Meet Terrell Starks

We were lucky to catch up with Terrell Starks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Terrell, 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?

Confidence is something I’m still continuously developing, but with time I’ve realized how vital it is—no matter what you’re pursuing or enduring in life. One of my earliest lessons came during my very first modeling casting in Chicago. I can’t remember the exact month, but it was freezing. I walked in with my Doc Martens soaked and covered in snow, leaving track marks all over the floor. What I didn’t know at the time was that the casting was for an underwear brand. Suddenly, we were all asked to change into their briefs and shoot—in front of everyone.
The room was filled with some of the most beautiful people I had ever seen—washboard abs, sculpted muscles, the kind of bodies you’d expect to see across the pages of a Sports Illustrated spread. I was so nervous that sweat poured from my armpits, and I couldn’t focus, let alone pretend to be “cool.” I ran to the bathroom to give myself a pep talk, but instead I broke myself down. That was the first time I truly questioned if I was “enough.” Even though it was a physical experience, it hit me mentally—unlocking self-doubt and insecurity in ways I had never felt before.
That moment taught me something important: confidence doesn’t come from avoiding fear, it comes from doing things while you’re afraid. Before modeling, I had a career as a chemical engineer and scientist—a field that many consider impressive. But for me, it was a safe space, something familiar. Stepping into modeling was the opposite. It was foreign, unpredictable, and built on instant impressions. You learn quickly that rejection is constant, and eventually you separate yourself from it—you stop internalizing every “no” as a reflection of your worth, and instead see it as just part of the process.
That mindset has carried me into so many areas of my life. When I wrote, produced, and directed my first film with my creative partner Nkosi, I was terrified. But we did it anyway. And there’s something powerful about trusting yourself enough to take risks, to mess up and then clean it up. Every time I’ve done that, it’s strengthened my self-confidence and reminded me that no matter the outcome, I can rely on myself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

At my core, I’m a storyteller. Modeling and acting have given me the platform to embody different roles and explore new perspectives, but I’ve found my greatest passion in using those experiences to create films that inspire, entertain, and empower. I want my audience to feel transported—whether that’s escaping into a world far from their own or discovering a spiritual pathway toward their dreams. For me, it’s about creating work that lingers with people, work that reminds them of their power and possibility.
Outside of film, I also bring my background as a chemical engineer and scientist into the beauty space. I’ve always been fascinated by the science of skin, and after years of research and hands-on experimentation—even testing ideas while on set—I’m preparing to launch my own skincare brand. It’s designed with intention, marrying my scientific expertise with a creative vision of self-expression and care. The first product is set to debut in Q1 of 2026, and it represents more than just skincare—it’s about helping people feel connected to their inner and outer beauty.
What excites me most is that all of these lanes—modeling, acting, filmmaking, and skincare—aren’t separate. They’re different ways of doing the same thing: channeling creativity, discipline, and heart into something that adds value to people’s lives.

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?

For me, the three qualities that have been most impactful are Courage, Faith, and Understanding.
Life can be intimidating, even terrifying at times, and without courage, we shrink away from the very experiences that are meant to shape us. Courage is what allows us to step into unfamiliar rooms, take risks, and become the people we’re meant to be. My advice: don’t wait to feel “ready.” Start scared, start unsure—but start.
The second is faith. Circumstances and optics can be misleading, and the path isn’t always clear. Having faith—whether that’s spiritual, personal, or both—gives you a deeper, more reliable vision when logic alone won’t sustain you. Faith allows you to keep moving when external proof hasn’t shown up yet.
Finally, understanding. Not everything in life is logical, and not every good thing will feel good in the moment. Sometimes the very experiences that hurt us are the ones that heal us. Understanding allows you to hold space for that paradox—to see pain as part of growth, and to trust the process instead of resisting it.
My advice to those just starting out: cultivate these qualities intentionally. Build your courage by doing small, scary things every day. Strengthen your faith by reminding yourself why you started, even when results aren’t immediate. And practice understanding—toward yourself and others—because growth rarely looks as neat as we imagine it will.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely. I would love to connect with creators, producers, and really anyone who is passionate about storytelling—whether that’s through film, digital content, or even podcasts. I believe collaboration is where some of the most powerful ideas are born, and I’m always inspired by people who are eager to create, craft, or reimagine stories in ways that move audiences.
If you’re reading this and feel aligned, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or connect with me on Instagram at @terrellstarks.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

April Alexander
Wojciechchristopher Nowak
Darshae Spells

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