Today we’d like to introduce you to Lasasha Aldredge.
Hi Lasasha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a Model that can sing! When I was a bright-eyed & excitable 10-year-old, I knew I wanted to be a model after watching “Keep it in the closet” by the infamous and melodic Michael Jackson. This video starred NAOMI CAMPBELL, and I was immediately bitten by the modeling bug. Since I was ten years old, I have been modeling, and I enjoy every second of this profession. I started modeling because, as a child, I had always felt that I had the body, face, and hair but just never knew how to really get it started. I was 14 years old when I attended a Modeling and talent workshop in Los Angeles, Ca called “IMTA,” where we as candidates would audition for agents and agencies to represent us. After attending that, I started really practicing my poses and began to love my body more and more. Prior to this, I had always felt that my scars and discoloration on my body were so ugly, and I was afraid to model because of this reason. It took me about three years to fully love myself and love the skin I am in. Regardless of any discoloration or scarring, I am beautiful, and I AM HUMAN.
I was about 11 years old when my mother decided to help me critique my modeling career. I told her that I wanted to be a singing model because loads of girls were models, but none could sing. I wanted that GIRL to be me, so I signed up for a modeling school called “Barbizon.” I am so glad I chose Barbizon because, at the time, they were new, fresh, and ready to take on any problems I had as a model. I learned how to walk in heels, sit like a lady, runway pose, where or how to stand before your runway walk, your shoulder placement, how to tuck your hips under to create different moves, and a lot of other things. Not only did this help me learn my craft, but I would spend 4 hours a day practicing and walking in my room after track practice or coming home from a Barbizon class. I wanted to master this craft because I knew it would be something I would grow to love ENDLESSLY. It’s become a reality, and I am ready to take on all challenges.
Modeling, to me, is a way to express myself. Sometimes I tend to hold in whatever is bothering me, which isn’t healthy, so I model, and I relieve myself by taking photos. There isn’t a stance or pose that I can’t do and if it is a challenge, consider yourself lucky to experience this challenge with me. I feel that a proper and adequate challenge can and usually does help me as a model because I am able to master something that may have been a challenge. Back in 2014, I walked in a runway show for a fashion designer in El Paso, Texas. This fashion show was a challenge because I had been practicing my runway walk, and it was my time to showcase that runway walk. Now at the time, I was a little rusty, but that didn’t stop me. I remember walking down the runway, strutting my stuff to then buckling and falling while on the runway. I got up and thought to myself, “Okay, challenge accepted.” The challenge in that was me falling, of course, but I accepted that challenge because not only did I get up to continue to walk, but I did it FIERCELY. At the end of the runway, I took my time to hit every move effortlessly and with strength.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Anyone who says that the road that they’re on to success is smooth is lying! Ha! OF COURSE, all things won’t ever go as smoothly as you want them to go, but a great attribute with that is the experience. To this day, I am still learning new things, but I am set in my career and learning more on how I can be better in the future. I can’t say that I don’t love the waiting time in photoshoot gigs because that would be a lie. Even though my feet sometimes are in pain from standing for long periods and my cheeks burn from smiling, I enjoy the process. What modeling is to me is a chance to where I get to express myself but also be someone else. I enjoy having my hair and makeup done alongside taking pretty photos and being stuck in uncomfortable poses. I enjoy it all and love that I can deliver for my photographers. I am paid to do an OUTSTANDING job, and that is me holding myself accountable. It’s such a gratifying experience whenever I receive my photos from a shoot. I take pride in myself, and I feel that I have so much to offer to this world. Love is something I think we all should be giving more attention to in today’s world. There are loads of people out there who are in dark spaces because of so much hatred. I stand for love, and what I am offering the world is my undying love for people, myself, and my craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Among other things, I am a Cruise line singing artist. Having an excellent, loving, hard-working, and supportive family, I was able to take on multiple challenges at such a young age. I found my talent in running track and field, which led to me receiving a full-ride scholarship to New Mexico State University. I equally discovered my talent in performing as a singer/dancer and starting my own business.
I landed the Cruise line job at a carnival cruise line and began working as a Cruise line singing performer on 11/2016. Days turned into months and months into years, and I couldn’t fall out of love doing what I love; singing and dancing. With this being so close to modeling, I continued to advance my craft in both career choices.
I figured, hey, I have a BA degree, juggling multiple careers can’t be too bad. Though doing what I love is something most people don’t get a chance to do in their lives, I was fortunate enough to have that opportunity to do both. When COVID-19 hit, my world ended. The entire Cruise line industry was closed down, and the world and life that I knew were utterly shattered.
I knew that this couldn’t stop me from doing what I love, entertaining people and modeling. I started working on some personal music along with recording and writing songs for myself. This, too, is a dream of mine, and I am working on mastering it. At one point, money was beginning to be tight, and I knew that I had to survive and make money somehow some way.
So, I started up my own chocolate-covered strawberry business called “SWEET SEDUCTIONS.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to find myself and the best ways to come up with some money to help finance my business and lifestyle. With the help of my supportive family and my lovely friend Michael, I was even more confident to begin and start my chocolate-covered strawberry business.
The business has been great, and I look forward to hearing from many of you.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness to me is joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. I find joy in having my hair and make up done, communicating with the photographer(s) and the long waiting hours while on set. It is satisfying whenever I receive either a photo or awesome critique from a photographer. It’s also satisfying to me whenever I take on that challenge and I exceed at that challenge. Moreover, the true feeling of happiness for me is simply being free to be myself no matter what. I found that before I would hide and now when you have a career that can add to your happiness, It can only add to your happiness. Personally, I enjoy taking quality time with my family and close friends, traveling to different states or countries, Writing music/poetry, Helping those around me when I want, Taking hikes and going on car rides. Happiness is contagious and I want to spread happiness and love all around because that’s the way the world NEEDS to be! BE YOU, BE BOLD, BE HONEST, BE HAPPY!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashasayssheyymo/
Image Credits:
Host: @shoottheshitt @danilaceyphotographs Florist: @emeraldgrace_floraldesign Venue: @thetippingpointe Models: @mariahselenaa @sashasayssheyymo @_livoaxaca_ Makeup: @makeupbyamandamarie @ Hair: @manebymacie Wardrobe: @shonajoy_ @kamperett @oliviasrentals Gold headband and pearl pins: @thelittlewhitecloset Floral headpiece: @emeraldgrace_floraldesign Bow Hair accessory: @ohsewfancy Photographers: @iamjackiebphotography @beeearroyo @jessica_gomez_photography @angelicawilsonphotography @mrsochoa_photography @photographybymjd @danilaceyphotographs @briannagoforthphoto @foreverhqphotography @devynbphoto @tjvphotography
