Model Rasheed Bey: Walking by Faith, Preparing for the Future

by Cyrus Webb

Model Rasheed Bey* and I first connected in 2017 when he appeared as a guest on Conversations LIVE radio show. Since then we have stayed connected on Instagram, and it's been great watching his journey.

Month after month, year after year, the Pittsburgh, PA native has pushed forward and been able to build his audience and brand along the way. This year we are able to profile his path in our publication. 


Rasheed, it’s been great seeing you grow on Instagram with your journey. When did you first realize that you were interested in modeling?
Thank you for the opportunity. I was probably in my mid-twenties. I kept hearing people's comments or asking if I model. When I told them I didn't they would say I should pursue it. After a while I thought I'd give it a shot. Now here we are.

Confidence is huge in your industry. Is that something you’ve always had or is it something you’ve developed over time?
Confidence is something I have, but if I'm being honest with you I still struggle with it here and there. I'm human like everyone else, and it's something I have to deal with from time to time.

How did you decide on Instagram as the platform you were going to use to grow your audience?
Instagram was a app that was fun before anything and easy to use. As social media outlets grew Instagram always seemed to stay ahead of the pack, and others like it came and went. To me it was also an app I personally enjoyed using the most, so I stuck with it.

Rasheed, we’re navigating uncertain times right now. What keeps you motivated?
I would say always wanting more. I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of my potential, and I feel like things are starting to come my way. That in itself is very exciting and keeps me motivated to keep working.

As far as goals go what are you looking forward to when it comes to your modeling career?
To hopefully be able to make a good living doing something I truly love and enjoy. I also want to be able to work with brands and like-minded people who enjoy what I do and hopefully motivate others.

We’re glad to have you in our Acting on Faith issue. How has your faith kept you going?
Faith is always key, and I try to always keep that in mind no matter what. Even if this wasn't going on with the pandemic myself and others would still have hard times. At the end of the day you still need faith to help you get through any day, good or bad.

Speaking of acting, is that something you would also like to explore?
I'd love to do some acting if it came my way. I've always been a huge movie buff and think it's one of the best jobs out there to be able to entertain others. It would also be cool to be someone else for fun and get paid doing it.

Any advice for anyone out there who is interested in pursuing modeling?
I would say know your strengths and always have faith in yourself. Also use yourself to promote yourself, because no one will believe in you more then yourself .

Thanks again for the time, Rasheed. How can our audience stay connected with you? 
The easiest way, of course, is my instagram @sonofprime412. Thank you for the opportunity.

*     Photographed by Devin Robinson

[MODEL SPOTLIGHT] Jah Saint Akano

by Cyrus Webb

One of the things that Conversations has been able to do over the years is not just spotlight those who are already household names but shine a spotlight on new talent. That is true in this Model Spotlight with model and recording artist Jah Saint Akano of Nigeria.

I had the pleasure of giving him his first radio interview on Conversations LIVE and now we are excited to give him his first international feature through Conversations Magazine.

At 27 he is able to not just pursue his passion but show others around the world what they can do if they are willing to do the work, regardless of where you live.

Jah Saint, glad to be able to share your story with the readers of Conversations. When did you realize you wanted to do music and model?
It was in 2009 that I started doing music. I enjoyed it, but wanted to do more. It was in 2018 that I switched and started to do modeling. That is what I have been spending my time on now.

Who have been some of your inspirations in music?
I like a lot of different type of music. I am fans of everyone from Kirk Franklin, Chris brown to 2Pac.

Who are some of your inspirations with modeling?
When it comes to model I would say guys like Justin Bieber and Denola Grey.

How has social media helped you to make connections?
It has really helped me a lot, especially Facebook. We live in a digital world. I have met with people who have helped my career most especially, you, Cyrus and people who are of good criticisms too. Without a doubt my highest fan base are on social media.

A lot is going on right now, Jah Saint. What are you looking forward to doing this year with your career?
I’m looking forward to work with some products/brands and maybe appear in a musical video.

What advice would you have for others pursuing their dreams and goals?
We all should keep pushing through. The sky is big enough for every bird to fly at the same time. Never give up on yourself or your dreams.

