Meet Zoe Lenn

 

We recently connected with Zoe Lenn and have shared our conversation below.

Zoe, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Modeling has literally been my backbone. I started modeling based on me being bullied in school. I became very depressed and insecure about the way I looked. I was uncomfortable in my own skin even though from a young age I was always reassured that I was beautiful. I decided to use my creativity and modeling as an outlet for this emotion. My self-esteem and confidence developed over time as I experienced the feeling walking on a runway with my hair, makeup and beautiful outfits. All the lights, the cameras, audience and atmosphere made me feel beautiful and bought out a side of myself that I didn’t know existed before. Modeling has given me a platform where I can be myself and express my beauty however, I choose. To be honest, sometimes I still feel insecure and have low self-esteem but in my moments of sadness and self-sabotage; I remind myself that I am beautiful, I am kind, I am able, I am strong and that I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I just have to go out and do it. Affirmations will take you a long way in life because as long as you believe it no one can tell you any different.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am Zoe Lenn, I like to describe myself as a “jack of all trades.” I express my creativity in various ways such as modeling, makeup artist, hairstylist, singer, writer, songwriter, instrumentalist, poet and up and coming designer. As mentioned, I started modeling based on my insecurities and I decided to use my creativity and modeling as an outlet for this emotion. It also made me feel accomplished and powerful. I grew up around other young black girls who also weren’t happy with what they saw in the mirror or what society tells you, “good looks” are supposed to be. I use my platform to empower and inspire young ladies of all races, shades, colors, sizes that no matter where you step on this earth that you’re are beautiful! I want to especially reassure black girls that look like me and insecure about their appearance that we all are beautiful in our own skin in our own way, and anyone can do it if I can. You should not let anyone, or anything take that from you no matter their platform, no matter where they stand, don’t let anyone take your beauty from you, “CAUSE BABY, BEAUTY IS SKIN DEEP! I am a makeup artist and CEO of Beats By Lenn and I create art on my clients for all occasions and also work with production teams as a lead MUA in fashion shows, photoshoots and I have been featured in over 30 magazines with my own makeup and other models that I have been credited. My music is also an art that speaks to my life experiences and pain that I have overcome and some that I still manage. My book and clothing line launch is forthcoming and hopefully will be released in 2025. I look forward to gracing the runways in upcoming fashion shows during NYFW and others.

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?

Three important qualities to have when being successful in the industry are; discipline, hard work ethic, and consistency. I would say to my fellow models that are starting off to never compare yourself to anyone because that is when you self-sabotage by questioning your authenticity and uniqueness. YOU’VE GOT THIS! Never forget you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to so just do your best. Another tip is when casting accept the “No”, ask for feedback, and improve. Remember practice makes perfect.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe trying to be more well-rounded is more innovative because often people tend to put all of their eggs in one basket unaware that they might be really great in another task. I also believe developing yourself is key and when you are great or know how to do many things that tends to open more doors and reveal more opportunities for your success. For example, I am a runway model, but I also do many other things such as music videos, print, commercial, mannequin and have a wide skill set that truly opens the eyes of many of my employers and/or business partners, because they see that I am flexible in many categories. This also gives you a chance to sit at many tables and have a variety of self-improving experiences and conversations.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credits by PhotoTREnic Tre’ Issacs, Images by Comfesta Oluwaseun Asade, PBL Studios/Photos by Lance Mills, Whats Good Visual. Big Redz Lens J. Innis, J Angels Photography Jose Angel, sbsk productions, Optics for Us LLC.
Designer Credits by Bad Pink.cl, J’Bri Designs, Munah by Priscilla, Timmy Ajulo, Critiquestyle, Perfect Population by KL Allen, Sunkisseddba, I.Y.B.O. Clothing

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