An Inspired Chat with iyanna the model of Brooklyn

iyanna the model shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

iyanna, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Currently I am chasing the life I’ve always dreamed of. That has revealed itself to me in many ways that are different from what I previously imagined.

I’ve always wanted a creative life, one of acting, stage presence, performance, and expression. I thought that would look like stage acting for a long time, then tv acting, then existing in the world of plays as a singer, an instrumentalist, or a director.

That slowly grew into me becoming an entertainer. Performing for venues, doing LIVE body painting performances, dancing for music videos, and projected to dance for music festivals.

In the last two years, I have been chasing fashion modeling. Getting more and more work in the industry as a fashion, beauty, and commercial model.

And in the last year, I have been chasing a career in DJing!

If I stopped, I would lose every ounce of the status I’ve created for myself. I would revert into jobs that are unfulfilling, making me ultimately unhappy and depressed. I would show others what it looks like to quit. And I would ruin the inspiration that my supporters and fans hold in relation to my image. One that currently is made up of admiration, that also motivates them to work towards their own life’s passions.

I would lose my network, which has been largely built on my career and the things that I am pursuing in life.

And I would lose a lot of respect for myself and a lot of will. I could possibly lose the will to live because I would have denounced everything I am currently living for.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is iyanna James-Stephenson.

I am a multidisciplinary artist from Miami, Florida, born to one American and one Jamaican parent.

As a student in academia, I pursued a career in legality, and wanted to become a civil rights litigator.

After 8 years of study, I approached my senior year in college with a desire to shift my focus law to the arts.

I traveled and soul searched until I decided on the type of artist I wanted to be, and the type of art that I wanted to do.

Over the years, I’ve been a performer, a dancer, a video muse, and someone always open to almost any creative venture.

I established a burlesque career in Atlanta, Georgia, but after two years decided to commit to my dream, and I moved to the place that I’ve always wanted to live in: New York City.

After signing with a boutique modeling agency in New York City, I got the opportunity to begin DJing, hosting nightlife events, and becoming a lifestyle and vegan food content creator.

Now, my brand IYANNA THE MODEL, includes DJ IYANNA, and encompasses me as a model, DJ, and dancer, who is sober, vegan, and promotes a healthy lifestyle and full self expression.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed that I did not have a strong voice as a child. I think certain childhood friends would disagree (because I know friends from 6th grade who attest to me being the exact same person I am now). But, in my mind I was way more timid and way more quiet in ways that felt restrictive and disempowering.

Now, my voice is one of my strongest assets.

My voice not only informs my strength as a business woman in entertainment and nightlife, but it has also allowed me the skill to use my confidence and speak up for myself, both personally and professionally.

My voice has also allotted me the opportunity for others to experience my mind.

As a model, many expect you to “just be a pretty face.” And intelligence is not only un-assumed, but often overlooked.

Speaking, and using my voice, has allowed people to recognize my depth, wisdom, and convictions.

I am no longer the shy child who couldn’t stand up for herself. I am the powerful woman who uses her passivity as practicality, and is never afraid to be, honest, transparent, and heard.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
As a child, when I was sad or scared, writing helped.

I was a very introspective child, so I could speak to a lot of my own issues by contemplating them myself. I have always been a big believer of the concept “mind-over-matter.” So, I would often do things to either scare myself on purpose, to challenge myself with bravery, or do things that made me feel uncomfortable, simply because I knew I would come out on the other side as a more empowered person.

My mother was also an amazing source of nurturing energy! Anytime I would feel like I couldn’t handle something and needed consoling, she was there.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, it’s just not whole.

I am a beacon of self expression. Nothing I put out is inauthentic. Everything I say I mean, stuff I preach, I practice, and what I’m convicted in, I stand in stubbornly.

However, I’m goofy, super down to earth, very cuddle and baby-like, very giddy, and I can be super hyper. On the flip side, when I’m irritated, I can come off rude, I comfortably sit in my own silence, and as an introvert, I truly enjoy my own personal company.

So although my public image is real, the latter are things people rarely know about me if they’re not my closest friends. So one can never get a full, wholly-encompassing version of me unless they are intimately apart of my life.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I only had 10 year left on my life, I would stop being so exceptionally goal oriented for my own gain, and started building, as quickly as possible for me to pursue matters of the heart, love, a family, and a beautiful relationship.

Personal family goals are goals that I have after my professional pursuits, but I would shift my focus, if it would mean I have a limited time left to experience them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iyannathemodel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iyannathemodel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyannathemodel?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iyannathemodel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iyannathemodel
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/iyannathemodel

Image Credits
Photo: Petros Kouiouris
Makeup: Anastasia Vavina
Assistant: Alexandra Osipova
Styling: Fani Polychroniou
Assistant: Julissa Valle

Photo: Scott Braque
Styling: Tamo Ennis

Photo: Millsapp media
Designer: Du-ure

Photo: Sophie Kietzmann
Makeup: Keith Bree
Wig: Meaghan Masterson
Nails: Ellie
Designer: Emmett Palmer

Photo: Carlos Hernandez
Assistant: Gustavo Campos
Makeup: Anais J. McCaskie
Nails: Michelle Cameau
Wig: Damian Monzillo

Photo: Bryant Littrean
Makeup: Chasity Pierna

Photo: Garren Pryce
Makeup: Toni