Hello all! And welcome to my first segment of my Spotlight series. I wanted to come up with a series that spotlighted some of the beautiful and creative people I have met on my blogging journey. For my first post I was able to meet with Noel Tapper. Noel is a model, among many other things -which we will get into a little later.
I first saw her walk for designer, Humble Connor, during Charlotte Fashion Week this year. Then later I was able to meet her in person at the Fashion Week Appreciation event a few weeks later. If I felt I was short before, it was nothing compared to standing next to Noel! At 6'1 she stands beautiful and proud, as she should!
Her story begins in Killeen, TX where she was born. A self proclaimed tomboy, Noel enjoyed spending time outside. From making mud pies to rescuing humming birds she was always able to put her creative energy to good use. "I always came home with my jeans torn at the bottom, or around my knees," she said. Playing Mortal Kombat was aother fun past time, she enjoyed. As she got older, that same creative energy was what got her into modeling. She used it as a way to grow as well as overcome insecurities. That is not always the easiest thing to do in the modeling world.
I first saw her walk for designer, Humble Connor, during Charlotte Fashion Week this year. Then later I was able to meet her in person at the Fashion Week Appreciation event a few weeks later. If I felt I was short before, it was nothing compared to standing next to Noel! At 6'1 she stands beautiful and proud, as she should!
Her story begins in Killeen, TX where she was born. A self proclaimed tomboy, Noel enjoyed spending time outside. From making mud pies to rescuing humming birds she was always able to put her creative energy to good use. "I always came home with my jeans torn at the bottom, or around my knees," she said. Playing Mortal Kombat was aother fun past time, she enjoyed. As she got older, that same creative energy was what got her into modeling. She used it as a way to grow as well as overcome insecurities. That is not always the easiest thing to do in the modeling world.
Noel explained how model calls can be intense. "The whole atmosphere of nervous models can be constricting, which can make you anxious," she said. Although she did mention that once the models begin to interact with one another and share experiences that they can all relate to there is a drastic shift in energy. However, there is a completely different intensity once you are in front of the judges. "I have been in front of some judges who are after a particular look and could immediately send you away," she explained, "while others are more diverse. It really just depends.
Hearing no is never easy! As a blogger, I have heard 'no' many times. But typically, it is over e-mail or inboxes. It is rare that it is to my face. But Noel has not let that stop her. In fact she has had some milestone moments in her career as a model! She walked for Humble Connor, as I mentioned earlier, during Charlotte Fashion Week in mid September. Then she was part of a sixteen member team that packed up and walked in New York Fashion Week just a few weeks later!
As a fashion lover and blogger, NYFW is certainly on my bucket list! What I would give to attend! So, I always relish in others' experiences. Thankfully, Noel indulged me! ;)
The overall experience was great! She had a great time. Interestingly enough, she said that commuting was a great experience. "I was able to meet a lot of interesting people, and they were very kind," she laughed.
But it is NYFW, and it is highly regarded. People flying in from all over to see these shows. There must be some nerves going on, right? To a certain extent, yes. Generally speaking, while she still gets nervous before any show, it is more an excited anticipation. Noel explained that as soon as she hits the runway her heart begins beating faster and adrenaline races. To keep her cool, she recites positive affirmations in her head. Whatever she recited when I saw her worked for sure! She looked focused and fierce as hell!
After shows, can be a different story. Sometimes, she explained, she just feels tired and ready to go. Other times, she feels energized and excited, it all just depends on the night. I can certainly relate to that.
Hearing no is never easy! As a blogger, I have heard 'no' many times. But typically, it is over e-mail or inboxes. It is rare that it is to my face. But Noel has not let that stop her. In fact she has had some milestone moments in her career as a model! She walked for Humble Connor, as I mentioned earlier, during Charlotte Fashion Week in mid September. Then she was part of a sixteen member team that packed up and walked in New York Fashion Week just a few weeks later!
As a fashion lover and blogger, NYFW is certainly on my bucket list! What I would give to attend! So, I always relish in others' experiences. Thankfully, Noel indulged me! ;)
The overall experience was great! She had a great time. Interestingly enough, she said that commuting was a great experience. "I was able to meet a lot of interesting people, and they were very kind," she laughed.
