Model Taylor Tookes on Breaking Barriers and the Power of Mindset

In a candid interview, model Taylor Tookes shares insights into the often-unseen realities of the modeling industry, emphasizing the crucial role of mindset and self-belief. Tookes recounts a surprising moment on a shoot and delves into the less glamorous aspects, stressing that success in modeling hinges not just on appearance, but on a deep-seated conviction in one's own potential. Tookes explains how she actively chooses to disregard negativity and project her own success, a philosophy that has proven invaluable in navigating the industry. Tookes' interview provides a refreshing and honest perspective on the modeling world, offering valuable advice for aspiring models and creatives alike.

You’ve worked with some incredible brands and photographers. What’s been the most unexpected or surprising moment on a shoot?

During one shoot (about 2 years ago), I was actually very surprised when a makeup brand I shot for gave me literally every product for free. I was working on my birthday and they knew it was my birthday.. Usually, when you're doing a shoot for a makeup brand, you don't get to keep the makeup at all. They literally gave me a whole suitcase of makeup impromptu just for my birthday... 

Modeling often looks effortless, but there’s so much behind the scenes. What’s one thing about the industry people might not realize?

People don’t realize how much of the industry is about deciding you belong. It’s not just about looking good in front of a camera—it’s about knowing you’re the one who's made for this and carrying yourself like it. I never saw barriers because I’ve always decided they don’t exist for me. That mindset is everything. The industry shifts to reflect what you assume is true about yourself. If you tell yourself you're going to be successful, then you will. You have to tune out other people who give their unsolicited opinions or project their failures onto you because you're not them and your story is different. In short, without all the yapping I just did, people don't realize how much it's about mindset. Every successful person in it somehow knew if they tried, they would make it, whether it be immediately or eventually. Persistence is everything.

Every model has a signature look or pose—what’s yours, and how did you develop it?

No idea.. I didn't think I had one until I looked back at my photos. I tend to do this curl thingy with my bicep and lift it over my forehead with my hand in a fist, as if I'm kinda shielding myself from the sun. Maybe living in Miami all your life does that to you and makes it second nature, I dunno haha.

If you could model for any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?

Christian Siriano. He will always be my answer. I think he is probably one of the only designers who is so vocal about what it means to be inclusive. He isn't just all talk to save face at ALL. He truly understands that inclusivity isn't a trend, everyone wears clothes, every body type exists and everybody deserves to look slay. His runways literally show that he understands. 

You’ve likely worked with all kinds of styling and makeup looks. Is there one that made you think, “Wow, I could totally rock this in real life”?

Actually, for the most part, I haven't been able to rock many looks though I want to. Often, when I am walking a runway show or shooting for a brand, they always choose to leave my face and hair as is because they cannot match my skin tone nor do they know how to apply makeup to my skin tone. It sucks but I'm also very fine with it because I don't really wear makeup much anyway besides a good lip-liner and lipstick.. Although, there was this one look I did with Daniela Escobar. The makeup artist was Jess Hearts Beauty. She gave me a really cool blue look that I'm obsessed with to this day. I'd wear it anywhere.

What’s your ultimate runway walk song—the one that makes you feel unstoppable?

Someone mashed together S&M by Rihanna and a song by Ayesha Erotica.. It's always a trending sound on Instagram and probably TikTok too. That one's great. 

If you could switch places with any other creative for a day—an actor, musician, or designer—who would you choose and what would you do?

Literally any huge casting director and I'd cast an all-petite lineup for a large brand. 

What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your modeling journey so far?

Probably to just ignore people. I know that sounds awful - but I mean ignore people who are stuck in this "trying" mindset and "failure" mindset. A lot of people have tried projecting their failures onto me - whether it be petite models who could never hit the success they wanted or other creatives with the "it won't change because we've been trying for years" mentality.. I've always understood that I'm not them and their story is not mine - but after reminding myself of that, NEVER identifying with their failure and projection & constantly proving it to myself - I saw how easy it was to put myself and my concept forward. In every impactful room I've entered, people have been very on board and receptive to what I do and I'm very grateful for that. Again, like I said earlier, mindset is everything and someone else's story is not your own. Just because this person consistently fails does NOT MEAN that's gonna be your story too. 

Where can we follow you on social media? 

Instagram: @taytookes