INTERVIEW with Top Model RAELIA LEWIS
By: Andrea C | Model and Co-Found of ModelMob
You may have heard of Raelia Lewis, the 6â0 multi-talented beauty and Philly native who got her start on Americaâs Next Top Model Cycle 21, if not- now you wonât forget her! I met Rae (as her friends call her) last year when we were model-apartment roommates for a short time in Miami. We instantly bonded over similar views on cultural appropriation and stayed in touch while we both pursued our dreams. Since then, Rae has travelled around the world, most recently to South Africa for modelling and now she just released her book; Trust Your Journey; Tools for Making Your Dreams Come True. ModelMob sat down with this modelpreneur to ask her views on the good, bad and beautiful of the current modeling industry. Hereâs what she had to say.
1. What city is your favourite to work in? Why?
âI love working in New York City. Itâs fast paced, there are a ton of great artists to connect with and itâs super easy to navigate.â
2. Whatâs your favourite part of being a model In Miami? La? NYC?
âMy favorite part about Miami is the weather, and everything is really close together so traveling is super easy. I also love Miami because of its swimsuit/commercial market. I love NYC for its fashion market but it also has a great commercial market as well. I love fashion week and I have several long term clients that Iâve been working with for years. I didnât work in the LA market professionally.â
3. When and How did you start modeling?
âI started modeling in my hometown as a teen and I decided to pursue it professionally after high school. I freelanced for years until I landed a role on Americaâs Next Top Model. After getting eliminated, I continued to travel, work and shoot my book until I got signed by an agency. â
4. If you werenât modeling what would you be doing?
âIf I wasnât modeling I would be a journalist. I love literature and Iâve always loved writing. Writing is my 2nd love and that inspired me to write my first book. My book is called "Trust your Journey.â It sheds light on the ups and downs of my life and also on the modeling industry. My book isnât a memoir however, It is a book of hope and itâs extremely inspirational. It challenges the readers to view life from a different perspective and it also teaches the readers how to deal with setbacks and how to remain encouraged.â
5.What would you say the average income of a model like yourself?
"This a tough question because as an agency model your jobs overlap. You wait 30-90 days to receive payment and if youâre constantly working the money grows. As a freelance model I get paid before I work but there are times where I book several jobs at a time. For example from one client Iâve made $5000. Every models income varies. Iâm finally reaching a place in my career where Iâm learning to create more opportunities and incomes for myself. I have three different agencies and I also wear "different hatsâ. I am a model, brand ambassador, host, and author. I donât depend on only modeling as a form of income but modeling is very lucrative.â
6. #1 misconception about models?
"The #1 misconception is that theyâre on drugs or living a dark life. Iâm very religious, drug free and responsible.â
7. What type of modeling is your favourite? Runway, print, commercial, tv etc.?
âMy favorite type of modeling is commercial.â
8. How do you stay fit? Is it natural, or do you have to work really hard in the gym?
âIâm naturally thin but I recently started working out and eating better.â
9. Â Whatâs your favorite blog, website (other than Facebook, Instagram and snapchat) that you visit regularly?
âMy favorite site is YouTube. Thereâs so much great content on there.â
10. Other than from your agency, where / how else do you find modeling. Work/ job? (List website, blogs, jobs sites, social media sites, Â whatever the source is)
âInstagram, networking events, other models.â
11. If you could change one thing about the modeling industry what would it be and why?
âThe modeling industry lacks diversity. Black models should be working more; we are just as beautiful and capable as any other model.â
12. If someone wanted to start modeling what advice would you give them?
âMy advice would be to get in shape and invest in your book (portfolio). I had a ton of trouble getting signed to an agency in the past and I think that more models should be willing to pay experienced photographers to build a consistently strong portfolio. My advice would also be to do your research on the industry. An aspiring model should know different markets, agencies, and have an idea of what it takes to become a professional model.â
Pick up a copy of Raeliaâs Book here http://raelialewis.com/product/trust-your-journey/.