Thank you for your time, Jah Saint. How can our audience stay connected with you.
Thank you for the opportunity, Cyrus. you can reach me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jahsaint.akano and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jahsaint1.

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT: Danitza, Model

Danitza, what a year you are having: attending your first Grammy Awards and enjoying lots of modeling opportunities. What has it been like to see your dreams coming true?

It has been an absolute blessing. I am very fortunate to have been so accepted in an industry where most think it is very critical. However, in my experience the modeling industry is very protective and accepting. We become like family and that is always nice to have especially if you anyone is going through anything and need a shoulder to lean on.  Having family, friends, and fans supporting you makes it much easier to keep pushing for your goals and dreams.

The Grammys was one of my big highlights of the year and wearing an amazing $8000 dress designed by the international designer Odalys Marino. I also was able to work with Celebrity Makeup Artist Marissa Tomaino the daughter of Rick Harrison (Pawn Stars) and an award-winning competitive hair stylist Angelica Fernandez. I was also able to model in so many shows this year with very talented designers such as Pamela Roehm (Roehm Couture), DeJohnea Thorpe (DeJohnea Bianca), Jacka Saldana (Jacka Couture), Vanessa Froehling (Froehling Couture), Spanx, and so many others. Some of my favorite shows have been with Rougue Productions, Tampa Bay Fashion Week, St Pete Fashion Week (Donna Crowley - Lux Entertainment), Orlando International Fashion Week (Fierce Entertainment). I also was published in my first pinup coffee table book that was shot in an antique shop in Florida with Franco Ortiz as well as two pinup magazines.

It has been an honor to have met these talented people and so many more as they see my light and push me. Some even had me as their first plus size model as they recognize the industry has a need for exclusivity.

We had an opportunity to talk on Conversations LIVE the radio show about your journey. Tell our readers, though, what led you to modeling.

I started out several years ago very depressed and self-conscious due to going through a divorce and a husband not paying attention to me. I was asked to audition for a pinup calendar and decided to do it to get his attention. I enjoyed it and it made me feel a bit more confident and not ashamed of my body. After that I started doing more shoots just for myself. Then people started recognizing my talent and playfulness/energy in front of the camera. I started getting asked to do more shoots and eventually events and it all started to grow from there. 

I have had times I didn’t feel as great with my work and even wanted to give up. However, I started gaining a following of woman (models and non-models) who would message me telling me how much they loved following my work as it gave them courage to do things, they never thought they ever could. I would take the time to write them back and give them encouraging words to promote them. From there it grew, and I realized I had become a role model to so many other women. My platform is promoting woman of all sizes so they know they can be beautiful inside and out no matter their size, color, religion, creed etc. This is what keeps me going.

Our mutual friend, recording artist MLN, introduced us. How important has it been for you to surround yourself with people who keep you motivated as well as push you?

I feel it is always good to have people surrounding you who help encourage and lift you up. Even as a role model you can have days you feel not good enough or down on your spirits. Sometimes you need that extra push to keep going. I have been fortunate enough to know MLN since middle school growing up in a small town where everything revolves around football. So we made it a goal to show others you can do more than that. I have also been fortunate to have met so many amazing woman (and men) who have been successful in their lives. I know many people who have tried and failed at things and kept going. They are intelligent and wise and help give you lots of advice and encouragement. I would always recommend to anyone looking at trying to be successful in life to surround yourself with successful people who can mentor you and keep you on track.

Fear is one of the things that stops so many. How have you not allowed it to deter you?

Fear can definitely hinder a person from the smallest of things all the way up to life changing events. It all goes back to keeping yourself surrounded by successful people. Also having a good network of family, friends, and fans to help encourage you and keep pushing you to do better in life. In modeling or any business, hobby, etc there can be times that not everything will be perfect, but the show must go on as they say. I am a bit of a perfectionist so when things are not perfect it creates fear and anxiety in me. Someone once told me to sit back and ask yourself, “Did you do the best you can do?” If the answer is yes, then there is nothing more you can do other than know you tried and that is what matters.

Outside of your own success you have also been able to inspire others. How does that feel?

