We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mae Renee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mae below.
Mae , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I honestly had never heard of “Imposter Syndrome” when I first started out, and I wish so much that I had.
I had no idea why I felt the way I did when creating my art, wondering if what I had made was even worthy enough to be viewed amongst all the amazing and talented people that I admire in my industry, obsessing literally over every detail of what I was making to ensure perfection, and then feeling crappy when I eventually didn’t post because I had convinced myself that I didn’t like what I had made or have a project not hit the way I thought it would and then feel like what I had made was mediocre at best. Like was I even really a Model? What was I doing?
But once I was able to recognize what these feelings were, once they would begin rising up, it made it easier to allow the them to leave as quickly as they had appeared.
Almost all of our lives we are told by society, friends, family, significant others, social media, etc. what is expected of us as we progress in our lives. So when we step out of those comfort zones or boxes that we were expected to be in, it can feel as though one is “faking” the life that they have envisioned and are making for themselves.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is still a work in progress for me, as I reach new levels of my modeling career I find those self-doubting thoughts try and creep their way back in. One thing that has honestly helped me so much with overcoming imposter syndrome was a line I heard on one of my absolute favorite artist’s, Qveen Herby’s podcast. In one of her episodes about finding your purpose and what to do with it, she says several times – “We need your art”. I now tell myself this quite often when I need that extra little push to show the world what I can do!
As cliche as it sounds, I remind myself quite often that I am the only me, and that is the best part of this wild ride! The art I make, makes me happy and as long as I can share that happiness with at least one person and brighten their day, or inspire them to share their art too then everything that I have done and been able to accomplish, no matter how awkward it felt along the way, was worth it. This IS real, and I am so delighted to be able to keep sharing my art with the lovely people that are on this fantastic ride with me!
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?
My name is Mae Renee and I am a professional Model and Actress.
I started this exciting journey almost 4 years ago.
Modeling and acting has always been in my life in some way or another.
When I was in my early teens I attended a Modeling school right after moving from California to Houston, and knew then and there that this is what I wanted as my career.
My philosophy is “chase what sets your soul on fire” For me that’s modeling and acting! There really is no other feeling like being in front of the camera honestly!
I am always looking to work with amazing local boutiques, brands, designers, and other fellow creatives.
When I am not on the runway, or on set, I am hanging with my my kiddo and fur babies!
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?
Time management, organization, and a hell of a lot of patience are three qualities that have been most impactful to me.
Time management is a MUST especially when you are the only one that is pushing yourself when you are a freelance Model. You don’t have an agency that is submitting you to jobs, setting up your shoots, or any of that! You have to be as efficient as possible when it comes to this industry, stuff moves QUICK. For every one of me that wants to book a show or work with a designer there are 20-30 more people behind me that want the SAME thing. You have to move quick and you have to do it right!
Organization is KEY to success around here! You have to think of yourself as a business, YOU are YOUR OWN boss, I always think to myself “If I was at a job where someone else was in charge, I would be HUSTLING to get my work done to get that bonus, why not apply that same principle to modeling?” I have about 3 calendars and a stack of notebooks that I keep on deck so I can make sure I don’t miss anything!!
Patience is a big big one, being in the entertainment industry, being a content creator, influencer, tic-tocker, whatever you want to call it, takes so much patience. Overnight successes don’t happen overnight, it takes years of dedicated hard work, and, you guessed it, patience! Haha
As easy as it looks, making content takes time, I honestly will re-film a clip at least 5 times, sometimes you get lucky and you get it in the first one or two shots….sometimes. I cannot tell you how many times sound bits get stuck in my head because I had just spent a solid 45 minutes to an hour filming and editing something that only lasts a whole 60 seconds at the most.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely I am looking for folks to partner and collaborate with!
I am always on the look out to work with local brick and mortar boutiques, online boutiques, designers and photographers. I also love to partner with brands for commercial shoots!
Being able to work with fellow creatives to create something is the most rewarding and satisfying feeling!
If anyone was interested in working together I can be reached via email at maereneemodeling@gmail.com or through my insta @_maerenee
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_maerenee
- Facebook: @mae.renee.modeling
Image Credits
Brittney Shea Photography Lanza Manage Photography FB Studios Black Traxs Photography Touch of Artistry Makeup Carol Loves Beauty
