Interview With Arielle Hunt
Ethnicity: African American
Profession: Currently enrolled at Temple University, studying Kinesiology, in hopes to go on to Physical Therapy
Current Location (Country): United States
Instagram Username: @ariellee_elizabeth
What inspired you to get into the modeling industry?
Being a dancer is what brought me to modeling. I started modeling because as a dancer, pictures would be taken of me while I was on stage performing.
Then I started to do dance photoshoots with different photographers outside of performances. I was inspired to get into the model industry because I knew I had a very unique look.
People would always stare at me, and I knew it was because I looked different. I wanted to use it to my advantage.
How long have you been modeling?
I would say I have been modeling for about 4 years now.
As a model/aspiring model, do you think that it is important to have a large following?
I think my generation gets consumed in who is the most popular or who has the most followers, but, I’ve tried to tell myself that as long as I stay true to who I am and post content that reflects that, I can’t worry about who’s following me and who is not.
I believe my time will come and things will work out, if I have a million followers or not. I just try to stay positive about it, speaking personally.
But, it is undeniable that you are at a greater advantage when you have a large following.
Who is your favorite model?
Tyra Banks is definitely the first person I think of when it comes to my favorite model.
She has been such a huge role model to me and my generation ever since I was younger.
Watching the different shows and movies she was in, as well as her modeling career and the way she carries herself, is very admirable.
Were you ever camera shy?
Yes, definitely. I used to be very shy when I was younger because I was always teased for looking different.
So I was always to myself in situations where I didn’t feel comfortable.
It definitely took me some time to get used to feeling comfortable with myself enough to have confidence in front of a camera.
Have you ever been published in a print or digital magazine before?
No, I have not. I have been pictured dancing in newspapers and on television.
What’s something a guy can do to get your attention?
Make me laugh!
What’s an instant deal-breaker for you?
Not having any goals or aspirations.
What is your ideal first date?
Some type of competitive sport activity like ping pong, bowling, basketball, etc., food and then ice cream for dessert. 🙂
Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I am a huge Drake fan and have to listen to him at least once a day. He completes me.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of myself for accomplishing things that I didn’t think were possible, through hard work and determination.
Even after being denied and turned down I never let that stop me and I really like that trait about myself. I am proud that I am so self motivated to get to where I want to go without needing a push from anyone else.
I have learned so much through having to work for everything I have, and I believe there is true beauty in struggling for what you want.
What’s your favorite healthy snack?
- Smoothie bowls!
- Bananas and peanut butter
Did you have any mentors who greatly impacted your career or growth?
The owner of Ms. Carol’s Center for Dance, the dance school I trained at since the age of three years old had a big impact on my growth.
She was also the ballet teacher for almost all levels. She was the nicest dance teacher I’ve ever had and she never had to scold her students because we all respected her so much.
She always saw potential in me. She always made me feel comfortable in my own skin at an age where I was struggling with that.
She showed us the technique of ballet and wanted us to be very confident when dancing. She was the reason why I fell in love with ballet and dance in general.
She gave me the platform to come out of my shell and start to showcase my talents. She saw my strengths when other teachers didn’t.
After she died of breast cancer I knew I had to continue to make her proud in my dancing and as a person.
Do you have any tips for aspiring models who are trying to break into the industry?
I would tell them to put themselves out there. You can miss out on so much by waiting for things to come to you.
I’ve learned you have to be aggressive and go out and get what you want or someone else will.
Never be comfortable in where you are, always push the boundaries because the sky is the limit.
What do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as a light. Someone that gives off rays and beams of positive energy. Someone who could always brighten up your day when you’re feeling down.
Someone that has a radiant spirit that shows through her dance, modeling, teaching, and everything she does.
