Today we’d like to introduce you to Stewella Daville.
Hi Stewella, 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 have been recognized as a high fashion model in the industry for the past nine years. Growing up, I watched my sisters participate in numerous fashion shows during their high school years, and I always had a desire to do the same. However, it was not until my late twenties/early thirties that I finally decided to give it a try. One evening, while attending an after-work event at a lounge with some friends, I stumbled upon a casting call for NYFW being conducted by designer Glenroy Marsh of D’Marsh Couture. While looking at the tall girls auditioning, I was initially intimidated and hesitant to participate. However, to my surprise, I ended up being selected. Glenroy then personally trained me every weekend until the day of the show, improving my walk and overall performance. Even though I initially felt like an outsider due to my lack of knowledge and connections in the industry, I started to attend more casting as time passed that I had found on Model Mayhem and was booked stuff here/there. I then met Jerry Jordan Brown and Rick Davy of BK Fashion Week, I started getting into doing their shows every season. During those years, I networked, met people, and have become a show producer, a backstage manager, and a model coordinator for a few fashion shows. There was one year Sheen Magazine gave me the Triple Threat Award in Beauty, Hair & Fashion, which was a wowser! Since then, I have had an amazing career thus far. It took me nine years to get here. I had to learn to start rooting for myself, not listening to the negative people, and just doing me. I have been fortunate to model for designers/brands such as April Walker, Ade By Femi, Justin Haynes, Negris Lebrum,Roopa Pemmaraju, FUBU & Eye Candy Creations.
I have had six billboards during my career. also had the experience of a lifetime traveling to Paris where I did a fashion show; not for a major designer but hey I walked a show during Paris FW and at that time that was all that mattered, lol. The highlight of my career has been when I was published in Harpers Bazaar UK/US, GQ UK, Def Jam Norway, Vogue Africa & of course, those billboards, not to mentioni have a collab photo on the window for a Jamaican Restaurant in my hometown; the Bronx known as Coffee Bay. What I always hoped to achieve in my modeling career was to be discovered and signed by a reputable modeling agency, which I was for a year with Undefined Models and then got picked up a year later by EMG Models which I will make a year later this year. Now being with EMG, I have an opportunity to have a stepping stone towards my goal of becoming a more successful editorial/commercial model. I think with all my freelance experience, networking, hard work, having loved ones and friends in/out of the industry who gave me their opinions, advice and a chance is what led me to where I am today.
I worked hard, nothing was handed to me. I have so much to give, so I’m going to continue making my mark in this fashiontainment industry. I am a strong black beautiful woman who is in charge of her destiny and is taking life one day at a time, and feeling great about it!
My mom always told me I should never give up. Strive for what I want and don’t let anyone or anything get in my way. I am 41 years old & no one can me tell I’m too old to model! Do you see some of those classics out here!!! Let me tell the classics this; You’re never too old to accomplish your dreams; that’s why IT’S YOUR DREAMS, NOT THEIRS! Always remember to pray & put God first. What’s for you will be for you when the time is right.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. I had rough years where I didn’t want to continue doing this anymore because the industry is rough. The constructive criticism is what got to me, and the ‘you’re too old’ comments made me feel like giving up. However, I’ve decided to keep going. There have been so many rejections, but I know that success is on the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a signed NYC model with EMG Models, and my category is high fashion, but lately more commercial/beauty and fitness. Others know me not only as a model, but a show producer, backstage manager, or model coordinator for shows such as The Great American Hat Show, Harlem Fashion Week, or Emerge. However, what I am most proud of is being a mom to my soon-to-be 22-year-old son. I could brag about him all day, lol. In my opinion, what sets me apart from others is my spunk, the way I gravitate towards others, and my unique look.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about myself is that most people don’t know or think that I’m a mother until I mention it or they randomly ask. I think it’s because, for one, I don’t look my age. Another reason is that I spend a lot of time traveling and being active. People assume that I must not have a kid or a job for that matter lol but that’s just a stereotype. Many women who look young and are older have older children and are living their BEST lives, just like me. We did our part, so it’s our time now.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Shamayim Alejandro Cerdena Kellie Walsh Dreams Over Everything Matthew Tyler Priestley Sophie Elgort
