Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Nelson
Hi Diamond, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started modeling when I was 15 years old, I was more into cheerleading as a kid. One practice while being thrown in the air I wasn’t caught properly and fell on my ankle coming down causing me to sprain it really bad. I had to sit out for the rest of the season, while having more free time now I would sit at home with my mom and watch America’s Next Top Model. One random day watching AMNT my mom suggested that I could do that, I could be a model and have a career in the industry. I brushed it off thinking “there’s no way I could do what those girls do, I don’t even like taking pictures”. It sat on my mind for the next week, thinking to myself “well maybe I could, it wouldn’t hurt to try”. So my mom took me to a casting for a small non-profit fashion show that was happening in our city. Surprisingly to me I got casted for the show, I was overwhelmed with a bunch of emotions. I was feeling nervous, scared, happy, and shocked, It was all new to me and I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of a crowd of people. Show day comes around I get up on stage and the first thing I did was look in the crowd searching for my mom because I felt comfort in knowing she was right there watching me. While up there all the pressure I felt in the beginning went away, It felt like it was just me, lights, and music in the room- no one else. It was a sense of purpose, like I should’ve been doing this all along. Shortly after the fashion show I continued with learning more about modeling, the do’s and dont’s in the industry, how to walk correctly, pose, etc. I took model classes in my city to perfect my craft and it started to pay off. By 20 I was signed to my first modeling agency called Heyman Talent Agency in Cincinnati, OH. I was so excited! In February of 2022, I went to NYC to attend Coco Rocha Model Camp over a period of 4 days. It was one of the best experiences/investments i’ve made in my career. I learned so much, and took away a lot of knowledge and information that I am forever grateful for. In 2024 I moved to Houston, TX for more opportunities in modeling and just for a different scenery. I’m so glad that I did because since being here I’ve been in Houston Fashion Week twice, I’ve done photoshoots with top photographers, joined an amazing modeling community called Models of Texas, and got signed to my second modeling agency IMD Models and Talent! All really exciting things that I’m so grateful for and beyond proud of. I got to where I am today as a signed professional model by sticking to the plan and never giving up. Modeling isn’t all glitz and glam, it has it’s ups and down’s like everything in life. There’s been times I’ve wanted to stop modeling and never do it again but with the support of my mom, family, and friends I stayed the course and stuck with it. I didn’t let a “No’ stop me because no just means next opportunity, there’s always something better along the way as long as you believe. No matter what you might endure or what people may say or think about you don’t let it affect you, cancel out the negatives and always remember your “why”, why you started modeling, why you want to continue etc.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My modeling career has not been a smooth road, there’s definitely been some bumps and struggles along the way that i’ve had to face and overcome, nothing is ever easy in the beginning. Some struggles I’ve faced along the way were both internal and external. There have been some life-changing moments I’ve encountered that have made me almost give up. I had to learn to shift my thoughts and turn every negative into a positive, see the brighter side to every unfortunate situation. In the beginning I had moments where I would compare myself to other people- other models. I would see models who were in a position I wanted to be in, then I would take a look at where I was and wish I was there, wish I had those same opportunities, or brand deal. I had to stop and realize I won’t get there by comparison, instead take a look at what I need to do to elevate myself to reach where I want to be. Learn from other models, ask questions, ask for feedback to understand what I need to work on. I had to focus more on myself, work on my craft and look. I’ve overcome those struggles and obstacles by always keeping God at the center of my life, praying consistently, and putting in the work. Understanding that a “no” is just a stepping stone for something greater.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My profession is a Registered Behavioral Therapist, I work with mostly children who have autism. Me and my team work together to come up with a plan to work on certain targets and behaviors using ABA therapy along with other methods. I specialize in childcare, I’ve been in the field for about 8 years now, going on 9 and I absolutely love it above all else. Specializing in childcare allows me to focus on the unique developmental needs of children, and providing tailored care and support. I’ve learned the understanding of cognitive, emotional, and physical growth to create positive and enriching environments for children in my care. I took the initiative to be trained on how to recognize early signs of developmental delays and provide appropriate interventions making sure children receive the necessary guidance to thrive in their early years. Other than people knowing me as a model, I am known for being a role model to others in my community, family, and in modeling. I’ve taught aspiring models around me how to walk correctly to get prepared for the runway, facial expressions to nail those photoshoots, and how to build confidence within themselves. I’m always inspiring the people around me to be better than the old them, it’s never you vs the next person but you vs you forever! I love to see the ones around me winning because that means my blessing is in my neighborhood coming to me next. I’m most proud of my ability to keep going, and I know that may sound cliche but some moments in life aren’t rainbows and sunshines but I’ve found a way to make the sun shine even when it’s raining- my ability to keep going no matter what. I’m mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger than I was a year ago and that’s growth so i’m beyond proud of that. Far as my accomplishments I’m most proud of being signed to one of the agencies I used to once doubt I’d ever get signed to until I did! Super grateful to be a part of the IMD Model and Talent Agency family. I will always be proud of having the opportunity to walk in Paris Fashion Week, which was the most fulfilling, exciting, and new experience I’ve had on the runway. I’m hoping to return again to part two, along with Milan Fashion Week. I think what sets me apart from others is my personality, I have this aura that surrounds me and draws people towards me. I’m the nicest, sweetest, and caring person even in the midst of going through a storm, I try to make sure everyone around me is happy, okay, and content no matter what.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Any photographers, models, creatives, or anyone wanting to work with me can reach me on my Instagram page through DM, I also have an email listed in my bio to utilize as well. Any collaborations/projects should be emailed to me in a timely manner so everything is on schedule. To support me I would be more than happy if people would follow my modeling Instagram page, share and repost any content I drop and just give a like or a comment on a post I upload. I appreciate whatever is given to me, big or small I’m always grateful.
Pricing:
- 75/hr – Photoshoots (including brand/beauty shoots)
- 350 – Full Day shoot (max 6 hours)
- 100 flat for runway (Including rehearsals, fittings, etc)
- 80/hr – Video shoots (Including acting scenes, music videos, and more)
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@outsidetheobvious
@quitnguyen
@j.4fotos
@nifteeone
@raebandzpov
