Rising Stars: Meet Teleonté Smith-Tasco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teleonté Smith-Tasco.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started with a trip to Chicago, IL. I went to Chicago for a casting call for what was described as an “international” fashion show. The show was produced by an anti-bullying/suicide prevention organization named Live Out Loud.

It was my first time doing any type of modeling. I had no prior experience modeling and I honestly did not think that I was model material at that time. I walked into the Palmer House hotel where the casting was being held. I remember getting off the elevator and immediately feeling inadequate as soon as I saw some of the other hopeful models in line.

The casting process is a blur but I do remember being at the Palmer House hotel all day. Fast forward a week or so later, I found out via text message that I was chosen as a model for the show.

From there, I went to several model calls around Chicago, IL. I was either flat out rejected or I never heard back from the agency. Feeling discouraged, I decided to try the St. Louis, MO market.

The modeling agencies in St. Louis were a bit more gracious with their rejection. I still have an email from one of the casting directors telling me that my look was too unique for the St. Louis market; she suggested I try Chicago, New York, or LA.

I decided to give Chicago another try. I came across an agency on Instagram named SCE Agency who liked what they saw and invited me to do a test shoot. They were the only agency who were willing to give me a shot. I went in to do my test shoot with them and I had a great experience. My photos with them turned out phenomenal. Actually one of my photos from that photoshoot was featured by Ulta Beauty as well as my first magazine cover (I was the cover of Malvie Magazine June 2020).

From there, I continued my modeling journey; I was published multiple times in various publications. I modeled up until COVID-19 struck. Once Covid happened, I along with everyone else in modeling came to a standstill.

Unfortunately during this time, I also had a bout of depression where I wanted to give up on modeling. I felt that I was not going anywhere. I was not where I wanted to be in my modeling career and I was still unsigned at that time. I felt like I was just wasting my time. If it were not for the outpouring of support that I received from my family, friends, other fellow models, and modeling insiders I probably would have given up.

With all the encouragement that I received, I continued to pursue my dream of modeling. Eventually, my hard work paid off. I had my own beauty campaign with Rossario George, I did some work with Carvemark athletic wear and more publications. My biggest accomplishment and proudest moment for me thus far is that I was featured in Italian Vogue. I also signed with Posh Model Management in Chicago, IL.

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?
As mentioned before, it has not been a smooth journey for me. There were times where I felt that if I just conformed to what was deemed “marketable” I would advance further.

Deep down, I knew that I could not convincingly change who I am to appease the modeling directors at the various agencies. It would have came across as inauthentic and forced; plus, I would be going against everything that I stood for.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a model who is unapologetically myself. I do not get jealous of other’s success nor do I feel intimidated by other models. I think there is enough room in this industry for all of us to flourish. I love to see others succeed; I think it’s inspiring.

I would consider myself an editorial model who specializes in beauty shoots. I think beauty shoots really show the essence of who I am and I feel in my element during them. I have become almost synonymous with beauty shoots; whether that helps or hinders my career is yet to be determined.

I would say what I am most proud of is again my feature in Italian Vogue as well as my Ulta Beauty feature.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising about me is that although I am a model; I hate taking pictures.

When I say I hate taking pictures; I mean I hate taking regular personal photographs. If you were to take a look at my social media accounts; I rarely post any regular non-professional photographs.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Instagram.com/teleonte
• Facebook: Facebook.com/teleontes
• Twitter: Twitter.com/tsmithtasco

Image Credits:
Photographers: Brin Hill (header photo), Tyra “Eye of Tyra” (first image), Rob Cannon (second image), Taylor “Tayograpgy Creations” (third image), Brin Hill (fourth image), Rob Cannon (fifth image), Brin Hill (sixth & seventh image)

Model @teleonte
Mua @the_slay_report
Fashion Stylist @ itsjoeyjoelle
Model Coach @model__coach
Photographer @brinhill.official
Cr. Director @ itsjoeyjoelle
MA @sceagency