Alencia iLori
The Back Story...
F o r e C o m i n g T h o u g h t
It means a lot that you made it here! If you didn't know, I've been modeling by agency, and also freelance, for roughly 5 years, however, in several cities. While I did not start modeling in my hometown of Chicago, IL, I did start up in Atlanta, GA, which is where I currently reside.
The odd thing about it all is that when I was a little girl and even up to high school, I never saw myself becoming a model one day. I used to be selectively mute and shy as a child, partially due to bullying and not feeling a sense of belonging in certain places. My biggest problem was that I was very insecure with my appearance and how I came off to people around me. But as my high school years were going by, I started to care less about what people *might* judge me for. That constant worrying was keeping me from experiencing my life and pushing me to live life for others.
I h a d t o b r e a k t h a t b a d p a t t e r n !
The model side I portray myself to you doesn't always speak for all of me. I know a lot of people have the notion that models only care to be a pretty face, are surface-level, and are moved by money and all material things. This doesn't resonate with me.
Models should be given the chance to be seen as more than just a hanger for clothes, indescribable individuals that are more than a label, and really be seen as humans! I'm always pushing myself to reach into the quirky, animal and Earth lover, light-hearted, free-flowing roots everyday while still pursuing the path I love.
Now, if it isn't modeling or school/work that I am mainly occupied with, you can find me expanding my culinary skills and doing anything Arts related— primarily singing! Which is a talent I've been proud of since I was little, I just haven't publicly dived into it yet. Baby steps though, haha!
B u t W h y M o d e l ?
As a Creative, I've always wanted to visually show parts of me with people, and that has pushed me to keep growing with my modeling. Constantly, I enjoy modeling my inner Naomi Campbell, Bella Hadid, Zendaya Coleman, my Multi-cultural background, my bubbly side, and just the other Artistic parts of me. I've spent years in dance, drawing, writing poems and short-stories, singing in choir— just because I model doesn't mean I have to ignore these parts.
I had no problem embracing anything involving art but of course I did put the idea of modeling in the back of my mind for a while. It wasn't until being told enough for years, by associates, friends, and family, to get into modeling that I sat with myself and realized it wouldn't hurt me to get my foot in the door.
After having my first photoshoot in Atlanta, I realized how great of an experience it was to express myself through my posing, styling, and facial expressions all while being in front of a camera. Being able to walk, without any anxiety, for my first ever runway in Texas, was another experience I craved more of. My first ever shoot and runway, made me recognize just how far I could go with my modeling. Currently, I'm manifesting to travel more (especially internationally), while displaying my passions and even then, to inspire more people to showcase their creative side as well.