploring new opportunities wasn’t easy. When I discovered modeling, I didn’t have the financial resources to attend classes or hire coaches, so I taught myself by practicing every day and learning through experience. Building a career as an independent model also came with challenges, as I had to market myself, network, and maintain a professional reputation on my own.

Starting my virtual assistance business in 2020 brought a different set of obstacles, especially navigating entrepreneurship during uncertain times. However, each setback taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting God’s plan. Looking back, the struggles were difficult in the moment, but they helped shape the person, professional, and entrepreneur I am today.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today, I wear several hats, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. My journey has allowed me to build experience across athletics, fashion, business, and media. I’m a model, entrepreneur, former semi-professional basketball player, and now the founder and creator of The Colette’s Show Podcast: Love & Laugh with the DuBose’s, which I co-host with my father on YouTube.

My professional career includes operating a virtual executive assistance business, where I help entrepreneurs and business owners stay organized, efficient, and focused on growth. At the same time, I’ve continued to build my modeling career, working independently and representing brands while maintaining a strong professional presence in the industry.

What I’m most proud of is my diversity and ability to successfully transition between different industries. Many people know me from modeling, while others know me from basketball, business, or now through my podcast. Each chapter of my life has required me to learn new skills, step outside of my comfort zone, and remain adaptable.

What sets me apart is my authenticity, resilience, and faith. I didn’t follow a traditional path, and many of the opportunities I’ve had came through perseverance, faith in God, and a willingness to reinvent myself when life changes direction. Whether I’m on a runway, helping a client behind the scenes, talking sports, or sharing laughs and testimonies with my father on our podcast, I strive to inspire others to embrace every part of who they are and never limit themselves to just one lane.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is demonstrating God’s love through my life, and testimony. I’ve experienced both success and setbacks through every season, and God has remained faithful. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing my unfiltered testimony to encourage others, and show that no matter what challenges you face God will keep you as long as you continue to put Him first. My goal is to inspire others through faith, perseverance, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

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