Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Walls.
Hi Justin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been a really passionate guy. Where I come from people do not accomplish or even successfully set out to do things that I have been doing. I come from a small county in Delaware called New Castle. Not many people have the desire to leave. I come from a family that was once plagued with drug addiction, being in the system and many generational curses that were soon to end with me.
Growing up as a young boy with a lot of personality; sometimes described as a ‘wild child’; I had a very creative side to me. I played around as a kid writing poetry, spoken word and even little songs; singing them to myself, playing piano and engaging in a lot of other creative things that followed me into adulthood. It wasn’t until college that I found my passion in the modeling world and the creative process that comes along with it. I’ve creative directed, styled and even edited a lot of my own work up until this point. I’ve learned to be quite self-sufficient. To add, my love for creativity as a whole has only grown. I’ve taken an interest and pursued many other skills in the arts in which I continue to hone as a hobby. I come from a childhood where I’ve seen a lot of no’s, been through a lot of trials and unfortunately had to grow up at a younger age than a lot of kids should. My environment as a kid and everything up until this point has made me who I am. I’ve always known I was different and meant to break barriers in my path in some way. I love to inspire, guide and lead people. I plan on doing that passionately through my creativity in which I will use my work to do so. I moved to Los Angeles from my hometown with a feeling in my gut and every bone in my body that I am exactly where I am meant to be. I am settled and more motivated than ever and I will not be outworked any longer. Get ready to know my name!
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?
My journey definitely wasn’t easy. With family struggles, self-doubt and a couple of other things mentioned in the latter message, I’ve fought quite a few battles. One of my main struggles were being disposed of from my main source of income abruptly when I first moved out here. Forcing me to struggle in supporting myself financially. God didn’t allow this to deter me from the goal ahead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a model and full-blown creative with passion in the arts as well. I am most proud of my recent project for my birthday that I brought to life. I creative directed, styled and curated a theme and location for this shoot and did every little thing in between to bring it to life alongside my roommate. Although my face is the leading pitch; I pursue my career goals with a burning passion that is driven by my desire to lift others up, inspire them and lead. I want to inspire people through my work. I believe my work ethic is unmatched in the right space.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mother has played a big role in getting me to Los Angeles through her support and encouragement. Alongside my grandmother, they accompanied me on the drive to the city from the East Coast in my vehicle. They believe in my dreams as much as me and that makes me want it even more. I got to give credit to the first photographer that ever worked with me. My first real photoshoot was with Jaivron Joseph and I drove 12 hours to work with him at the time; knowing the benefit of starting my career off in front of his lens. Jaivron took a chance on me when nobody else would and essentially helped kickstart my career. Jaivron has been nothing but a supportive friend and colleague in this industry. I feel like everyone needs someone and it only takes ONE person to see your TRUE potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jayedw.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_justinwalls/
Image Credits
Keegan Hurley Orange Suit+ brown leather, NiyahPhotos tan shirt in grass, odvls shirtless w/ red hat, tread west collective green+ black sweatsuit
