We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bébé Adebiyi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with BÉBÉ below.
BÉBÉ , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Loaded question- I think it has a lot to do with how I was raised back home in Haiti and it’s one of the stereotypes that happens to be true for us, is that we’re hard workers. I mean we were the first country to ever successfully take our own independence during the evil times that was slavery. All to say I think my ancestors rubbed off on me quite intensely in that area.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
So to keep it cute & demure- I’ll introduce myself as Model, Actress and Influencer because all that is true for me. Then I minor in Music, Designing, and Creative Arts because I do those as well. I’m not in front of the camera 24/7 for professional work so you’ll find me doing those other hobbies in my free time. I really just absolutely love creating.
I’m focused on being an inspiration for others- especially others who grew up like me and couldn’t even get the time to dream of a better life because life is a constant state of survival ever. Single. Day. It was like that for me and sooo much life passed me by when I was younger growing up in an orphanage. Especially when I always had the feeling I was meant for more but could not reach more, very depressing. Now that same feeling fuels my ambitions because I do get results when I go after a goal. I want others to see me and hear my story and say “ wow! God is good and if she can go through all that, and be there. I can do it too”. I want to be the reminder of there is actually light at the end of the tunnel and while in the “tunnel” focus on bettering your “ tunnel” vision for future “ tunnels” love. And also giving back in other ways that I’d love to make happen before speaking on it.
And as far as projects I have going on at the moment, it’s a lot of Modeling work. Its Super Bowl week here in the city so a lot of NFL related projects like a commercial for Target and a NFL x 47 Brand x Stoney Clover Lane clothing collaboration, and more through my Agency FT45. On the side I’m working on some personal design projects and just submitting a lot of auditions. Keep me in your prayers for that:)
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Ooh i find this hard to answer only because I promise you it was more than just three. With Modeling many people had been telling me how I would be great at it and I have the face for it before I even showed any interest in it. But I had already love creating and into my appearance and people enjoying the sight of me. I didn’t do it for them necessarily but I sure appreciates that people appreciated it.It boosted me to then look deeper into it and see what’s it about. It resonated with my soul, so l then was like what’s the next step to getting started and it was classes for me. I sure did pay for a few Modeling classes to learn more about the business and how to really get started. When I want something and the resources are there to make it happen, I make it happen. I then started to reach out to photographers and asking them to collaborate and from that point onI just kept grinding. I’ve been in the industry for five years now and signed to a Mother Agency that I respect and gets me great work, which is a big goal of any Model. I was able to get that opportunity because of the rapport I had built with myself independently. You truly do have to be very confident in yourself and what you have to offer to make it anywhere in this industry.
My advice for anyone willing to listen to my two cents- One, love every part of you because that is true confidence. Let your inner beauty be what shines at first sight and on.
That is a true Model. Be a Model of life and not just clothing.
And two, you gotta do it alone sometimes love. Not only is it more meaningful but don’t wait to start. Especially if you can FEEL it in your guts-not for the perfect photos, not for the right photographer, not the right show. Do it alone or do a class or two. I did a few myself- I had to put some instant gratifications things on hold to save for classes and make it happen.
And lastly this is more of a tip/reminder, especially when you’re just getting started and don’t have big clients name in your resumé- you will absolutely hear wayy more No’s than Yes’s, and especially as a brown skin women. Like wayy more, and my love, that’s completely okay. Why? Because you could not get a better confirmation that God did not align that. So feel what you feel after a no, build a good coping way to deal with hearing it, then remind yourself of your greatness, and then move on to the next step of reaching your dreams.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
One of my favorite strategies I use when I’m feeling overwhelmed is thinking about the bottom of my feet, or like my feet in general. It tends to always bring me back to the present and help me relax. I talk gently to myself as well
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/bebe.adebiyi?igsh=MXh4b291c2l6Mm5lYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Instagram: @bebe.adebiyi
Image Credits
Boutique- Century Girl Vintage @centurygirlvintage
Photographer – Bethany Pickard @bethanypickard.jpg
Photographer ( me) – BÉBÉ Adebiyi @bebe.adebiyi
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
