Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanni Brown.
Hi Yanni, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory
Well, I always knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion industry. As a kid, my mom would set up different photoshoots for my older sister and I and people would always tell my mom that we should model. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school in 2018 that I decided on my own that I wanted to take modeling seriously. So BOOM! I actually started modeling for my mom’s friend’s boutique, “Truly Jazzy Boutique”. Which led me to being more active on social media. As my photos started fluctuating through social media, that’s when local photographers starting reaching out to me and more followers continued. So keep in mind at that point, I didn’t know a thing or two about the industry lol! I literally was just having fun and trying to get comfortable in front of the camera. With graduation right around the corner, I felt so much pressure from different angles. I was stressing out, trying to figure out if I could make modeling a career or if I should go to college like most of my friends were planning for. I didn’t realize at the time that there were different types of models or modeling routes I could go.
So, I started networking more with photographers and locals that were in the industry. I did my own research and I began discovering myself more every photoshoot and trying to figure out what type of modeling I wanted to do. I took a leap of faith and chose modeling as my career path. Thankfully, I’ve always had my mom by my side, supporting me every step of the way. Before graduating from Cedar High-school class of 2019, I had the honor of meeting Sydney Escada who was a former model and who is a creative director. She put me up on a lot of new information that would help me a lot on my journey. We began collaborating on creative short films and photoshoots. Working with her, has been one of my greatest experiences because she has been a great mentor for me along the way. Working with her, I’ve also been featured in several music videos for different verified artists such as KCamp, Yella Beezy, Young Dolph, Trapboy Freddy, Mo3 and many more, which you can find all on my YouTube playlist (YouTube: @Yanni Brown). Because of her, I have met so many talented creatives such as photographers, videographers, creative directors, fashion designers, wardrobe stylist, models, makeup artist and hairstylist that I have grown great relationships with. I still work with all of them to this day.
Later on, I attended a casting call where I met Willie Johnson which is a mother agent of “J3 Productions” here in Dallas, Texas. The casting call was for a Model and Talent Expo that many legit agencies across the Nation come to scout new talent and possibly get signed. Excitingly, I was selected to have the opportunity to attend the Expo. I knew at that point that there was a lot of work to be done and I was ready to invest in my career. After committing myself to Willie’s workshop program, I started attending different workshop classes such as hair, skin, and nails; acting; and runway, just to name a few. Taking acting classes helped me come out of my shell more and taught me how to be more expressive. So I took a chance and attended a casting call for a movie called “The Brothers Game” that was held here in Dallas. Expecting only to be scouted as an extra for the movie. Little did I know, they had me in mind for two possible lead roles. Then I was chosen to play as the character “Nova”, a love interest of another main character in the movie. So, that was a big accomplishment for me. While working on the movie, I continued getting ready for the expo.
At first, we only had three months to prepare for Expo, but due to the Covid Pandemic happening the date was pushed all the way to November 2020. So, it actually worked in my favor allowing me to get more prepared while practicing lines for the movie, all while still modeling and taking more workshop classes. Between modeling, acting and trying to stay safe during the pandemic, I was blessed to still stay consistently booked and create content. I was able to get published in my very first magazine, “Pump Magazine”, which I also unexpectedly made the front cover of. Fast-forwarding to November 2020, I then attended the Model and Talent Expo, which was one of the best investments I’ve made yet in my modeling and acting journey. I was able to meet with top tier agencies face to face and showcase my new found acting talent and modeling skills. I auditioned for five consecutive days. I had an amazing outcome from attending the Expo. Not only did I win third place, adult female monologue winner, I was also scouted by nine different agencies! The Expo was the most exciting and humbling experience I’ve had so far.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would definitely say it has not been a smooth ride at all. Transitioning into modeling from high school was a stressful experience for me. I felt the pressure from so many angles, such as my teachers, my family, and close peers, who all wanted to know my future plans and I didn’t want to let them down. I was told so many times by so many people that modeling wasn’t a career and I needed a “plan B”. Thankfully my mom has always been very supportive and always believed in me to make the right choices for myself.
I remember being in tears stressed out in my room and my mom came to me and realized my passion and said she admired my drive. It was then that she told me that modeling is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication and that she was ready to fully support my career choice. Since then, she has been at just about 99% of all my photoshoots, video shoots, and sets. Lol! Recently I have discovered that one of my struggles was initiating conversation in a room full of people I didn’t know. Having a pretty face will only get you through the door. It’s all about the relationships you make with people. I’ve had to get out of my comfort zone more because I’m a very shy person until I get to know someone, So modeling and acting have taught me to overcome my biggest fears.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for modeling and acting full time. I’ve done print modeling, product/commercial shoots, fashion shoots, and I’ve walked in multiple runway shows. I’m proud to say that I am also published in four different magazines now! Although modeling is my passion, I’m also working on perfecting my acting skills as well. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been filming on and off this past year for “The Brother’s Game”, but it’s a great story and I can’t wait for everyone to see the movie, so stay tuned! Honestly, my patience, faith, and dedicated attitude come from the heart. I’m always in constant competition with myself, I’m always trying to do better than the last time. So at times, I can be hard on myself. So I can definitely say that I am proud of my support system which is my mom, sister, and close friends. No matter what, they are always there to uplift me and keep me motivated. What sets me apart from others is that I’m only 19-years-old, I’m a fresh face, and I’m just getting started so this is only the beginning for me.
What are your plans for the future?
I have so many future plans, but right now, I can say that I plan to keep doing what I love, bringing visions to life, creating great relationships with creatives from all over, signed to an agency that scouted me, and hopefully get featured in more films to come. I still have so much work to do. I’m just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Email: Yannibrownbookings@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Yannibrown_
- Youtube: Yanni Brown
- Other: Clubhouse: Yanni Brown
Image Credits
Avion Thomas Demarcus Williams Daryl Anassi Jessy J.