Yes, seeing as many women were starting to follow me, I realized I had become a role model and inspiration to many others. With my platform being “Promoting Women of all sizes.” I have had newer models reach out to me for advice as well as seasoned models who just need words of encouragement to keep going. I have had woman write to me saying that they saw my courage to get out there a s a plus size model and it encouraged them to try things they never thought they ever could such as sky diving, doing a boudoir shoot for a wedding, to just simple things. 

Knowing you are an inspiration and role model can be frazzling but rewarding. I do not see myself as a popular or a famous person but having others approach you for photos with them or advice is the best feeling.

What should our readers be on the look out for from you this year?

The Grammys was one of my big highlights of the year. I just shot the cover of Prolific Quarterly Magazine with their inspiring team. The magazine edition is set to be released the first week of March. I also have several other magazine shoots scheduled for the year and many more fashion shows. I post upcoming shows and events online so my fans can follow what is coming up.

Thanks again for the time. How can we stay connected with you?

My fans can follow me on Facebook at Danitza Snow Zar or Instagram Danitza_SnowZar. I do take the time to write back to people if they reach out to me.

Anthony C. Johns: Walking In Confidence Towards His Goals & Dreams

by Cyrus Webb

Model and actor Anthony C. Johns* is all about challenging himself to set goals, move past obstacles and showing others what is possible. He has traveled the world, worked with some of the best photographers in the industry, walked runways and amassed fans from around the world---and he is only just getting started.

When I caught up with him he was in the States taking a break from his whirlwind career and able to reflect a bit on the life he has been able to live. "I would say that my progress has been based on a spiritual foundation," he told me. On of the things that has helped him was the book THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE. "It really changed my aspect on what I can do, when I can do it and believing in myself."

The road has not always been easy though, but Anthony is no stranger to overcoming difficult situations. "I've been able to accomplish my goals through hard work and patience and going through rejection," he says. "It has made me a better person."

Anthony became interested in modeling and acting when he was just a kid. He says he has always seen the two as "a reflection of life." The emotional reaction that was generated appealed to him and seeing what you can create became a motivator. With the reward, however, has come the obvious challenge of just being thought of by how you look. "That's when it becomes pretty difficult for me," he admits, "when the titles come, and you have to live up to it." Though he says the compliments about his body can fuel the ego, he says he works hard to stay humble at the same time realizing how soon it can all be gone.

As with any art Anthony has come to see his body as his canvas, and that means he has to take care of it in order to be the best he can be in his industry. That also means being comfortable in his own skin and realize what he has to offer. "That was a major obstacle when I first wanted to do the business of modeling," he told me. "I was at a point in my life when I was comparing myself to other models. I learned to create my own self-representation by working on my mind, body and soul. "

Today he says he believes in confidence that begins within, and that confidence is what comes across in the work that he does. "My progress came through seeing myself improving in the way I lived, eat and balance life.  I saw myself grow by getting out of the box, doing jobs that are challenging, pretty much confronting what was an obstacle for me."

What Anthony has achieved is not just noticed by those who admire his work. He has become an inspiration for others, too. "I am a role model," he declared. "I am a person who has power," and he realizes that power is not just for him. "I wanted to use my gifts to help others. Those people have become my recipe to keep it going. I am making a difference. It's really not about me. It's a calling I must fulfill. If I'm doing this and I'm not helping other people then I am doing something wrong."

Stay connected with Anthony and his career on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ajthemodel and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/modeling4mylife.

* Photography by Ricky Day

Brian Cooks: Enjoying the Benefits of Hard Work, Dedication and Faith

by Cyrus Webb

It's been a crazy couple of years for 27 year old model/actor/fitness trainer Brian Cooks. He is not just living his own dreams but showing others by example what is possible with hard work, dedication and faith.

"Seeing how everything is unfolding is mind-blowing," says Cooks. "I spoke out on my dreams, had the faith and did the work." And that work is definitely paying off in a big way.

This year he has already participated in his second competition and is gearing up for the Mr. United States Pageant where he will be competing as Mr. South Carolina. He told me that he is "nervous but excited" about the opportunities coming his way.

When asked how he has been able to stay focused, Brian says "I always had the mentality not to stop until I get what I wanted. Perseverance is what has kept me going." That perseverance and confidence has helped him not just in his own life but as he has been able to help others as well.

