Conversations with Talisha Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Talisha Story.

Hi Talisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
I started my modeling journey back in June of 2010 under the leadership of Mrs. Kimberly Beasley of Curvitude Boutique in Augusta, Georgia. I had never modeled before, nor had I ever thought about it. One of her associates approached me in the store and asked me if I had ever thought about modeling. She asked me to come walk for her at their model call, and here I am. I did not know what a model call was nor a comp card. I actually don’t think I had ever been so afraid of anything, but that runway scared me. I continued to model for her for 7 years, and I also modeled for some other boutiques in the area until I moved to San Antonio, Texas, in September 2017. It was at that moment that I believed that I was retiring from modeling, but of course, not the heels; those will always be a part of my life. In November 2018, I walked in my first production in San Antonio for Mrs. Nichelle Hosley-CEO of Interior Design Meets Fashion Charity Event. It was from this particular production that one of my photos was published in NHOME Texas January 2019. I honestly think that it was at this moment where I realized that if I truly put my mind to it, I just might be pretty good at this thing called modeling. I’ve modeled for several designers and boutiques in the area. I’ve continued to model for Interior Design Meets Fashion Charity Event, as well as other prominent fashion shows in the area 2019 Olaju African Fashion Show, San Antonio Premiere Wedding Fair, L’ Afrique Fashion Show. From October 2023 to the present, I have been one of the brand ambassadors for K’ Simone’s Boutique in San Antonio, Texas. I am also a Free Lance model with Concrete Rose Talent Management. I think fashion has been something that I have always loved. I have always been the one to make some sort of statement, whether it was rocking graphic tees, levis, and films as a teenager with the Salt & Pepper haircut or whether it was shaving all of my hair off and rocking a boy cut. I think I was a creative artist in my own right, and as you can see, I still trend today. Making a statement is important. It’s a definitive expression. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say that it has not always been a smooth road because of being a plus-size model. Plus-size models, in my opinion, were frowned upon back in the day, and the clothing was not always flattering. Things have evolved so much over time, and women of all shapes and sizes have been given an opportunity to now see that they, too, can look beautiful. There are boutiques that are all over now that are not just selling standard sizes, they are now offering plus size clothing for the curvy women. I love when I come out on the runway in the designers clothing, and the plus-size ladies in the audience realize that, hey, I can wear that. It gives them a boost of confidence. I take pride in being a trailblazer for women of color as well as for my plus-size sisters. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Professionally I have been in the medical field for 16 years, I started on the hospital side with assisting doctors, now I am on the education end of the medical field. I get to encounter adult students from all ages that are going after their hearts desire, and I get to assist with that. It has posed to be something that I love to do. I am a super extrovert, so I need human interaction. In my professional setting, I am known for making an impact. My motto is Be the Leader you would Follow. That is something that is important to me and that I am very proud of concerning myself. It’s important to impart positivity into the people that we encounter. We never know what people are going through or what they are battling, and it’s a soft tone or words of validation and affirmation that they need to get them through the day, through that moment. Sometimes it’s a simple smile or a Hey Friend that will make their day. That’s my purpose: to make a positive impact on the people that I encounter. I want them to remember that they encountered TeeStory. Outside of my professional life, you will catch me preparing to record a podcast. I’m a podcast influencer; it’s called The ReBirth with TeeStory. You can find me decorating my home or in my closet, putting outfits and shoes together. I absolutely love fashion, whether for my home or for myself. I am also an author, and I am working on my next book, which is a journal called In Her Words. I believe I am a well-rounded person, if you don’t find me doing any of the above you will definitely find me with my dog Takheo. He’s my big baby. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the fashion industry and modeling industry having a complete evolution overhaul in the next 5-10 years. I believe the high-end vintage fashion from the 50s and 60s is going to make a comeback with a spin that will blow our minds. I can see it now even in some of the wedding dresses that are being created. All of the fashion that has been created over time will return but with a different spin. The fringe hems and the patchwork are coming back around with a vengeance. 

Contact Info:

• Website: ConcreteRoseCF.com
• Instagram: @theeteestory
• Facebook: Tee Story

Image Credits
J & K Photography1