Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Ross.
Sydney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I never had any confidence growing up. I grew up being called a tomboy and I was okay with that. I use to be called names for my big blue eyes, I would try to shrug it off although it made me feel “different” or like an “outcast”. I just wanted to focus on my hobbies to get me through it. I had a love for photography. I remember having so many photographers on my browse page on Instagram. I came across one well-known photographer named Steve Ellinger that had an elegant style that fascinated me. We had a conversation about his work via Instagram and I never thought I could be in front of the camera but he told me that it was my big blue eyes that made me stand out. Although he said he only has photoshoots with agency models he said he would love to have a photoshoot with me. I told my parents and they were shocked but were supportive of my new interest. My first photoshoot at 14 was everything I could have dreamed of in a studio in downtown Abilene, Texas. My parents were shocked by how I moved and the confidence that had come bursting out. I found my new love and passion for modeling.
As my portfolio grew, I was doing side work for my best friend’s mom who asked to use me in different gigs. After using me for so many events and people asking for me by the name she ended up asking if she could sign me. Now, five years later, looking back at my 14-year-old self, I never knew what I was capable of. I took a chance and it brought me to being in some music videos, flying out to LA for events and my messages being filled with people trying to work or shoot with me. I look at what I thought was a flaw of mine as something that makes me unique. I am now a college student at UT Tyler pursuing optometry (but still keeping modeling on the side) and when I become an Eye Doctor, not only do I want to help them see, but to help them see they are beautiful the way God made them.
Great, 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?
As long as you believe in yourself, who cares about what other people think? It’s your life, do what makes YOU happy.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I have done ambassador work for “Too Pretty Brand”, this company inspired me as they wanted to show women empowerment. I have been in a couple of different music videos. Just dancing and having a good time. I have done many gigs for the Dallas Hinton Hotel. I have done broadcasting for LiveMe as a paid broadcaster. Flew out to LA for an event on a yacht with them. I have been on the magazine cover of Provoke Magazine and had a couple of page article about me. I have done multiple runways such as Runway Dallas.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I believe women can do whatever they want as long as they put their mind to it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: sydneymarieross
Image Credit:
Steve Ellinger
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