JUNE: Our Very Own Fashion & Beauty Blogger — Ryan Justine

Name: Ryan Justine Kelsie

Dimensions: 34 – 27 – 40

Zodiac: Aquarius

Occupation: Videographer

Hometown: Dover, DE

Bio: After graduating from Johnson & Wales University with two degrees (fashion merchandising  and retail management), Ryan moved to NYC to pursue her dreams of modeling and acting. When she isn’t being featured in videos or photo shoots around the world, you can find this luxurious lady  working in NYC’s Diamond District.

Why did you get into the industry?

People actually kept telling me that I should get into modeling and I always loved taking more creative and artistic pictures so I decided to pursue it.

What was your first gig or experience in the industry? 

I did a music video for a group called FOE Boyz where I ended up being the lead model.

Where do you see yourself in next few years? 

I definitely see myself in television or in a big-budget movie… acting is definitely my end game.

What do you like about the industry? 

I love the fact that if you have an idea or concept you can bring it to life with your modeling or acting. You’re not limited by your reality… and that’s the fun part of all this.

What don’t you like about the industry? 

I don’t like the sketchiness of it. I wouldn’t say that I’m a private person, but I do try to maintain a certain level of professionalism and some people don’t really respect boundaries sometimes. Fortunately, I haven’t had any super bad experiences.

What advice would you give an up and coming model? 

Stay true to yourself! There’s nothing wrong with growing and maturing into a different person the industry, but don’t ever become something that you think you need to be in order to be successful.

You definitely don’t have to be like everyone else in order to make it in this industry. What makes you unique, makes you really special… always hold on to that!

What would you ask a more experienced model? 

I’d ask whether or not they needed a manager or were okay being on their own, and how they figured out that balance.

Who is your fave model or #WCW? 

Kelsey Adams… I’ve taken her pose workshop and she’s not what you would consider a typical model, but she’s amazing! She’s so dope, you should definitely check her out.

Have you been published? if so, when/where? 

Not yet, I guess this is my first! I do have a couple of things in the works for some magazines.

What major bookings have you done? 

I’ve done two videos”What Happened” by Maino ft. Jadakiss, and “Summer Breeze” by Lil’ Cease which is going to be released soon. I was traveling with an artist named B.Notes in Canada and we did his R&B promo for Caribana Weekend. I was also booked by designer, Smart Glamour for the NY Fashion Week runway.

You look amazing, what’s your secret?

Movement… a lot of girls get sucked into doing the same basic poses, but you can add a great aspect to your pictures if you incorporate movement and dance. Physically, the gym is your best friend!

One of our goals is to elevate glamour models, so how do you feel you’re empowering yourself and others? 

Society tells us what we should look like and how we should model, but as a women of color — especially with my curves — when I pose and take certain pictures, everyone thinks it’s sexualized. However, I’m looking it as an artistic expression, so that’s what I want to change. We can be sexy without being slutty.

There’s a sensuality that comes with being a glamour model… you don’t always have to be bent over.

Do you feel this industry objectifies women? 

Of course, but there are so many other industries objectifying women, not just modeling. If you think about it, politicians have debated women’s rights including what we can or cannot do with our bodies… many of the more outspoken ones are male. So I think there will always be issues. It doesn’t make it right, but… I guess it just is what it is.

Any interesting you’d like to share with us and your fans? 

Just that I really appreciate all the love and support, especially from the people that push me… please keep doing that, and I plan to have a lot more awesome images and work to share in the future.

Model: @_ryanjustine

Makeup Artist: @_ryanjustine

Photographer: @shotbyjason

Studio: @HallofFameStudios