Meet Fresh Face Natalie Vulevic
James Roundtree
1. What has been your biggest challenge on your creative journey and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge on my creative journey has been drowning out the noise. What I mean by this is; when you follow your dreams and try to do something out of the norm (like modeling, acting, hosting) there can be a lot of people filling your mind with doubts. I believe this is simply because most people are scared to be different, scared to take that risk. Perusing your dreams or becoming an entrepreneur takes sacrifice, sleepless nights, and hard work. I think throughout my journey when I tell people about my goals, they think they are far fetched or unrealistic. It takes a special kind of mindset to not let the opinions of others dictate how you feel about yourself or what you’re doing. I’ve been rejected, not taken seriously, and unappreciated, but I respectfully agree to disagree and keep pushing. You have to know the power you hold. No one is you and that is your power.
2. What are some facts that your fans don’t know about you?
Some fun facts my fans my fans don’t know;
I’m 100% Albanian. My mother came to America from Kosovo and my father came to America from Montenegro. I’m first generation born in the USA.
I love Hip-Hop. From early 90’s rap all the way to present day. I can probably tell you every fact there is about the rap culture and artists. I’m very into the music industry. Music has always been a passion. The music and the lyrics take me somewhere else, and I relate to it in my own way. Like Lupe Fiasco said “Hip-Hop saved my life”
America’s Next Top Model is what made me fall in love with modeling. When I was a little girl my sister and I would watch every cycle religiously. So thank you Tyra Banks!
3. What advice do you have for an aspiring model or host?
My advice to any aspiring models or host would be to just GO FOR IT! Get started! Do your research! Learn the craft! I’m telling you this like I tell myself everyday- you can do ANYTHING you want with hard work and the right attitude. It’s so easy for people to settle... don’t do it. Reach as high as you can. And most importantly BELIEVE in what you’re doing. If you don’t believe in yourself why would someone else believe in you? No matter how many rejections or obstacles you just have to say “okay, onto the next one” and don’t stop until you get where you’re going. I’m still doing all of this myself.
4. Our theme is “Embrace Your Bold”. How have you "embraced your bold?"
How have I embraced my bold? I would say by completely going against everything I’ve ever known or believed to chase this dream. I had a very tough childhood all the way through my teenage years. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a good life. However, growing up I’ve been through a lot of tragic things. So when I got older I didn’t understand the value of having the right mindset. I wasn’t motivated, I was lost, didn’t know what I wanted, but one day I woke up and thought “there has to be more for me”. I’ve always felt special, like there was a fire inside me. So I decided to go against all odds and try modeling at 20 years old. Most girls start modeling in their early teens when their parents sign them up. I started from nothing. No idea how to pose, no connections, not a clue! But all I did was believe in myself and kept pushing through the tough times. I still am! To me- I think that’s bold.
Instagram handle @natalievulevic
Image credits:
James Roundtree (2 images)
Joe Matos
Claire Marchand
Fransios Joseph
Michael Buan