Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Villegas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Vanessa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My first opportunity I got that was a legitimate modeling job through my agency at the time in New York back in 2014 was for a designer named Long Tran, who creates couture clothing for both men and women. I was casted for his Fall Winter 2014 runway show during fashion week. I was so terrified, and I cried outside for a bit before I went in. I just felt really out of place and extremely overwhelmed seeing all these tall beautiful models walk into the building where I was supposed to be. I’m not tall! However, I wish I knew then what I know now because I’ve learned over the course of my career that anytime you feel inferior to your surroundings, just stop, and realize you too are hired on the same job and no one there is any more worthy than you to be there. And you never know what can happen from one opportunity so its important to pick yourself up and always give each opportunity 100%. I always tell myself “Okay Vanessa, Now is the time to rise to the occasion.”
That runway leads to great opportunities in Europe, and I was able to work over in Italy for a bit, travel to Greece, meet new people, and grow tremendously as a model and an artist. I often feel like I’m so close to such great opportunities. Getting more callbacks, better castings, and booking better jobs. But every time I’m on hold for something, I feel could change the course of my career, and it doesn’t go through, I sometimes wonder how much more I can handle. This kind of dramatic ups and downs, when I feel like I work so hard, and put everything on the table. I’m sure many people in my position can relate to this. It’s so important to find your support system because without it, I’m not sure I would have had the mental toughness to make it this far. Believing in yourself is number one, but also getting that reinforcement from loved ones will really keep you from completely doubting yourself, and falling apart. I also recommend mediating. It improved my ability to lean into these uncomfortable times, and really take it head on. There is no situation so difficult that you can’t overcome. If you are one with yourself, you can push through the darkest of times.
The first photographer I ever shot with was Kenney Sweeney. Kenney is a fashion photographer based in Los Angeles now but at the time he was in New York. I was studying at the University of Rhode Island and it was the start of the Instagram era. At least for me, it was. He showed interest in shooting me; I was very nervous to entertain the idea of shooting with a real fashion photographer. I wasn’t signed yet, this was before Long Tran, and up until that point I was dancing for my university dance team, just going to college for Biology. I loved performing, and I have my whole life. I see modeling as more of a performance. I always see every art in that way, so I felt confident enough to try.
Kenny and I picked a date, and I went to Brooklyn. I think what really inspired me about this time in my life was that I had no insecurity about putting myself out there. I truly believed that whatever came my way I should fully take advantage of and experience. So I met with Kenny, and we shot. We shot beautiful images, one in particular went viral. It was a photograph of my butt actually, in Sioban Barret Lingerie. Shooting with Kenny completely changed my perspective on my ability to model. My height didn’t matter in my brain yet. And just like I had thought prior to meeting Kenny, I was supposed to be doing this. But if it wasn’t for meeting Kenny that day, I’m not sure I would have had the guts to give it a real go. I don’t think I would have known what I was capable of. When you discover that you love modeling there is definitely part of you that wonders if you have “It.” It’s not until other people see it in you when you start to become excited about what you may have to offer the modeling industry. We are still great friends. And we shoot anytime we are in the same town if we can. He’s a great person and mentors in my career and in my life.
As I head back to LA today, I’m sitting in my chair on my flight thinking about what is next for me. Just last month I was in LA, waiting for the bus to go to my 3rd casting session for a film I was auditioning for. If you asked me a year ago if I was interested in perusing film I would have said yes. But never thought that was a realistic future for me. A friend sat across from me one late afternoon sharing a beer, and in the middle of the conversation he said, “you should be an actress.” I know that’s just one person, and I know it’s a friend, but this person’s opinion is valuable to me, and his comment really resonated with me. I felt like I had been focusing on modeling for so long that I didn’t know if becoming a great actress was part of my journey. What I did know, was that if I ever was going to give this acting thing a shot, I would want to be great.
Just like my experience with Kenny, I had a repeat of this self-exploration when film came into my life. I feel so grateful that even as an adult, I am discovering very exciting things about myself and my talent. I’m nowhere where I want to be. I’ve come so far but I have so much further to go. And so much more to explore within myself as a model, as an actress, and as a woman. When I reach one goals I’m always setting a new one to replace it. I like to be this way. Because I want my life to be fluid in growth. And I want excitement in my life.
