Today we’d like to introduce you to Megann Mia.
Meggan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Modeling has always been something I’ve wanted to pursue since the age of 15. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the resources, access or now that I think of it the mental capacity to have done so. Here we are almost ten years later and I finally had decided to pursue it November of 2017. I had just settled down from some major shifts in my life and wanted to create a hobby that I could use to not only connect with my community but also connect with myself. And this November will be a year for me as a freelance model. When I first had the thought of modeling, I reached out to a good friend Cassie Negron for advice. Cassie has been in the acting and modeling scene for years and is signed and published. She gave me so much insight and confidence to per sue modeling and push past my doubts. But as months passed of me applying to agencies and getting turned down, I realized the true meaning of modeling. It was for me to define. It became more than being signed to an agency. As lovely as it would be to do commercial work, the reality is I don’t have a commercial friendly look. I am tattooed and I constantly evolve my style and hair looks. Most agencies looking to book models in the Midwest are mainly searching for commercial consistent looks in someone. And for now, that didn’t apply to me or my desire of how I saw modeling and what I could make it be. So, I began volunteering my modeling to local black and brown owned LGBTQ+ business. Throughout these photoshoots, I began to feel fulfilled and happy. Connecting with the energy and efforts and stories of these businesses was so validating for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Although it’s only been a year of my freelance modeling, I can honestly say it’s the most growth I have ever had. Every photographer, local business, designer, makeup artist, artists I have collaborated with have all taught me something. Patience with myself and expectations I have is something that was and continues to be a struggle. I am privileged in having access to a Mental Health Clinician where I have consistent sessions with a therapist. I struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other health issues. All of these combined on a day of a shoot or any day at that can really dictate so much of my energy. Anxiety loves to tell me that I’m not doing enough and creates a sense of urgency. When I am not operating at a capacity to use my coping skills anxiety will run its course and completely burn me out. But as we know, life is fluid and with my coping skills, I try to maintain a balance of energy while honoring how I am feeling. Self-care can mean so many things to me and I wouldn’t have been so consistent and driven without the help from my therapist, close family, friends, partner, and my amazing work environment. All of this to say, I am grateful for the people who cheer me on, the lessons I’ve learned and I will always be grateful for all of it.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Personally, I like to challenge traditional modeling which is being dictated by an agent, modeling for corporate-owned business, and shooting for commercial brands. I strive to know who and what is behind a brand, artist, photographer, and designer. How are they actively contributing to the many facets of Social Justice and the LGBTQ+ Community. It’s more than just standing in front of the camera and modeling. Modeling for me holds myself accountable for the energy I share with people. It needs to be acknowledged that as much as I love modeling I don’t stand to be used or exploited by white-owned businesses or corporate America for corporate consumption. We live in a time where accountability is finally carrying weight and this line of work is no excuse to turn a blind eye to injustices in order for one to receive a check.
For me, as a Queer, Non-Binary, Latinx, Mexican, Puerto Rican American I won’t submit to this complacency. I model for the many trials and injustices forced onto my ancestors. I work toward dismantling the toxic standard of what a model is “supposed” to be aka tall, cisgender, skinny privileged, White American. If I could, I would create my own modeling agency where we only book shoots for brands who operate at this capacity of accountability. Where I would have models who operate marginalized identities and should be paid for their time. It’s no secret that a lot of big brands who have the funds to create commercials, pay models a decent wage are predominately white-owned and have accumulated wealth built off of the backs of Black, Brown and NBPOC. I learned quickly that the only way I can do modeling is by centering myself, my beliefs and the communities I advocate for. I am my own model on my own terms and will never be controlled to a standard that is unattainable and Eurocentric focused.
So with this, I only book shoots that center, honor and are ran by local Black, Brown, NBPOC and LGBTQ+ brands, designers, photographers, and artists. Modeling my way is what makes me proud and having the stories, relationships, and projects I have had the privilege to be apart of are fulfilling. As a model, it’s my responsibility to acknowledge that the gap is even bigger and more barriers have been systemically and institutionally placed onto black, brown, nbpoc, and even more so for folks that are of other marginalized identities.
Recognizing my privileges, I uphold and how I have evolved my platform then naturally transitioned into my Yo Soy Megan Instagram page where I post a lot of articles pertaining to Social justice, as well as reposting and educating what is happening in the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ Community. Yo Soy Megan was was initially just a personal diary and now its evolved to asking myself and others ” What is happening?, Why is it happening?”, and “What privileges are you using to combat, dismantle, contribute or support people?” Overall, modeling has taught me a lot about accountability, as well as challenging traditions of modeling. I am growing into being my own agent while challenging the gender binary and the stigma on Mental health.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck and privilege are both interchangeable and not acknowledging so would be an injustice to the realities of the spaces I hold. I am very lucky and privileged to have a mom and brother who both hold steady and sustainable careers and income. I live with my grandparents in Pilsen who help out by giving me a roof over my head without charge. Both of whom helped me out and contributed to where I am today. Also, my phone, my Instagram pages and being able-bodied are just a few things that have all contributed to my life and business. The access to my Mental Health Clinician, to the food on my table when I get home. Are all facets of my privilege that I recognize and don’t take for granted. This very interview is just another avenue of how I can use my privilege to advocate and educate for folks who don’t have access to this platform. With all of this and pursuing education, I want to acknowledge “good or bad luck” and the privilege I hold and how I can use that to give access to folks who don’t have the same. The very fact that I can model freelance and not rely on it being my main source of income is itself a privilege and a hobby I am lucky to have.
Contact Info:
- Email: megannmiaa@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Mercedes Zapata Modeling Mano Y Metal, Matthew Theron Styled by Terrence Jackson, Diana Arreguin, TPVisions Modeling House Of Zola, Mayra Cortez, Bee Hernandez Modeling La Carnalita
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