Meet LeAndria Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to LeAndria Wilson.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since my teens, I have always had a slim frame and loved taking pictures of myself but the confidence was never there to actually pursue modeling due to scars and self-esteem bruises left from a car accident in my childhood. It took for the constant “Why don’t you model” and “You look like a model” flattering remarks that came in my high school through college days, to make me start seriously considering the career path. I was in college in San Antonio at the time when one day I decided that I would research a well-known agency in the city and if they offered to sign me, I would give it a try. I reached out to the agency, scheduled an interview, and days later received an invitation to sign so it became my confirmation that someone “on the other side” felt that I had what it takes. I decided not to sign with an agency just yet, and after only getting to do about three photoshoots from college friends in San Antonio, I moved to Houston for a great job opportunity. Once here, I started by joining a Houston model/photographer Facebook page as well as Model Mayhem, a website for models and photographers to network. As I took off with booking photoshoots, I started considering all of the flyers that I would see for fashion show castings but I wanted to be realistic with myself because I am 5’6 with lots of tattoos. However, I once again when out on a limp and decided that I would just show up to a casting, give it my best, and not doubt myself before I even knew what I could be capable of, and I was selected for the fashion show. I told myself that if I was going to venture into runway as well, that I would have to give more than my all in perfecting it because of the impediments I already faced. I watched several runway YouTube videos along with practicing in the mirror every other day. When at rehearsals for shows I took full advantage of the teachings listening and learning. Along the way networking and observing some of my favorite models helped elevate me in the industry and today I walk into shoots and castings with full confidence. By being a hard worker and genuine person, I was blessed to have lots of great people put into my life to help guide me towards the appropriate opportunities. Now at five years in, I have been maturing and elevating in the industry.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’m a model who likes to venture into various styles of fashion shows and photoshoots however having several big tattoos hinders that for me and I get casted for urban opportunities much easier than I do couture or high fashion. Also only being 5’6 when the standard minimum runway height is 5’9 means that I have to work twice as hard to stand out and never let it affect my confidence if not selected for something.

What else should we know about your work and career so far?
I am a petite fashion and runway model praised for my youthful looking face, slender body and killer walk. Aside from modeling, I am also the owner of XXSclusive Trends, an online boutique with women’s fashion in double zero sizes; a collaboration with a couple of Houston’s local designers. I am mostly proud of the name that I have created for myself and efforts that I took to push myself out of an unhealthy comfort zone, into the confident, eager entrepreneur that I am now.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I plan to be a more established fashion model with a larger social network following and networking with influential people that pass on the knowledge and resources I need to perfect my entrepreneurial path. I will have been a part of New York fashion week and possibly be signed to an out of state agency.

Contact Info:

• Website: Nanithemodel.com
• Email: Nanithemodel@gmail.com
• Instagram: littlems_pyt
• Facebook: Leandria Wilson

Image Credit:
Mavricioh H., Charlie Ewing, Jamel Sims, Jerrelle Lee, Tiffany Couture, Bob Levey

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