At the end of 2016 he took to social media to announce the latest accomplishment in what's been an amazing year for him: being featured as part of the Weight 2 Wear apparel campaign. Cooks told Conversations Magazine that he entered a competition by Krave Magazine which led to the honor. “It feels very good," he said. "I'm now a published model. I know this is going to open up so many opportunities for me. I'm excited to see what is going to happen next.”

The Hartsville, SC native now calls Shreveport, LA home.  His advice for anyone out there looking to see their dreams come true? "Put God first will open so many doors for you," he says, and adds: "Patience is key."

Stay connected with Brian's journey on social media below:
www.instagram.com/thebriancooks
www.twitter.com/thebriancooks

CONVERSATIONS MODEL CITIZEN FEATURE: Ben Khatt

Conversations is excited to feature model and actor Ben Khatt*. The 27-year old calls Sioux Falls, SD home, and has known since he was a teenager that he wanted to pursue the arts.

Ben, Conversations is glad to feature you. Tell us: When did you first realize that model or acting was something you were interested in?
During college there were a lot of event/theatre plays and photoshoot opportunities which led me into the interests in modeling/acting. Many student organizations that I joined offered a lot of activities that refers to advertising promotions, auditorium speeches and stage performances. There was also a scouting agency who selected me as a model and performer for prints and music production at the River Hills Mall. I’m blessed to finally have the capability of discovering my own talents at the same time being discovered.

 What is it that keeps you inspired towards pursuing your goals and dreams?
What keeps me inspired to pursue my goals and dreams is the momentum of wanting to become well-known. Since I was 13 I was creative in the music field; sang Thai Karaoke, performed at formals and danced at talent shows. Seeing how celebrities lived on television - I told my father I will make a name for myself to supply for our family. I established a passion for arts, music and promotional modeling which includes screenplay and cosplaying. The level of networking done at concerts, night clubs and outdoor festivals led me in the direction of becoming more successful.

What are some of the goals you have for yourself in 2017?
Some of the goals I have for 2017 is to produce new music, cast in a few films and have a feature in magazine prints.

 How has social media helped you in sharing your gifts and talents with the world?
Social media has been a great source of networking to reach people and companies all over the world! Plus the mobility of mobile friendly sites and apps made advertising a lot more easier and convenient. Nowadays every social media site connects with one another which makes posts more versatile to attract different audiences.


 What advice would have you have for anyone—regardless of their profession—when it comes to pursuing their own goals?
It will be hard to accept people’s negative input but think of each of them as a critique.
Take their opinions and create an opening to a bigger and better path.
No matter what your goals are, the only person that can stop you is yourself.
Those who doubt themselves are the ones who stay in the same place.

Stay connected with Ben on the following sites:
www.facebook.com/benkhatt
www.twitter.com/benkhatt
www.instagram.com/namedafter100

*     Photo Credit: Stryz

MODEL CITIZEN: Oren Freeman, Jr.

Conversations was introduced to 20 year old model Oren Freeman, Jr. through the popular site StarNow.com, and it was obvious he was on his way to achieving all his goals and being an example for others as to what was possible.

Hailing from Frederick, Maryland, he shared his thoughts about his beginnings, what keeps him inspired and his advice for others.

When did you first realize that model or acting was something you were interested in?
In 10th grade I told myself 'Wow I could really be doing what all the other models are doing.' I always pictured myself in a magazine, or on a billboard and even in commercials.

Oren, what is it that keeps you inspired towards pursuing your goals and dreams?
I keep telling myself that I can be a model and look the way I look. I stand out and I want to show people that being different is okay.

What are some of the goals you have for yourself in 2017?
Inspire myself and others, become more independent, and travel the world.

How has social media helped you in sharing your gifts and talents with the world?
Its shown me how we as people believe a certain image is a way to live, however, it’s not. Being creative and being yourself is what really matters.

What advice would have you have for anyone—regardless of their profession—when it comes to pursuing their own goals?
I would say actually doing the goal, and focusing on what you want in life.

Stay connected with Oren at the links below:
https://portfolios.models.com/762067/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011710964329
https://www.instagram.com/ojdahprince_/

MODEL CITIZEN: Monique Navratil

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, 21 year old Monique Navratil is off to a great start in 2017 pursuing her modeling dreams---and nothing is going to stop her.