But it is NYFW, and it is highly regarded. People flying in from all over to see these shows. There must be some nerves going on, right? To a certain extent, yes. Generally speaking, while she still gets nervous before any show, it is more an excited anticipation. Noel explained that as soon as she hits the runway her heart begins beating faster and adrenaline races. To keep her cool, she recites positive affirmations in her head. Whatever she recited when I saw her worked for sure! She looked focused and fierce as hell!
After shows, can be a different story. Sometimes, she explained, she just feels tired and ready to go. Other times, she feels energized and excited, it all just depends on the night. I can certainly relate to that.
While I was fully intrigued from hearing her point of view of shows as a model. Noel continues to be fascinating in other avenues of her life. Outside of modeling, Noel also has several entrepreneurial ventures that she focuses on. Waist beads is one of her ventures. Waist beads, as she explained, "can be used for healing in every sense. Be that physical, emotional, or mental." The creator -Noel in this case- is especially important and she custom creates them for each individual. Which is why she likes to learn the story behind each person she creates for. This is incredibly fascinating to me, and I personally think warrants a separate post (you may see one soon!) but I also want to share some of her other ventures as well!
Hair care is another venture and for Noel it is particularly close to the heart. One of her biggest concerns when walking in shows, is how her hair is cared for. It has gotten to the point, where she will do her hair herself, before arriving to the show because some not everyone knows how to take care of her hair. She began to create her own hair care products. It began by experimenting with everyday products that could be found in your own kitchen. Things like "eggs, avocado, and mayonnaise." As it turns out, she makes a great avocado conditioner as well as a flax seed gel that she sells for an affordable price. Everything is natural. In fact, she said, "my Mother calls me tree branch because of my love for nature."
As we began to conclude the interview, I had one question I was dying to ask; who was your favorite designer to walk for? Humble Connor. Of course! I completely understand! I met Humble Connor and it makes sense. More on that later! Noel explained being "compelled by the intention of Humble's designs upon seeing them." "I felt valued and welcomed," she gushed, "I just can't wait to see how far she goes!"
Hair care is another venture and for Noel it is particularly close to the heart. One of her biggest concerns when walking in shows, is how her hair is cared for. It has gotten to the point, where she will do her hair herself, before arriving to the show because some not everyone knows how to take care of her hair. She began to create her own hair care products. It began by experimenting with everyday products that could be found in your own kitchen. Things like "eggs, avocado, and mayonnaise." As it turns out, she makes a great avocado conditioner as well as a flax seed gel that she sells for an affordable price. Everything is natural. In fact, she said, "my Mother calls me tree branch because of my love for nature."
As we began to conclude the interview, I had one question I was dying to ask; who was your favorite designer to walk for? Humble Connor. Of course! I completely understand! I met Humble Connor and it makes sense. More on that later! Noel explained being "compelled by the intention of Humble's designs upon seeing them." "I felt valued and welcomed," she gushed, "I just can't wait to see how far she goes!"
One story that Noel told me, I almost did not even need to write down -I did but I didn't have to because it stuck with me. It resonated with me a personal level. Noel started out so shy. So shy in fact she was thought of as special needs. She was afraid to ask for help. Yet none of that stopped her. And there was a story she shared about NYFW that was so simple, yet so beautiful. She was coming home after the show. She was on a bus from Brooklyn going to Queens. "I just felt a sense of accomplishment," she said, "like I had overcome any and all limitations. It was euphoric! I felt like I could do anything!"
You can, Noel!
And I for one, cannot wait to see you soar!
Special thanks to...
Noel Tapper for the time and energy in talking to me!
Natasha Anderson (located in Chapel Hill) the photographer behind these gorgeous photos!
And also the Creative Director, Corey Wilson (Located in Charlotte).
You can, Noel!
And I for one, cannot wait to see you soar!
Special thanks to...
Noel Tapper for the time and energy in talking to me!
Natasha Anderson (located in Chapel Hill) the photographer behind these gorgeous photos!
And also the Creative Director, Corey Wilson (Located in Charlotte).
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