Check Out Myeshia Mayo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Myeshia Mayo.

Hi Myeshia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Model from Michigan. This all started from a very young age of eight years old. I feel like a lot of model’s stories start out with this but I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model and that should tell you how much of an effect that had on younger girls. I was super tall and thin at a young age and people everywhere would tell me I should model. So I decided to take it a little more serious when I turned 15 years old. I took Barbizon Modeling classes for six months learned about Runway, Acting, Posing, Model Etiquette, and Personal Development. I studied Tyra Banks and later was introduced to Naomi Campbell and Naomi Sims. I fell in love with my height and long legs when I had grew up hating them. Years progressed and I started to realize how small my town really was (three total traffic lights in my town for reference) and I just didn’t know where to start. I connected with local photographers building a fairly standard portfolio. Granted, the photographers I worked with were all amazing but I knew that just wasn’t going to cut it for me career-wise. I’ve always had a connection with California when I would visit and I just knew that’s where my career was going exceed to the next level. I had to make the hard choice to move and leave all of my family and friends behind. I knew that I didn’t belong there however it was so upsetting leaving the only thing I’ve known for 22 years. California has been the best decision I’ve made thus far though because since the very first week of officially being here, I learned the potential I truly had all along. I would’ve never been where I am at mentally if I stayed in Michigan.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. It took me a long time to get to where I am confidence wise and mentally wise. There was a point in time where I quit trying to pursue modeling for three years. A lot of my time and effort unhealthily went into a relationship I was in at the time. I lost focus and most of all, I lost myself. I turned into a person I didn’t recognize anymore and I hid it well until I couldn’t anymore. My breaking points were losing my sister to suicide and ending a four year relationship. From those days, I had to make a change to make my life seem purposeful again because in my head, there was none. I started focusing on graduating college, working out, spending more time with my family and friends, and most importantly I found my passion for modeling again. My cousin and I decided to take photos for fun and looking at the edits when she finished, I couldn’t believe that I ever stopped. It was all gas, no brakes from there. And I’m thankful for what conspired because my confidence wouldn’t be where it’s at today. I got told a lot that I changed. And I always think about this picture of this caterpillar telling another caterpillar that turned into a butterfly that they’ve changed. The butterfly then responds, “You’re supposed to”. And it’s so beautiful to me because in order to evolve, we must change. I’m thankful that I was able to see it through.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I had also struggled with determining what type of modeling I wanted to be in. And I have found myself feeling the best in Beauty, Editorial, and since moving to LA, now Runway. I am so proud of myself for overcoming my fears and insecurities. It took entirely too long to get here because I could’ve been here but I always tell myself God’s timing. What sets me apart and what WILL set me apart from others is the fact that I want to be a part of the modeling culture that wants to bring back ACTUAL modeling. I feel like Instagram Influencers have dimmed a light on them because they’re considered THE models in today’s world. Being a brand ambassador is the new “super model” today, and in a way, I feel like that’s not fair. Now don’t get me wrong, I salute and support the IG influencers/brand ambassadors. However, you don’t hear about Supermodels anymore. I want that back and I aspire to be one of the ones to wake that up again.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, Covid is by far the one of the worst things that has occurred since being on this Earth. And I know this is going to sound disheartening but Covid happening saved me and I am grateful. During the beginning of the pandemic was when I hit those breaking points and I was drowning by all of the things going on. I was practically a zombie, running away from dealing with my emotions. But when the world shut down from Covid, I didn’t have work, school, gym was closed, and everything was empty. I had to finally face myself BY myself. Better believe that it was tough because being there for yourself for the very first after being there for everyone else was almost a culture shock. When that moment happened, it’s like I resurfaced and was able to breathe again. This crisis, I was taught to love myself more, I was taught my family and friends are key to my success, I was taught immense patience, I was taught that anxiety existed within me and that was okay, I was taught authentic love, and lastly I was taught change is good.

Contact Info:

• Email: myeshia.mayo@gmail.com
• Website: https://myeshia-mayo-f3d2.mailchimpsites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_myeshiamayo/

Image Credits
Melissa Morley Tyra Longcrier The Model Experience Cardo (moneypyramids) Daniele Aquino