We recently connected with Riley Woodell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Riley , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I think that starting in the fashion and acting industry so young has taught me to have a thick skin. You learn that rejection is part of the process and it prepares you for all facets of life. When people have any negativity or criticism towards you, you learn to take it in stride and move on. You’re not for everyone and if you were, you’d be boring.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an editorial, freelance model in the New York City/Jersey City area. I focus on working with a plethora of brands ranging from high end, luxury to grassroots and up cycled brands. I love working with other creatives who have a clear vision for their brand and I love working with the opposite end of the spectrum with people who want my input and suggestions on creative direction.
I’m passionate about giving a voice to other freelance models and showing that sometimes you are your greatest advocate. Some of the coolest projects I’ve worked on, including Vogue and Vogue Runway, were born out of networking at the right time and place.
Currently I’m in the throws of casting for NYFW. Runway is one of my biggest thrills in life and editorial is my main product of the work I create with brands looking for print work.
You can book me for a photoshoot or runway show simply by reaching out to me via email or messaging me on Instagram.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Adaptability, patience, and tolerance. You have to be willing to adapt to what the client needs for their brand, which can range from your look to facial expressions to the emotion behind the clothing itself. Patience because you won’t always get the jobs that you were hoping for and that’s okay. Being turned down or negotiating rates is part of the process. It makes the wins so much sweeter.! Lastly tolerance, because you have to learn how to maneuver different people and different ways of looking at things.
My best advice for people who are new to the industry is to always have a good attitude and to pay attention to how you’re feeling. Are you feeling like you’re adapting too much? If so what does that look like? Are you staying true to yourself? Is your patience actually complacency? Pay attention to making sure your dreams are coming true while staying true to yourself.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My husband. He’s always supported me, been my body guard, given me advice, and at times been my human clothing rack.
It’s allowed me to develop so much gratitude. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have and the people that pitch in with their time. Ultimately his support has taught me the deepest levels of thankfulness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://numbr1statefan.wixsite.com/Riley
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rileyhundleywoodell?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Image Credits
Jessica Bratton Ewelina Slowinska Elena Velez Vogue Vogue Runway Elegance Du Monde Samuel Gaertner Joseph McCrae
