Conversations with Catrell Lawayne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Catrell Lawayne

Hi Catrell, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Louisiana native who began his digital modeling portfolio about two years succeeding high school. There was much talk about how “success” is written all over my being in the realm of Art and Entertainment; the chatter began a couple of years prior to my high school graduation. In 2011, I had a best friend at the time who is incredibly talented with the camera; he also studied Graphic Design. He has an eye for a captivating image and helped me launch the digital portfolio. All of my photos were taken by him.

In the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2013, I competed for the title Mr. Elite Model, scoring the highest in all categories and ultimately winning the completion. I reigned as Mr. Elite Model for two years before relinquishing the title to the next winner. In the year 2014, I competed in Cynthia Bailey’s Model Search competion, winning the Commercial Spokesmodel comp. I signed a one-year contract to her agency and school of fashion in Atlanta, Georgia.

A turning point in my career is when I tapped into my deep desire to act, which was a soul-wrenching dream I had since an adolescent. It was Tyler Perry’s plays that helped me unearth what it is I truly wanted to do. Transparently, I began modeling because the people insisted that I do and often telling me I’d be great – said it was my calling. I believed them and adopted the dream as my own. It wasn’t until I was casted as an extra in the James Brown biopic titled “Get On Up” that things started to turn and my initial dream of acting resurfaced. I met an incredible acting coach on set – Clyde Jones – who handed me a flyer for his coaching services. To me, that was better than any previous award. I was in class on his first day of coaching, and was later able to book roles in a stage plays and independent films. Clyde’s short film titled “A Hat Is Not Enough” won an award for best short film/documentary, making myself, the cast and crew award-winning actors and crew.

In recent years, I published two books and am releasing my third book this Spring, which I am elated for the audience to experience. I am a poet-author and this will be my sophomore release poetry book. I have people like Jill Scott and Maya Angelou to thank for introducing my soul to a part of its purpose. I am in love with poetry and music in a way that I can only explain in poetic form. You will get a full gander of that in Spring. For sure. To that, I say THANK YOU Jilly from Philly. I honor and admire you from afar – until we meet.

In-between the arts and entertainment, I thoroughly enjoy transforming the lives of those whose power lies dormant within. I am a Transformational and Self-empowerment Life Coach. Transforming and empowering lives brings gratitude and peace to mine. It’s one of the most liberating feelings. Because you are better, as am I.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any successes come smoothly – and if it does it won’t be sustainable. I’ve experienced several broke days. I have heard agencies say that “you are lovely, but dark skin isn’t in right now.” I’ve heard “you are too tall”. There were days when I didn’t have any work. I was broke more often than I had money. I’ve had days where I wasn’t sure if any of this was even meant for me. It happens. There are days where you will question your purpose. And to that, I’d say that voice you hear in those moments is the truth teller. Listen to it. There is always a voice that is also attached to a feeling that will tell you to continue. Yes, you may pause for but a moment. But, you must continue. Trust the process as what you desire is unfolding in your favor. You must continue to believe. Believe in The Most High and believe in Self. Nothing is for nothing and everything means something. Remember that nothing is happening to you; everything is happening for you.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Apparently, I word-vomited in the initial question because I answered most of these in that one. Haha! What I will say is I am most proud of the tenacity I accumulated over the years. The grit that allows you to continue on such a journey that can be quite rigorous. I am also so very proud of artists and entertainers. Because I know what it takes and what the journey looks like, it’s rather vindicating to see others succeed in their passions.

What sets me apart from others is . . I’m from Louisiana, baby! There is no other place like The Boot. I’m a boujee country boy who had big city dreams.

What matters most to you?
Wow. Community. Community means the most to me. Be it family, friends, or peers. We are stronger together. Secondly, my art. My art is as important to me as an artery to my heart.

I’m ecstatic for you all to get your hands on my newest poetry book – Hard Pink, Soft Black – this Spring. Friday, 4/4.

Pricing:

• $60 consultation (30 mins) – Life Coaching
• $9.99 Silent Song – poetry book – Amazon
• New poetry book out in Spring!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://clawayne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CatrellLawayne
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatrellLawayne
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/CatrellLawayne