We were lucky to catch up with Cade Wood recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cade, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
The greatest thing that I have learned along my journey is, you cannot care about what other people think.regardless of anything you do, there will always be people who judge you, make fun of you, or have an issue with what you are doing. People are different, we have different priorities, passions, dreams, and aspirations, so you should pursue what excites you!
Modeling and social media excites me and is what gets me out bed each day knowing that I am pursuing my passions and going after my dreams. Once you figure out the thing that ignites a fire in you, that is what you should pursue.
The greatest quote that has stuck with me is, “You have to move different, if you want different.” Without altering your habits and routines to optimize your day and productivity, you will not start to be successful.
Throughout the last few years, I have not drank, smoked, and I have to eat a clean diet to maintain my physique so that I can look my best, and be ready for the opportunities when they present themselves. This made me a bit of an outcast, but I saw the vision of where I wanted to go, that made it a lot easier to stay disciplined.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I recently just completed New York Fashion Week (NYFW), and that was an extremely exciting experience! There is nothing quite like the energy of New York. Also, getting to model in New York is just such a euphoric feeling that I am very blessed to have experienced.
My modeling career has quickly shifted into fashion as well as fitness and this has been quite a change from everything that I am used to.
An exciting shift has been getting to work for Playboy as a male model, which always tends to turn heads and get people’s attention. This has been an amazing experience and they are one of the best companies I have ever worked with!
To me, there really is nothing like being on a set. The energy, the lights, the cameras, the music, having people make adjustments is such a great experience! It provides such an addicting rush for me and I truly enjoy what I do.
An exciting launch has been my social media campaign with “Fix Your Lid,” which is a men’s hair product company that creates amazing gel, pomades, and everything to help men feel their best.
I just want to inspire people to go after their dreams, and pursue that fire inside because it is such an addicting feeling!
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?
There is a lot I have learned, and a lot I am still learning, within the modeling and social media industry. They are difficult industries to be in if you do not have a love for it, and if you cannot handle criticism.
One of the most important things I have learned is that you cannot take anything anyone says personally (whether it is good or bad). People will tell you what they think about you based on how THEY are feeling in that moment. If an agency, director, or another individual has something negative to say about you, it has to roll off of you like nothing happened. Noting is ever a personal attack, they just have a specific look they are going for and you may or may not fit it.
Another important quality to have in this industry is confidence. You must be able to have enough self-confidence to put yourself in a position to be judged by others. Whether it’s going to a casting, a shoot, a runway, or posting on social media, it is imperative that you are confident in yourself. Confidence is not walking around saying, “I’m better than everyone,” it is simply saying to yourself, “I don’t need to compare myself.”
On the flip side, a crucial characteristic is being able to be able to be self-aware. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses, be able to take constructive AND destructive criticism, this will allow you to work on the the areas you my fall short and work to your strengths.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always looking for eager photographers and brands to work with!
My Instagram DMs are always open to people who want to work. I truly love being around eager and ambitious people who want to better themselves. I also genuinely love what I do, so I will never turn down an opportunity to work.
I also want to help smaller creators or people who want to break into the industry, so if anyone ever has any questions, I will always make time to help educate people.
Like I stated earlier, I am always willing to work, so don’t hesitate to shoot me an email for a booking or an idea you have.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadejwood/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cade-wood-a0166023a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cadewood
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cadejwood?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Corey Wilkes Haley Nicas LaVida Mia
