Are you ready for today’s fashionista? I know I usually do this particular segment on the blog on Fridays but why not to it today. Check out Halle Deneen: Hailing from the city of Baltimore, MD, Halle describes herself “that 19 year old weird, sweet, crazy, funny, outgoing but shy, family oriented, goal driven model.” That’s right! Not only is she a full time model, but also a full time, straight A student at Howard University who has fabulous fashion sense! For months I've been following her on Instagram and fall in love with her even more for her drive and ambition. Learn more about Halle below.
When did you decide that you wanted to model? And Why?
Well, I started modeling at a very, very, very young age and when I first started I was just doing it for fun and because EVERYONE in Baltimore at the time was a "model" so I just had to see what the hype was about. I started to take it more serious and develop a portfolio when I was in the 7th grade. It literally took me years to start getting noticed more due to rejection, but as I grew older I started to see a lack of plus size in the industry. I've always been an advocate for self-love and so I took that energy and put it into my modeling to make a difference in the industry
You are accomplishing many things at the age of 19, what keeps you motivated to continue to chase your dreams even when things get difficult?
Honestly, I am motivated by a lot in my life. My family, friends and my supporters really motivate me to keep going and to never give up. When I first started, I got cyber bullied and rejected so many times. But I took that and channeled it as motivation as well. It pushed me to prove people wrong, to make everyone who didn't want to work with me, want to work with me. I wanted to grow and prove not only to my family, friends, and supporters but also to my CITY that anything is possible when you work hard. In addition, I always put God first, which helps me strengthen my faith. With God first, I know there is nothing that I cannot handle.
I understand that being a model you get access to an abundance of clothes, some that you may wear and some that you may not. So how would you describe your personal style?
Ohhhhhhh lorddddd, if I had to describe my personal style I would honestly say that it depends on my mood. I can wake up one day and serve sweatpants, tennis shoes, a tee shirt and sunglasses (I wear sunglasses all year round btw) or I can serve something more upscale, chic, bohemian, etc. I like to try different things. I don't like to wear what I think people would like to see me in but rather what is comfortable and makes me happy.
“I wanted to grow and prove not only to my family, friends, and supporters but also my CITY that anything is possible when you work hard”
What do you love most about fashion?
I love that fashion is what you make it! It is honestly one of those things that you can make YOUR OWN. To me and most others, it's my form of self-expression. And I appreciate that. When we find that we can express ourselves through the things that we wear it evokes confidence within us.
Being a full-time model, student, and maintaining a fabulous wardrobe must be difficult. How do you manage to travel back and forth for work, get straight A's in school and still find time to look amazing?
I will say that managing a full time model and student is HARD WORK. Sometimes I don't even know how I do it. It takes a lot of focus and prayer. It's tough because those are my two main priorities so sometimes I have to choose one over the other and it's HARD. (Plus I'm a Libra and we are so indecisive, which makes it 10x harder to make a decision). It is also important to keep up with my image and maintaining a good wardrobe. I love to shop so I ALWAYS make time for shopping. I tend to do more online shopping during the school year just because I am so much busier. For anyone who is balancing the two it is important to establish a relationship with your professors and let them know what is going on at all times. Not only will they appreciate it, but they will understand if you have a few late assignments or anything of that nature.
“I love that fashion is what you make it!”
What is your go-to fashion piece? Why?
My fashion go-to piece would have to be high waisted jeans. I absolutely love high waisted jeans! They make me feel so much sexier than regular jeans do!
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Some of my top places to shop would be Zara, Asos, Carmakoma, H&M, American Apparel, & Boohoo.
Classes are almost a month away what is your must have Back to School Item?
My must have back to school item is a PLANNER. I'm the type of person that writes EVERYTHING down. My planner has everything from school, to personal, to modeling; it literally holds my life together.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
In the future I honestly just hope for growth. Growth in modeling, growth in school, growth in acting, mental growth, spiritual growth, and financial growth. I want to expand and build my empire.
Did you ever lack confidence or deal with low self-esteem? If yes how did you overcome it?
My advice would be: you are good enough, and to be a model. The first step is believing that, and not letting anything come between you and your dreams. You have to have the drive, the courage and the confidence!
“The first step is believing that, and not letting anything come between you and your dreams.”
What advice do you have for women who may want to model, but feel like they aren't good enough?
I've dealt with low self-esteem when I first started modeling. This was because I was rejected so many times and I didn't think that I would make it because plus size modeling was not flourishing as much as it is now back then. Also, I didn't have much of any support, which didn't help with my confidence at all. I literally had to wake up each day, look in the mirror and tell myself that I was beautiful and FLAWLESS. I told myself that so much that I got to a point where I accepted all of my flaws. When you accept your flaws no one can use them against you. I have been exuding confidence ever since
You are such an inspiration to many, what would you like to see change in the plus size community towards women?
The industry has changed so much, it is so beautiful to see women of all shapes and sizes showcase their curves and have so much courage to be unapologetic about themselves it's amazing. I would like to see MORE of that from MORE plus size women. There are still women who lack confidence and are ashamed of themselves. I would also love to see more plus size clothing stores.
“It is so beautiful to see women of all shapes and sizes showcase their curves and have so much courage to be unapologetic about themselves…”
Finish this Sentence: Confidence is me because ______________________
Confidence is me because I am fearless and I am in love with the person that I have become!
What a beautiful soul she is, being so young she is following her passion and living out her dreams. My Confident Dolls, don't give up, keep on pushing. Don't live in regret and don't think that it's not possible. Anything and everything is possible to achieve.
Halle My Dear, Thank You so much for being part of "Confidence Is You". You are truly a representation for this brand and every young girl that dreams big. I wish you nothing but the best and success. Always know "Confidence Is You" is here to support you. If you want to be inspired by Halle, Follow her on Instagram @halledeneen.
A Confident Love From Me To You.
Xoxo Yanika & Kayla
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