Embracing Natural Beauty: A Journey from Struggles to a Photoshoot

V.-Pietà Opens Up in This Honest and Empowering Photoshoot Interview.

Have you ever considered pursuing a modeling career?

It’s funny—I’ve never seriously pursued a career in modeling, though people have always told me I should. I’ve had a few moments that brushed up against it. In middle school, I attended a summer camp where I took part in a small fashion show. Later, in high school, I designed clothing pieces for my Capstone project and modeled them during my presentation. Then, in my freshman year of college, I joined a fashion show hosted by the school’s fashion club.

But beyond those moments, modeling was never something I really took the time to consider as a career. It always felt like something other people did. I didn’t realize then that my journey—my story—could be something others might want to see, too.

So How Did This Photoshoot Happen?

Well, ironically enough—it all started with my hair.

Honestly, my hair and I haven’t always been on the best terms. Growing up, I was raised by a Black father who, bless him, didn’t really know how to care for a little girl’s hair. On top of that, I was a Black girl navigating the Western world—where most of my peers had straight, easy-to-manage hair. Meanwhile, my kinky, coily texture required patience, time, and a kind of care that neither my father nor I truly understood.

At 12, I made the decision to get a relaxer. At the time, it felt like the norm for Black girls growing up in Western culture. Relaxers—those cream-based products that chemically straighten your hair. So for years, every three months, I found myself in a salon chair, going through the routine. But no matter how straight or “manageable” my hair looked afterward, I was never truly happy with it. It never felt like me.

Looking back now, I see how learning to care for your natural hair is a sacred rite of passage for many Black women, especially those raised in Western culture. It’s not just about hair—it’s about identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. If I had grown up in Haiti, where most women have similar hair textures, I might not have felt so “othered.” But in the West, it’s a different journey.

Fast forward to when I turned 23—suddenly, the bubble I had been living in popped. I found myself stepping fully into adulthood, yet still not at peace with my hair. Still holding onto years of discomfort and quiet self-criticism. I realized that in order to truly face myself, I needed to make peace with the physical feature I had always believed defined me. So, I made a bold decision—I cut all my hair off.

It was a bold move. But also—freeing.

As my natural hair grew back, so did my confidence. I began to see beauty in my curls, in my coils, in the texture I once tried to hide. And that’s when it happened,  it was this afro of mine that caught the attention of a photographer and saw something that aligned with his brand’s vision of natural beauty. That’s how the photoshoot happened. What once felt like my greatest insecurity became the very thing that opened a new creative chapter for me.

How did you prepare for the photoshoot in terms of hair, wardrobe, and makeup?

Honestly, preparation was pretty minimal. For my hair, I just washed it about five hours before the shoot—kept it fresh and natural. After my shower, I moisturized with cocoa butter and added a little lip gloss, just enough to feel put-together.

Wardrobe was definitely the fun part! The photographer had a clear vision for how he wanted to showcase the Culture by People T-shirt, the Jamaica tote bag, and the hoodie, so I bought a mix of outfits and accessories to play around with. I picked a few vibrant jackets that I felt would really pop with the shoot’s vibe, plus a variety of bottoms—from shorts to jeans—just to give us options and flexibility.

Makeup-wise, I kept it simple. We did light touch-ups on location—nothing too fussy. We didn’t even have a chair, which just added to the raw, real energy of the whole day. Fun stuff!

How Did You Prepare Mentally?

I usually put on some music and start dancing around in front of a mirror, just feeling the rhythm and letting my body move freely. It helps me loosen up, connect with myself, and find my energy for the shoot. Once I’m in that zone, everything flows—my poses, expressions, confidence. It’s about letting go and being fully in the moment. When you feel the music, the rest just falls into place.

How would you describe the location of the shoot?

The location felt surreal to me. We went on a bit of a mission to find the right spot, and when we landed on it, it just clicked. It was a caged overpass stretching across the 91, with graffiti covering the walls and a train line running underneath—it had this raw, gritty aesthetic that was instantly captivating. 

You could feel traces of human presence everywhere—beer cans, old spray paint cans—for a moment, it felt like we were stepping through someone’s makeshift bungalow.

The graffiti brought vibrant pops of color, and the mix of shadows and natural light created a striking and moody visual backdrop. It felt like the perfect contrast for the shoot—urban, textured, and full of character.

How did you respond to directions from the photographer during the shoot?

I think I respond pretty well! The photographer’s directions were clear and easy to follow, but what made it even better was the freedom to just be myself. It all felt really natural—once the camera lights up, it’s like something clicks. Kind of like a rotating Rubik’s Cube, I just moved with the moment, shifting, posing, feeling it out as it came.

Everything happens pretty quickly, so it’s really about being present—listening, staying open, and flowing with the vibe of the shoot. That energy exchange between photographer and model can really elevate the whole experience.

 

Which photos from the shoot are your favorites?

There are so many I love—especially the ones where the photographer just let me be myself. But if I had to choose, my absolute favorite is the shot of me in the black Culture by People hoodie with the ites, green, and gold Rastafari-inspired graphics. 

I’m all smiles, snuggled up in the softness of the fabric, and everything just felt so natural. There was this moment where the camera went off in a burst and truckers started honking their horns as they flew under the overpass—it was wild and kind of perfect. The energy in that moment really resonated with me.

We shot at the start of winter, so it was definitely cold out. We knew we’d be doing a winter-style shoot, but we also wanted to capture some summer vibes and a few creative classics. 

One of those was the trench coat, T-shirt, and shorts combo we had talked about beforehand—and it turned out exactly how we imagined. I really have to give credit to the photographer for his eye for natural light, and honestly, I think my natural beauty helped too! lol It all came together in such a cool way.

What are your career goals in the modeling industry?

Honestly, my goal is just to have fun with it. I genuinely enjoy being in front of the camera and being part of the creative process. Some aspiring models dream of walking high-fashion runways or landing magazine covers, and that’s amazing—but for me, it’s more about the art, the expression, and the experience. I’m not actively trying to turn it into a full-time career, but I’m open to seeing where it takes me. If opportunities come, I’ll embrace them. For now, I’m just enjoying the ride.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
This photoshoot has been such a meaningful experience for me—one that helped me grow, reflect, and embrace who I am. I hope something in it resonated with you or offered a new perspective.

V.-Pietà

 

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