Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Forrester.
Raven, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started modeling when I was 11, but I didn’t take it seriously until I was about 18 or 19 and got signed to Neal Hamil Agency. That’s when I started to build strong relationships with local designers like Danny Nguyen Couture, Magnolia Silks, and Chasity Sereal, to name a few. I later signed with Beaz Talent in Houston along with agencies elsewhere, but by building my portfolio and resume locally, I was able to successfully branch off into working in larger markets. Within the nine years of modeling, while being based in Houston, I walked in NYFW for seven seasons and Paris Fashion Week twice. I’ve shot nationwide commercials, and have gotten the opportunity to work for brands I love like Baby Phat and Converse.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any experienced model would tell you that it’s not as glamorous as it looks. It’s a competitive job and sometimes it’s hard to get paid after the job. There is a lot of rejection involved in modeling too, and that’s always a challenge to get over.
One of my most memorable obstacles was Hurricane Harvey. I had my ticket to NY for fashion week but I planned on going earlier to attend castings. Because of the airport closures, my flights were canceled. I missed the Project Runway model casting (insert sad crying face) but I was still able to make it to NYFW at a later date to book a few shows.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
A few years ago, someone told me that I am a brand. I am a company. And I started to look at modeling differently. I started to design my own comp cards specifically for each casting, as well as business cards that had my best photos on it. I started to make runway reels to submit for jobs. I started to market myself as any business would.
I have nine years of experience in runway & fashion, as well as seven years of brand ambassador experience. And I guess a few years of hand modeling too! I’ve been booked in Atlanta, Las Vegas, LA, NY, all over Texas, and even the British Virgin Islands.
One thing I’m really proud of is that I’ve found a way to make modeling my primary source of income and a way to travel while working. I’ve gotten to go to fun & exciting new places while making money! I’ve also gotten the opportunity to teach and mentor newer models.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the Alief area but went to school in Sugar Land. I enjoyed art, and I actually won a few art awards in high school. I worked at Chuck E Cheese in Sugar Land for two years before I went to college in San Antonio. I’ve always been a workaholic, sometimes working 12 hours on a Saturday at CEC. I’ve also always been a foodie, and Houston is the perfect city for food! To this day, I am addicted to Viet-Cajun crawfish.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ravenforrester.co
- Instagram: Instagram.com/raeeexoxo
Image Credit:
Dazzling Blooms, Zoey Grey, Danny Nguyen Couture, Curl Genetics, Salyse Magazine
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
