Today we’d like to introduce you to Alectra Teri.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up a very shy kid, and when I say shy, I mean SHY. I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do at a very young age but I can’t say throughout my whole life I actually had the balls to go for it. Kinda in the middle of my 7th-grade year, my sister put me into dance class because she knew how much I loved to dance. I would always watch those step by step YouTube videos and record all these music videos with my friends, which are really funny to look back at now. Long story short, I joined a dance team in high school and was on it for four years. This was very monumental for me in discovering who I wanted to become because it brought me out of shell sooo much. I performed routines in front of the whole school and grew some self-confidence for once. During my junior year, I was scouted in a Denny’s by some woman who wanted me to walk in her runway show for her church. I made some connections and met a woman who helped me get my first headshots and introduced to me to one of my old best friends who helped me get my feet wet with LA and the modeling scene.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have to laugh at this question because it definitely has not been a smooth road. LOL. So many learning obstacles, so many bumps along the road. I have probably contemplated quitting more than most would admit. Starting modeling at 17 in itself was such a journey. Not only was I pursuing my dreams at such a young age, knowing absolutely nobody, but I’m also discovering my self as a person and growing up as a young woman. I’ve had friend breakups and backstabs with people who meant the world to me. I went through a very tough time in my life when I just turned 18. My whole life changed after this one night. I didn’t know who I was, what meant to what to me. I used to be a very religious Christian and I even question if God was real after that. It was a really tough time for me and It’s never felt easy for me to fully come out and express what it is but I know I will on my own timing. Needless to say, a girl’s whole world changed and this is when I really wanted to quit. I’m so happy I didn’t. My relationship with myself and God grew so much and I became an even more spiritually enlightened person after that. I’m really thankful for every struggle I’ve been through because it has made me the woman I am today. Another struggle I dealt with was getting signed. It felt so hard at one point, I questioned every day if I was even going to be taken seriously as a professional model. There was a lot of agency meetings with no actual moves being made, it got very discouraging. It also makes me really happy to be able to share my struggles with people and to be an example of someone who keeps going when it feels like everything is against you.
Please tell us more about your story. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
So, there’s this saying that you pick your name before you were born and I really do feel like my name being Alectra wasn’t a coincidence. I’ve always been really creative since a child. I did a lot of video editing, being a director. Being in front and behind the camera. Throughout high school, I was known as the dancer girl. To be honest, I stopped doing it as actively to pursue modeling more seriously but ya girl is about to start posting more dancing videos again. I would say I’m really known for being a model and I’m speaking it into existence that I will be known for acting in the next year or 2. Some of the work I’m most proud of is my shoot with American Horror Story. Catch ya girl on the TV commercials and billboards around LA. I think what sets everyone apart from everyone is energy. I know I move with good energy and intentions and I think people really feel that.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Well, I need to give all credit to my parents, especially my mom. For blessing me with a car in order for me to be able to drive back and forth from San Bernardino to LA to pursue my goals. My mom and I used to fight so much but she is a huge reason I am where I am today. My old best friend Lakoya for helping me get my feet wet with modeling and LA. Thank you. My old friend Melian for helping me discover myself spiritually. She was there for me through a very tough time in my life and I appreciate the universe for placing her in my path when it did. My biggest cheerleader Erin, who has guided me, supported me and treated me like a sister since day 1. She’s helped me see the importance of making connections and seeing the business side to things. I appreciate you boo. I appreciate my best friend Dork and all of Breach for supporting me. I really do appreciate everyone who supports ya girl and sees the grind. I really want to be an example that you can do whatever you want to do in this world.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://la.nomadmgmt.com/divisions/models/portfolios/alectra
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectrafying/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/alectrafyinq
Image Credit:
@shotbyashton
@markothecurator
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