Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Carrasco.
Ivy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 15 years old, I was approached by a published model named Rebeka Wilson while we were both giving our dogs their daily walks. She recently moved right behind us on the next street, but my family and I saw her often in the neighborhood. She asked me if I had ever modeled before and I told her I have when I was younger. I did a couple of photoshoots, attended the casting calls for John Casablancas and John Robert Powers, but it didn’t get me anywhere because all they wanted was my money, not my talent.
She then proceeded to tell me that she was walking in a fashion show on August 12th coming up, which is my birthday. My heart started beating really fast anticipating on what she was about to say next. Rebeka asked if I wanted to assist her in the show, and I said ABSOLUTELY!!!!! When the day of the show came up, I mentally prepared myself for my first fashion show as an assistant, however, I did not leave the show as an assistant. I left as a runway model.
The reason I say that is because, during the show, I was pulled into a scene and was asked to try something on. I told the designer that I was one of the model’s assistance and she said: “well you’re my model for this scene, please put this on.” I looked over at Rebeka to see if it what, okay, and she gave me the thumbs up for it. I then agreed to wear the garment and get in line ready to walk. When I tell you I have never felt so confident in my life. Rebeka was the one who opened the door to my modeling world because she put me in touch with so many individuals that I still keep in contact with till this day.
Since then, I have walked in Black Women’s Fashion Week, Chicago Fashion Week, Black Women’s Expo, Midwest Fashion Week and so many more. Modeling allowed me to gain my confidence and discover this woman I am meant to be. I didn’t have the best childhood growing up, so I used acting, singing, drawing/painting, and modeling as my escape from reality because these talents allowed me to be my true self. I wasn’t judged, looked at funny, or made fun of while expressing my talents and that made me feel amazing. I love modeling and I am looking forward to the career ahead of me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some of the struggles I have had to face were the no’s/rejection’s I got when I went to a casting call. I was either, too short, too tall, too dark-skinned, or too many tattoos (I only have two by the way lol).
At first, I would get extremely upset and start doubting myself when I didn’t make the casting. Then I realized that everything does happen for a reason, and I am a FIRM believer of that statement now because I have been through so much pain which allowed to mold into the strong Black and Mexican woman I am today.
I am unapologetically me, and I am proud of it. I don’t have to hide my true self because being me is who I am supposed to be. I let go of the idea of fitting in and accepted the fact that I am supposed to stand out. When I was told no, I thought that was the end all be all, but that’s not the case. When I am told, I simply say to myself “Okay, it’s not my turn yet.”
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a freelance model/singer/dancer/actress/painter/costume makeup artist and body painter. I am more known for my bodypainting and modeling recently due to the work I have been putting up on my social media.
I am most proud of the fact that when I am introduced to someone they have an idea of who I am already because they’ve seen my work on social media or someone told them about it. That is a huge accomplishment for me, and I want to continue this grind until I no longer have to introduce myself.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Chicago is a great place to start, but not a place to stay. Atlanta or LA are the two places I have been considering to move to further my career. If someone came up to me and told me they wanted to take modeling seriously, I would tell them Chicago is a good place to build your foundation.
The photographers, designers, and fashion producers in this city are great to work this, however, if you look at the modeling industry in Chicago, they are VERY picky about who they choose to represent them. That’s why I feel like Atlanta or LA would be a better fit for me because of how I look and my ethnic background.
Pricing:
- Bodypainting: $150
- Costume Makeup Artist: $100
- Collaboration: $75
Contact Info:
- Email: fernanda_carrasco2017@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyofficial___/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FernandaSummerGirlCarrasco
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IVYOfficial___
Image Credit:
ted-photographer, jerry alt-photographer, Clarke University
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