Conversations was able to catch up with the driven young woman and discuss her goals and dreams and what it's been like for her to do work that she loves. Monique even shares advice for others out there about the importance of pursuing your passion,.

What is it that keeps you inspired towards pursuing your goals and dreams?
My inspiration and motivation derives my creative passion and my want to make my family proud and to soak up all of the opportunities that my parents and grandparents fought so hard for me to have.

When did you first realize that model or acting was something you were interested in?
I began dancing in my early childhood, but as I slowly grew older my interest into acting and modelling soon begun to sprout. I began acting classes at the age of 10. However, I did not begin modelling until the age of 18/19.

What are some of the goals you have for yourself in 2017?
I want to set new standards for myself with my modelling career. I want to refine my skill set, re-freshen my portfolio and make more time for my modelling. The past few years I have been busy with my studies and charity work I was not able to make sufficient time for my modelling. 2017 is going to be the year that I make time and pursue every avenue that I can.

How as social media helped you in sharing your gifts and talents with the world?
Social media is a great outlet for sharing and following others journeys with their passions. It definitely keeps me motivated and allows me to aim higher than I ever thought I could.

What advice would have you have for anyone—regardless of their profession—when it comes to pursuing their own goals?
Never give up on your dreams. Not matter how unachievable they may seem. As a young girl I was quite shy and would have never dreamed of achieving all that I have so far. Nothing is unachievable. All you need to do is put a little bit of faith into yourself, tell yourself that you can do it and watch what the universe brings to you.

Stay connected with Monique at www.Instagram.com/moniquenavratil_ and www.facebook.com/themoniquenavratil.

Model Citizen: Model/Actor Talen Marshall

by Cyrus Webb

It is so easy for people to talk about what they want out of life, but it is another thing entirely to actually do the work necessary to see the results. Just ask Talen Marshall.

At the age of 22 this model and actor in Wisconsin is not just recognizing what he loves to do, but is taking the steps necessary to see his goals and dreams become a reality. And he is only just getting started.

Talen, what is it that keeps you inspired towards pursuing your goals and dreams?
The chance to give back to my Mother 10 times the amount she has given me and also the look on anybody's face who said I couldn't do it.

When did you first realize that model and acting were things you were interested in?
Ever since  I got my chance to do improv in front of a audience at the age of 10 in Detroit, MI. I was always a class clown and would entertain the class from 3rd grade to college. There was nothing I wanted more to do than just this.

(Listen to model/actor Talen Marshall on #ConversationsLIVE radio show below)
How has social media helped you in sharing your gifts and talents with the world?
It's shown the people I grew up with what I have been doing with my life, and they have seen how far I've gotten----and hushed up the haters. Also I would add it's an amazing network and marketing tool. With Facebook alone I got the chance to be in 5 Short Films and 2 features films with a SAG eligibility.

With all you have been able to do, Talen, what are some of the goals you have for yourself in 2017?
To actually get my foot in the door with a project I'm in but if I had to look smaller be in 3 feature films with a lead role, which actually looks promising for me. (smiles)

Congratulations on all you have been able to achieve so far. Last question: What advice would have you have for anyone regardless of their profession when it comes to pursuing their own goals?
Be patient and passionate. If you bombed 500 auditions or you always mess up the order in that drive thru window and get cussed out 500 times a week but at the end of the day still love your job, you will go far!

Follow Talen on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hbdlouis_talen and stay connected with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/louis.s.gregory.

*     Photo: John Casablanca

Model Victor Adeniran shares his creative path on #ConversationsLIVE

Photo Credit: Tom Bianchi

Host Cyrus Webb welcomes model Victor Adeniran to #ConversationsLIVE to discuss what it's been like to being his modeling career and see the response to it and his artwork.

"I enjoy modeling," Victor said during the interview. "I enjoy showcasing my product and my work." Realizing that he is the product, he added: "Being able to portray yourself as an art is fulfilling."

During the interview Victor also shared how he began modeling and what it's been like to use the internet to promote and share his work.

Stay connected with Victor on Instagram at www.instagram.com/victor.adeniran.

