Meet ReShonda Parker | Professional Model, Jewelry Designer, Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with ReShonda Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ReShonda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Growing up, I was bullied from elementary til middle school. Back then, I didn’t see a future anywhere near what it is now. I’ve always been so afraid because of that, to try. I stuck with what felt comfortable and safe. I stayed either my comfort zones and because of that I feel I missed out on so many amazing opportunities. When I became an adult my mindset started to change and I found myself wondering ” What if?” a lot. I had my first child at age 21 and I knew that I wanted her to see a mother who she’d be proud of . Prior to having her I got into modeling. That to me felt like one of the biggest risks because with the childhood I had , I definitely didn’t feel I could do it. I started when I was just 13 years old. My mother put me in classes hoping that it would bring me out of my extreme shyness. What I didn’t know was that it would be the beginning of an extraordinary life. I got back into it after sitting out for 15 years because I got married and had children. But it was always in the back of my mind. In 2019 after my separation, I stepped out on faith and the stars became brighter.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an award winning and Internationally published professional model. I was blessed to have also worked in several major movies, tv show episodes and music videos. I am also a runway model, boudoir model and cosplay model. I feel what sets me apart from others is my grind and the fact that I become characters and bring them to life in photo shoots. I am always working and networking. I never think that I know everything either. There is always room for improvement and I’m always learning something new. I’m also very appreciative of people who have supported me , been there from the beginning and those who have prayed for me. I also love to support others. I am thankful to all my photographers and people who have been a great influence on me and my career. I sincerely appreciate all of my followers and friends. I am most proud that I never gave up. I am 46 years young and life is only beginning for me. I feel I got to where I am today because of God. He has opened many amazing doors and I am grateful for them. Professionally I am grateful for all of my photographers who helped me create beautiful images that would catch the attention of magazines and others in the industry. Today I am published in 65 magazines with 3 being Internationally ( Paris, France and Athens, Greece). When it comes to something being ” easy”, I don’t ever think anything is easy. The things worth having never are. It takes hard work , determination and passion to pursue what you love. I had to also get out of my own head. I had to tell myself that my age didn’t make me any less than the model who’s in their teens and early 20s. What I had to do was be my biggest fan. I had to adopt that mindset. Like with everything I do from being a mother of 3 amazing kids and a designing my jewelry I had to give it my all. The lessons I’ve learned were great. One was how to love myself. I learned how to value myself. I leaned that hard work does pay off and that dreams do come true. I learned about people too. I learned who’s truly there for me vs who is there for the moment. What I want the world to know about me is that I don’t believe in quiting and giving up is never an option when you truly want something. I want to encourage people to keep dreaming and to chase that dream until you catch it. If people knew my childhood and all.of the things I’ve been through they’d understand why they shouldn’t allow anyone or anything to stop them. I’ve been through traumas like molestation , rape, loss of 2 babies and survived a tornado. I feel strongly that we all have a purpose, it’s just finding it. As far as my brand goes as a model and as a jewelry designer I want people to know that I’m extremely passionate about what I do and I love what I do. I want to make people smile because in that I find true joy.

In 2012 I was judged by the Supermodel IMAN in an online competition and won her challenge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had to take someone visiting anywhere I would say maybe New England . It was so beautiful there when I was visiting with my fiancé. I would take them to Vermont and let them experience apple cider donuts at the Apple Barn ! We would travel to Maine and have the best seafood and enjoy the sights. We’d go to Massachusetts and enjoy the foliage. It’s so amazing there and I thank my fiancé for introducing it to me. So I’d love to share that with someone else ! The people were amazing and very kind. I loved everything about the North and think everyone needs to plan a trip there..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to God, my grandmother who raised me to believe in myself my 3 children who make me a better human being and my fiancé Patrick who supported and encouraged me when I was down on myself. I also want to thank Chi Illochi who has always been a sister and friend to me. Thank you Chi for letting others know about what I do. Much love to you.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/reshonda_parker

Image Credits
Photographer: Ricalous Lewis @riclewisphotography Angel Wings: Kayla Douglas @kayladouglasartistry Dress: Sew Trendy Designs @sewtrendyaccessories Backdrop: @babydreambackdrops Lighting: @stellaprolights