Today we’d like to introduce you to Chardonnae V.
Hi Chardonnae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Chicago native and I first moved to Houston in the middle of my high school years. I’ve always been in love with fashion, music, art, and photography. I remember being four years old and looking through my parents’ CD collection and being amazed of how some of the female artists would pose in the CD booklets for their albums. The covers also inspired me. The glitz and glamor is always something I wanted to be a part of. I used to draw models and clothes that I wanted them to be in. I remember watching America’s Next Top Model and being like “Ma! I want to be a top model!” as a little girl. Music I grew up on such as Kanye, Pharrell, Aaliyah, and Beyoncé influenced so much of my style and the way I wore my hair. Then Tumblr came about. It was like a never ending magazine and the perfect medium for me to be inspired daily. It refined the idea of what I wanted to do in my life – create art and model.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve faced a ton of obstacles in life. The main struggle I’ve faced getting into the modeling industry was actually just breaking into the scene. I was born and raised in a completely different region. Being from Chicago, it was hard to trust others and actually open up to new people in order to create relationships. Finding my footing in Houston was just a struggle in itself. However, I’ve learned to let my guard down and just be open and free. Being a creative means to live in your truth and show out for others to see. I knew I couldn’t prosper by limiting myself and my access to other people. I had to let it go, and it’s worked out for me in the best way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My main passion is modeling. I’m a freelance model. I love working in print, walking runway, and modeling editorial shots. What sets me apart from other models is that I’m a woman of all looks. I’m most know for switching up my style, whether it be the way I wear my hair, the style of clothing I’m wearing, or the color I may dye my hair that day. This is what sets me apart. I can switch it up and evolve into any look that I want to do or that a creative director or photographer needs me to be. I’m 5’1 and still managing to kick it with my taller counterparts. I also think that alone should be enough to set me apart from others.
What makes you happy?
Being free makes me happy. Doing what I love makes me happy. Being my own person and not following the crowds make me happy. Happiness is all about fulfilling your inner desires and being content with which you are. When I pose in front of a camera, put on my favorite makeup, listen to a song that I’ve loved since I was a kid, or draw in my sketchbook – that gives me all the happiness I need. It’s because I’ve been naturally drawn to those things since I came into this world. Everybody has their happy place. Everyone has that one thing that makes their grey sky blue; it’s just the matter of looking deep within you to find that.
Contact Info:
- Email: cvaughn7110@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/113thnae
Image Credits
@khouse.studios @tcfstudios @pierrelefleur @xpertwizard