 Listen to the full interview below: 

MODEL CITIZEN: Model/Actress/Author Johanna Thea

by Cyrus Webb

Over the past 10 years Conversations Magazine has profiled some of the biggest names in the arts and entertainment industries, sharing their stories and introducing them to new audiences.  In 2017 I decided to make sure that we were ourselves finding new talent to share with our readers, so I put out a casting call asking for individuals to share their stories with us so we could in turn share them with you.

The first in our 2017 special series called "Model Citizens" is Johanna Thea*. She is a millennial living between London and Los Angeles, CA.

Johanna, glad we could share part of your story through our "Model Citizens" feature. First of all tell us what is it that keeps you inspired towards pursuing your goals and dreams?

Love. Love of self and my family and friends. Love from them, and in times when I am utterly alone, or at least feel it, I look to those who have lived and persevered in their high spirits no matter what. So, for example Victor Frankl, Anne Frank, my Uncle as regards business and my Grandma relative to integrity of being and spirit, she totally holds herself with such elegance, grace and style, which at 82 is no small feat. Celebrity-wise I adore Rachel Weisz having met and worked with her recently, and Diana Ross whom my mother introduced me to at her concert for my 13th birthday.

When did you first realize that model or acting was something you were interested in?
Initially I was scouted for high fashion modeling which I did in Limerick City for Celia Holmann Lee’s Agency (Assets affiliated), then afterwards I realized onstage in New York's Bowery Poetry Club Monologue Slam, how much passion I had for acting. My initial dilemma was whether to write my book first or pursue acting. In 2008 I went with acting, but my book was released on Amazon in January 2015, and I’ve been a full-time professional actress and part time high fashion and commercial model since June 2015. I’m loving it! Every step of the way is absolutely wonderful, and I’ve honestly never been so happy, and grateful, to not only get to be living my dream, but for so much international interest and support. It’s been absolutely wonderful.

How has social media helped you in sharing your gifts and talents with the world?
Facebook allows you to connect with a great many people in very authentic ways, which is truly beneficial to any artist who’s busy. We may well want to connect and share what we’ve done/written/created and without these mediums we really have to rely on the Press to do that work for us! Also Twitter which I’m just getting the hang of truly is fabulous as it allows you to express your desires, interests and personality so easily! Instagram I’m using to post images alongside my poetry, which is eventually going to become my actual first poetry book later this year.

You've already accomplished so much, Johanna. What are some of the goals you have for yourself in 2017?
I’m going to publish my second book “The Light Within” in mid 2017. I would love to secure an Irish agency’s representation, building my network internationally and ideally work in Los Angeles on a high quality, successful tv series as one of the main characters. Also securing an agent in LA, I already have management, and being on a tv show in the UK also would be wonderful. My amazing agent Freya at Simon and How is currently looking into securing that for me. Naturally having already worked with Steven Spielberg in the capacity of a body double, I would be so ecstatic to be booked by him for one of his features. He is a master, and I truly want to work with the best the industry has to offer; the Wachowskis, Tarantino, Tina Fey, Rachel Weisz. The list goes on. This brings me to my final goal for this year: working as hard yet effortlessly as possible on my craft. I’m dedicating lots of space and time this year to refining my skills and honing in on the best possible forms of emotional expression I can.

Thank you so much for your time, Johanna. Wishing you nothing but continued success. Finally, what advice would you have for anyone—regardless of their profession—when it comes to pursuing their own goals?
Be relentless, fearless and unapologetic. It’s one life we have now, so taking full responsibility for that means powering on in your own way, regardless of others’ opinions, beliefs and support or lack thereof. You are always only responsible for achieving your own goals and not actually answerable to anyone, except you! Also, enjoy the journey, in the end this is the real prize, the beautiful journey.

Stay connected with Johanna at the links below:
www.facebook.com/johannathea1
www.twitter.com/johannathea1
www.instagram.com/johannathea1

*     Photo Credit: Simon Annand

Model Donavon Dalton: Challenging Himself Towards His Own Greatness

As the year is winding down, individuals like model Donavon Dalton are not just reflecting on what they have done but already looking ahead.

