Interview with one of Kemet Alstons Models, Verniecia Allen by Deja Leonni
1. How did your modeling career begin?
Answer: I’ve been modeling consecutively for about 1.5 years now. I attempted to start modeling in 2013when I got signed with an agency called Model and Talent based out of Florida, but I didn’t pursue it because I was also starting nursing school around the time. So, I gave it up and went to school. Getting my Master’s degree and coming to ATL to be closer to family, I decided to slowly slip my foot in the waters after getting roped into becoming a brand ambassador for a local thrift boutique. Honestly, it was what I needed and secretly wanted, but I didn’t have the guts or knowledge on how to start the process. So, after getting a nudge from a friend and my mom giving me the idea to jump into a couple of Facebook modeling groups, my career started slowly progressing to where it is today.
2. Have you always had modeling aspirations? What other aspirations did you have?
Answer: I’ve always had modeling aspirations since high school or middle school. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve always admired my beauty. Still, the moment I knew that I wanted to model was when I was allowed to walk the runway during our black history month fashion show. Something about stepping on stage and portraying a robust black woman gave me strength and released all my stage fright. Before that, I struggled several times to speak in front of large crowds. This time was different; it was a very liberating experience to walk in front of 1200 students; I don’t know if it was because I didn’t have to speak. But unknown confidence came over, and that’s when I found a new outlet and inner voice all wrapped in one. I loved every bit of it. Being able to transform into a unique personality or role recharges me and puts into perspective you can be anything you want to be if you just put your mind to it.
As for other aspirations, I’ve always known I wanted to serve others and lend a helping hand, which led me to nursing school. But I didn’t complete nursing, unfortunately. So I received my bachelors in what I like to call a 3-in-1 degree called Interdisciplinary studies in allied health, sociology, and psychology. Then I went on to get a Master’s in Public Health as I worked as a Certified pharmacy technician. I ultimately want to start a nonprofit for young females in the cancer community and build a brand that helps females to discover self-care and self-love. The brand will be a one-stop shop of all things beauty where you can purchase handmade candles, scarves, and spa products that remind you to never give up on yourself, no matter what stage of life you currently reside.
3. What type of modeling do you do? Ex.: Fashion, street, etc.
Answer: The type of modeling I do is social media commercial ads for boutiques and photographers. I’ve been featured on about five websites or company social media pages. I’m also a print model; I was featured in my first international magazine just last month. It would be my fourth magazine feature for the year. Beyond that, I am a brand ambassador for two boutiques and one up-and- coming athletic line. They are called Hopefloats Thrift Fashions, Vanity Girl Boutique, and a trending zodiac athletic brand called zodiac obsessions. Ultimately, my dream is to become a high-end editorial fashion model and or a commercial model on billboards and TV commercials. I still want to remain flexible and not put myself in a box. As I grow in modeling, I would like to continue pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.
4. How was your experience working with photographer, Kemet Alston?
Answer: My experience working with Kemet is magical; he knows how to capture me right at the moment. He is easy-going, polite, and very professional at all times. Although he is not a man of many words, he is excellent at listening and being open to the models ideas and opinions. As we collaborate in shoots, he allows me to do my thing, and I love how he puts a spin on the pictures, from the edits to the different angles. What can I say? He knows how the work the camera.
5. What advice would you give to other aspiring models who are trying to acquire the level of success you have?
Answer: My advice is to network, network, network. It is not all about joining an agency. Nowadays, you have to build bonds to get your name and photos out there. Connections are sometimes what solidify the job. There have been a lot of models, including myself, who have made many connections. Especially from TIME FOR PRINTS (TFP) photoshoots which have had the opportunity to build my portfolio and get into magazines, speak in interviews, rip the runway and display other brands.
