Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Rivera.
Hi Asia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a model, wardrobe stylist, set designer and all around creative but last and definitely not least, I’m a mom. I wasn’t always a full time creative and creating art on a consistent basis, actually, about two years ago I was at the lowest point in my life. I was stuck in Central Pennsylvania when my dreams were in New York. Growing up in The Bronx and later relocating to Pennsylvania for the sake of raising my daughter at the time, I always knew I wanted to pursue modeling. When my daughter came I knew I had to keep pushing to make my dream a reality but I didn’t know how when I felt so stuck in the middle of Pennsylvania. A time came where I was so depressed just watching my peers do things I knew I wanted to do and accomplish things I wanted to accomplish, I had to stop feeling bad for myself. Sooooo I financed a car. This car would support my dreams and get me to and from NY safely to shoots and castings. This was my chance to make something of my passion and stop self-sabotaging myself. I was grateful, I started scheduling shoots, I was in NYC every weekend and working my 9-5 during the week at a local daycare. 3.5 hour drives every week along with long shoot days with time away from my baby girl was not easy to say the least and but I knew that if I kept putting in the hours, what’s meant for me, would be mine and everything would pay off.
A few months in and 105 toll bills later, I booking my first big campaign for Footlocker! This was just the start, there was more to come I knew it. I knew the sleepy drives home and oil changes every two weeks were going to pay off and it did. I booked a Google campaign, multiple editorial shoots that went to later be published and was even plastered all over New York City for Billionaire Girls Club. I started making my baby girl proud and more importantly, myself. The me that would sit in bed for hours dreaming of a life I had to make for myself is smiling at me now saying, “I told you we could do it.” This journey isn’t just for me and this journey isn’t just for my daughter, this journey is to show all the moms out there who think that their dreams have to be put on hold forever because they had or have children. LET YOUR CHILDREN FUEL YOUR DREAMS. One day my baby girl will be able to say, “my mama never gave up on her dreams so neither will I” and then, just then will I know I did right by her 💜
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey is definitely not easy and I still have so much more to achieve. I dealt with overcoming a lot of self-doubts when it came to having to leave my daughter for work sometimes and along with the financial aspect of car maintenance, gas, and tolls, and airbnbs/hotels there were a lot of obstacles that sometimes made things feel impossible. Overall I’ve learned that patience is key when it comes to working towards goals and I am only human. All we can do is try our best and work our hardest and everything will find us as it should and when it should 🙂 When it came to my mommy guilt I just always had to listen to my close friends and family when they told me I’m shaping a better future for her and she is so proud of me because it was so true. She’s so proud of me and I can’t let her down, she’ll always know her mama worked hard and never gave up on her dreams just like she will.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize is editorial modeling and wardrobe styling! I’m known for my drive and passion when it comes to my craft. I’ve been told I have a great eye for detail and I feel like thats what really sets the tone for my work. I’m so proud that I am able to create art in different aspects whether it be modeling, styling or even creative directing.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My story would not be possible without the help from people who have been supporting me even before I put any of my plans into action. My daughter’s father has been remarkably supportive when it comes to me being booked up, working on sets and even just needing alone time at home to put looks together. As well as my mama who would always offer her advice and nurturing words whenever the overwhelming days came to visit. And my partner Dai who pushed me when I thought I was at several breaking points. I am forever grateful and nothing short from blessed.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.byasiarivera.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asia.ny
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/carter.sophiaaa
Image Credits
Mark Clennon Aaron Laserna Jade Lilly DaiJohn McLaurin