"It's been great," he told host Cyrus Webb on #ConversationsLIVE about the journey to doing what he loves as a model. "It's been more than I could have expected. I've received so much love. It's been an awesome experience so far."

For Dalton it's more than just about taking a good picture. "To me modeling is basically a form of art," he told Webb. "It's a form of expression. Through modeling I am able to speak out on a lot of things that I've been through and are going on in world."

He credits his family and support system for keeping him motivated, but he also says that he is his biggest critic, pushing himself with every project. "With every shoot, every different show I'm constantly learning different things,"he says.

Follow Donavon on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/iamthe_oneking. Listen to the entire interview below.

Photo credit: Dannielle Reeh

True Model Mgmt's Dale Noelle: Enjoying Success While Helping Others Succeed

Photo by Nick Finochio

Dale Noelle is a perfect example of someone who has been able to recognize what they want to do and share with others how they can accomplish their goals and dreams as well.

As a model, health coach and motivational speaker she has been able to not just find success for herself but through her company True Model Management she has been able to work with people around the world.  "Since True started as my dream and now that I can work through True as a vehicle to help others bring their dreams to life it has been so fulfilling and rewarding in every aspect of my personal life and my business," Dale told media personality Cyrus Webb during their recent chat on Conversations LIVE radio show. "For me being able to do everything that I wanted to do has been a lot of work and I get the satisfaction of... helping others."

Finding success by helping others succeed? That is not the way most people think when it comes to business---but that is what sets Dale Noelle and True Model Management apart. When asked by Webb how she came to a place where she realized that helping people benefited everyone she told him this: "What led me down that path is me allowing myself to be myself. My innate nature is to be enthusiastic and to help others and I never planned on being a model or thinking I'm going to own a model management company that is worldwide. I realized as the company was growing that this is part of what I need to do. Now I can help people on a larger scale."

For Dale it is all about bringing your personal best to everything you do. She has discovered that it creates a ripple effect that benefits others. "If you are seeking the best for yourself you can create a whole new world," she says. "It's all your perspective." Like everyone else she went through her own challenges and struggles. It has been a real process for sure. "I had self-doubt and things that were holding me back," she admits, but adds, "I feel like by helping others you learn so much about yourself. Everyone benefits when you're helping someone."

Listen to Dale Noelle entire interview with Cyrus Webb on #ConversationsLIVE below as well as find tips from True Model Management for those thinking modeling is for them.

Tips & Tricks courtesy of True Model Management

If you’re feeling inspired and hope to someday work for a modeling managing company like True Model Management, these three helpful tips should give you an idea of what it takes.

1. Be Healthy
Getting your 8 hours in, maintaining a balanced diet and exercise do wonders not only for your heath but your appearance.  Bask in the beautiful healthy glow from all the above and you won’t be able to help but ooze confidence.

2. Maintain your appearance
Modeling can mean upkeeping a high-maintenance beauty regime. You’ll want to focus on hair, skin,  teeth, etc. As a model, you act as a canvas for the brand you’re working with so it’s important to uphold a polished look.  

3. Match your modeling goals to your body type

• A Plus-Sized Model: If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model.
• A Runway Model: Most women on the catwalk are at least 5'8 and commonly small-breasted. Men are mostly between 5'11 and 6'2.
• A Print Model: Most editorial female models are at least 5'7, but a beautiful face with great personality are the most important features for print models.
• An Underwear Model: For women, this requires large breasts but small hips. For men, this requires broad shoulders but slim waists.
• An Alternative Model: Some agencies hire alternative models: models who do not conform to the industry “standards” of beauty, height, and weight. Additionally, having a specific passion or cause that you’re working towards can help open doors that may be closed due based on a body feature that does not “fit industry standards”.
• Other Types of Modeling: If you don't fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair, or hand model.”
  Bullet points courtesy of: http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Model

Stay connected with all things True Model at www.truemodel.net. 

Model Tyrell Ware talks Passion, Purpose & Success

Listen in at #ConversationsLIVE host Cyrus Webb talks with model Tyrell Ware about his journey to doing what he loves and what it's been like to use the social media platform Instagram to share it with the world.

The two also discuss how he stays focused and how his idea of what success is for him has changed.

Listen to the conversation below: