Check Out Janelle Campbell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Campbell.

Hi Janelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Cleveland, OH and moved to Los Angeles in the beginning of 2021 to pursue a career in fashion, modeling, and dance. I knew that LA was the place for me to give my career the push that it needed so I had been saving up (or trying to) since graduating college in 2018. I did a lot of job hopping between 2018 and 2020 because nothing was paying me enough to get my savings up. I was only making 12-13 an hour. A lot of times I felt so lost and stuck because I wasn’t making any money to fund the life I wanted and didn’t know what else to do. Everyone knew my goal of moving to LA but they always put some sort of doubt in my mind due to how expensive it is. They were right, but a big part of me wanted to take a huge risk and just figure it out along the way. Sometime during 2020 either before the pandemic or after, I set a goal and told myself no matter what, I am moving to California in December of that year. No matter how much money I had saved up, I was going to do it. On January 17, 2021, I made that move with two months rent paid $600 in my bank account and no job. It took me 6 months to land one. I have my degree in Fashion Merchandising and didn’t realize just how hard and competitive it would be to find a job. A decent paying one at that. Up until then, I was door-dashing and doing freelance jobs to get me a few hundred bucks here and there. I was extremely thankful to finally be working in a role that’s in my career field but I eventually realized that I was not satisfied. Fast forward to now, I’ve been working for a year at a FinTech company which is not in any way what I planned for myself but for the time being, it is manageable. I’m in the process of realigning myself with my goals and taking the time to figure out my next steps. My desire is to be modeling full time and I am currently working through some business ideas. Ultimately, I want the freedom of being able to enjoy life and not get caught up in work. I come from a family of immigrants who came to this country and have been working their asses off nonstop for 20+ years. I wish they had the mindset that our generation now has. I see how they think and what they’ve been through to make sure that we’re able to live “The American Dream” but I don’t want to continue that cycle. Moving to LA is just the start of the new cycle that I’m creating for my family.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always say my first year of LA was about navigating and the second year was surviving. Year 1, I was getting used to the change of environment, trying to meet new people, explore the city and everything it had to offer. I had some flexibility due to not having a steady job for a while so I feel like I was able to do more. My now husband moved to LA 9 months after I did so we were long-distance during that time which was challenging because we were not used to being apart longer than maybe a day. We married in January of 2022 so we faced the struggles and obstacles together.

Survival mode kicked in for me last year as we faced a lot of financial struggles. I began to feel stuck again because here I am working this job M-F, I felt like I didn’t have time to do the things I really wanted. I felt like I was losing sight on what I moved to LA for to begin with. I did about 2-3 photo shoots the whole year. Still no agency, no paid gigs, nothing exciting happening. Just working, and paying bills.

Aside from financial struggles, the most challenges I faced which I think I’m just realizing as I’m typing this, really came from within myself. That hint of fear and uncertainty that lingered inside which caused me to be stagnant. I kept blaming my situation on my lack of money and I let that stop me from seeking out opportunities. I knew I wanted to have an agency and needed to apply, but I wasn’t persistent and proactive enough about it. I found myself waiting and hoping for opportunity to come instead of going out and seeking it myself. I’m glad I can recognize that now and make the necessary changes so that 2023 can have a different title.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been modeling for about 4 years, mainly focusing on print and beauty. I started collaborating with local photographers and models in my area (Cleveland, OH) to build my portfolio. Cleveland is full of talented artists and creatives and Im extremely grateful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. When I started modeling I was unsure of what exactly I wanted to do, and what I was good at. Being able to work with a variety of people who were just as eager as I am to learn and put themselves out there, gave me the freedom to be as creative as possible and try different things. When I moved to LA I had the opportunity to collaborate on a beauty shoot that was featured in Malvie Magazine. It was my first time being on a project that consisted of an MUA, a Stylist, and a Photographer. I was so used to doing my own makeup, and styling myself so it felt amazing to be a part of a team. More of my work can be seen in Vogue Italia and Genlux Magazine.

As far as dancing, I come from a Jamaican background so dance has always been a part of me but I started taking it seriously in college when I joined an Afrobeats dance team. I’ve had the opportunity to open up at concerts for artists such as Davido, and Sean Paul, and have been featured in music videos “Nowhere To Hide” by Aluna, Prettyboy DO and Kooldrink, and “Really Love Your Way” by St. Oshun.

This year I’m looking to expand my network and put out a lot more modeling projects and dance content. Check out my Instagram @nellebae, and TikTok @janelleakiya to see more of my work and journey!

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I knew moving to LA would not be easy but it was a risk that I was willing to take for my growth. Every challenge I’ve faced is teaching me a lesson and preparing me for greater things to come. I’m consistently having to think outside of the box, and more creatively. A way of thinking I probably wouldn’t have if I was still in Cleveland. I’m digging deeper into myself and always learning new things about myself. I’m learning to step out of my comfort zone more and that I need to speak more positivity over myself and my situation regardless of how rough it may seem in the moment. I’m learning to trust God more because he has gotten me out of every struggle that I have been in and I have come out stronger each time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nellebae 

Image Credits
@danicacarver @sir_ssan @dhan_dhada