We had the good fortune of connecting with Allysa Mariano and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Allysa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from the Philippines but I currently live in Charleston, SC. Growing up, my mother was very strict on me and the stereotypical Asian mother you can think of. I was taught to aim for straight A’s and to put my heart into everything I do. Thus leading me to work hard in anything and everything. Which has helped me a lot throughout life and in my modeling career/hobby
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to keep my professional life private, but just know…it took A LOT of tears to get to where I am today. I was in a really bad and toxic work place at one point and it really drained the life out of me. My mental health was really bad and I was at an all time low for a couple months. And now, I am at a place where has everything I could have ever asked for in a job – great people, great work environment, opportunity for growth (which was a big one for me), good schedule, good pay, and I smile every time I’m at work. I just want people who are struggling to know it gets better
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them out on the boat…..a lot. Something about being on the water is so freeing to me. I’d take them to downtown to explore and sight see, take them to my favorite brunch place (Lost Dog or Pages Okra), then a really good dinner spot (I honestly can’t choose, I have too many favorites). Not really sure in all honesty but I know it would consist of a lot of eating and beach/boat days
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly…I just want to thank all the photographers I’ve ever worked with (and will work with). Before I started modeling, I would NEVER in a MILLION years ever believe I was pretty enough or good enough to do something as amazing as this. I hope they all know that they have each contributed to the confidence I have in myself today. I use to have zero confidence in myself and never thought I was pretty. I still struggle sometimes for sure, but my self confidence has grown SO much ever since I started modeling. And to all of you, I am forever in your debt
Website: allysakayemodeling.com
Instagram: @allysa_kaye
Twitter: @allysa__kaye
Image Credits
Personal pic: Bradley Havens First pic: Bradley Havens (bikini/wet hair look) Second pic: Sean Evans (grey top and jeans look)