My journey has been anything but simple and typical. But I think just like anyone facing adversity, it made me a very strong person. I started meditating about a year ago and what I’ve learned about myself is that I carry a lot of feelings of sadness. Also joy, but a whole lot of passion, and other versions of myself. I learned to draw on these emotions so I can share these dynamic parts of me in my work. I’ve learned these are tools I can utilize to actually be a great actress. So right now, I’m still pursuing modeling, I’m primarily working with Aston Models in LA, as well as acting, and will have some new projects to share coming next year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There is always going to be struggle, in any journey. It’s exciting to do something competitive and challenging with your life. Everyone faces adversity in different ways. I know for me it was constant rejection. It’s so easy to want to give up, but giving up on yourself will only end your journey. The idea of ending my journey at least for me was out of the question. Even through the hardest of days, I couldn’t picture waking up, and not going after my dreams. I’ve always suffered from anxiety. With my job the pressure and stress factor is so high. It’s all been a struggle. But a struggle worth fighting for, for me.
What else should our readers know?
My name is Vanessa Villegas. I’m a bicoastal model.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There is defiantly a long list of people who deserve my gratitude but I can’t remember where to even start. I’ll always be grateful for people like, Long Tran, and Kenny Sweeney and for all the photographers, and castings directors who put me into projects and jobs early on and giving me that chance. There are a few photographers that have been supporters of me since I met them or since the beginning, or significant in some way to my journey.
Kenny Sweeney @kennysweeny411 is probably the most influential person thus far for me. Having had spotted something in me years ago and has been making me better ever since. He is a comfort zone for me for sure in this industry. Now we work together with equal respect and appreciation and it feels really rewarding to have grown like that with such a great artist.
Cameron Davis, @camsjournal is another great friend and mentor for me. We met in New York and both ended up in California. From the beginning of our collaborations all the way up until now, I’ve seen a progression in our work that has caused me to learn a lot about myself. And he is just a true friend.
Tony Ellis @tonyellisnyc was an amazing photographer, And he probably doesn’t even know it but he really helped me be the model I am today. He helped me love my body type. Being more on the athletic side and toned, and what some would say muscular; he helped me appreciate that strong isn’t masculine and to be proud of the body I built.
I want to also note how significant it was for me to work with Chris Applebaum and I thank him so much for picking me for his EATS channel. He taught me more about how I should shoot. And what I should shoot. And what light works best for me. And he really helped me learned how I can be showcased in the best light for my look and ability. He pushed me that day, outside of my comfort zone in an amazing way. I loved that he took that chance on me. That project was a blast and was challenging for my anxiety in the best way possible.
My friend Michael Creage @michaelcreage deserves my thankfulness for always being willing to practice with me. Basically, we would get together, and we’d create all day. Sometimes into later hours. Just talking and shooting. He shares so much knowledge and great stories during our sessions, and I must say writing this article right now, I miss Michael. I’ll have to contact him soon.
James Barnes @jdthecombo is one of my best mentors and friends. I don’t even have words to explain how grateful I am for his friendship and willingness to work with me.
Maggie Agency in Boston for signing me for a short time to help me get more commercial work and getting me work with companies like CVS, and Reebok, pointing me in the direction in which I’d really love to see myself as a model, focusing on beauty and health.
Pearl at Black Artemis Inc. in New York for hiring me on my first campaign for Tommie Copper and everyone there. Those Tommie Copper days showed me that my love for sports and athletics can absolutely be incorporated into my new love of modeling, and made me realize that was actually my niche and what I should focus my efforts on.
I’m so thankful for Natalie, and everyone at Aston Models, for taking me on here in LA and opening up doors for me on the west coast. It really has been the start of something great.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vanessavillegasofficial.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vanessavillegasofficial.com
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/vanessavillegasofficial
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/VanessaOnTwit
- Other: https://mikedfitness.vhx.tv/vanessa-villegas
Image Credit:
Mariah Lee Bevacqua
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