Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayne