We recently had the chance to connect with Laney Rhiannon and have shared our conversation below.
Laney, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me joy lately is being with my girl friends. We make each other laugh and cry, we talk deeply about our passions and dreams, and we support each other through the good and bad times! We love to go shopping and to get a bite to eat. I believe that you can get through anything in life with some amazing women by your side, because I have seen it first hand.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Laney Rhiannon is a North Carolina–based model, writer, and content creator whose work reflects both artistry and authenticity. With a thriving modeling career at the center of her journey, Laney also pours her creativity into side ventures like painting and developing Model Behavior, a planner/journal designed to inspire and empower others in the fashion world and beyond. Through her art, her projects, and her presence, Laney strives to show that success isn’t defined by circumstance, but by the courage to believe in what’s possible
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
People pleasing. I spent a lot of my life doing things that I thought others wanted me to do, rather than doing what I wanted to do. I spent a lot of time pleasing others and being a ‘yes’ girl that I started to lose sight of who I am, my identity. However I am reclaiming that now. I am done with the people pleasing tendencies and I am learning how to set boundaries with not only myself but with others too.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think you learn the most lessons about life and yourself through suffering. Life without suffering sounds nice, but it wouldn’t be worth it in my opinion, because how are you supposed to learn valuable life lessons and continue your growth as a human? Suffering in human life serves to teach people things like resilience, compassion, and perspective. It makes us grateful for the good times and the good things in our life as well. The things I have suffered through life til this moment have shaped me into the person I am today, and it reflects the growth I have had to endure to be successful.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies that the modeling industry tells itself is that it has to be rigid, strict, and exclusive. Nowadays there are campaigns that tote inclusivity, but that begs the question – inclusive to who? The challenge of inclusivity/exclusivity in this industry will be a source of downfall if not remedied. Surface-level inclusivity campaigns don’t always match what happens behind the scenes in castings, contracts, or pay equity; what we really need in this industry is transparency and actual inclusivity in not only how the model looks, but what is happening behind the scenes that does not sound so glamorous.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story of me with inspiration and optimism. I hope they tell people about my humanitarian efforts, and my personal successes in not only my modeling career, but in my relationships I had built with those around me. I want to be remembered for how I made other people feel! I hope they also tell people about all the embarrassing moments in my childhood that I cringe at now, but will look back on fondly in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laneyrhiannon.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laney.rhiannon?igsh=eml1MG54NDJycTRs&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@laneyrhiannon?si=cFxbTte3GTLN0Au5
- Other: Model Behavior Planner: https://a.co/d/9gCwJpA
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.for.rhiannon?_t=ZT-8zZ9XJnGltF&_r=1
Image Credits
Elliott (@Elliottimages on Instagram)
Rex (@arcdecocine on Instagram)
Allen (@allennopphoto on Instagram)
Michael Warner (@warnermphotography on Instagram)
