Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalisa West.
Shalisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to be a model since a little girl, like elementary; I was just always athletic and had dreams of playing basketball overseas somewhere. So, I begged my mom to let me do both and being the mother she was I did just that. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that superstar model kid I was seeing all over TV or billboards – I mean I had a little agency in Orlando, but I and my mom were both novice to the industry so it seemed like my mom was paying for everything and I didn’t like that; so I gave up on my dream and focused on my heart’s desire which was Basketball. I have literally been playing ball since I was seven, I have a state champs ring and all from college. Still always have a desire to model; it wasn’t until I tagged along to one of my college friends shoot that I fell back in love with it.
The photographer loved my high top fade at the moment and told me to take a few pictures. I said, “no, thanks, I’m just here for support,” but my friend, so go ahead. After I saw how good I looked – I was like, “WOW, that’s me”. That was 2010, I was still playing ball and focused on getting my degree; so I modeled and shot pictures here and there but it wasn’t until I graduated from Florida Memorial University in May 2015 I really said: “okay, let’s really take this seriously”. So I’ve been doing this on my own for the past five years. I’ve tried the big name agencies, I’ve tried reaching out to agents. I was always told, “you’re not what we are looking for right now”. So I took that and it’s motivated me ever since, plus I am not your typical model, my hair is different and I have tattoos – I literally do EVERYTHING an agent would do (NETWORK). I use popular social sites, to following designers on numerous platforms, to search links to find my work or reach out to the necessary people. I’ve gotten here by being dedicated, persistent and determined.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve always been athletic, so my body structure hasn’t always been super slim. Plus, anyone who knows me knows I’m not the one to want to fit in. So my hair was always colored, thick and defined me. You know your typical African American model is super tall, slender, bald head or straight long hair. And to sign with big agencies, that was the box I had to place myself in. No Thanks.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a proud Runway, Print, Commercial Androgynous model. I am known for my persistence, professionalism, and edginess. Currently most proud of walking in Paris Week Fashion this year (which I booked all on my own). What sets me apart from others is that I am diversified. I let my work speak for itself when I do photoshoots.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
As an African American woman, I personally do not feel this is a location good for me. I say that because I have more to offer than boobs and butt cheeks in a music video. My advice to another WOC starting in the modeling industry would be network and broaden the horizon if the means are there.
Pricing:
- Music Video/Commercial (6+hr day) – $600
- Print shoot (4hr day) -$250 (8+)-$500
- Runway (10hr day) – $475
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shalisawest.myportfolio.com/work
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/shalisawest
- Facebook: Facebook.com/shalisawest
Image Credit:
Fwmkibwe
Xavierbrown
Sir.eniary
Fiendblvck
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