Be Yourself

We can grow, learn and evolve, but ultimately we are who we are. Be yourself, always.

After winning America’s Next Top Model, I have modeled successfully throughout the years. Modeling is an amazing job. It’s fun and exciting. I love traveling and meeting new people as part of the job. I love working with other creative people on set to develop their concepts for a photo shoot. That says a lot about me and who I ultimately am – a creative person.

Me on alumni day of my old ballet school Ballet Renaissance in Detroit. Notice the smiles…

Before I modeled, I was a ballet dancer- an artist. I was also a creative writing major at the City College of New York. Just because I model, it does not make me less of an artist. Modeling is great, but it does not allow me the space and opportunity to create my own art. In music and in writing I have that space.

I love writing for music. Music allows me the opportunity to write lyrics and paint stories in a harmonic way. Performing allows me the opportunity to express this writing in a visceral and physical way. Unfortunately, I have been judged and ridiculed for following this artistic endeavor of mine.

“Our potential as human beings is both wide and extensive, even though I find it natural for people to want to ‘box’ things (including themselves) into categories they can easily understand. That’s only because people fall into the habit of judging what is unknown based on their personal comfort level with it, rather than having an open mind and using their imagination to see the potential of new ideas.” (Naima Mora: Model Behavior)

Sister time with my sister Ife! Who like me is always herself! I love that about her…

I am who I am and I do what I love with a lot of love. I will never apologize for this or give up on my artistic aspirations because others judge and ridicule me. I know that everything I create will not be to the liking of other people.

It doesn’t matter because I do what I love to make me happy. Ultimately I hope that pursuing my happiness will in turn, affect others in a positive way. We must be true to ourselves and strongly believe in ourselves.

We must be open to constructive criticism and willing to grow, but never allowing ourselves to be swayed by negativity and judgment of others. What is your story about being yourself? Share it with me here in the Fan Corner and I will pubish it!

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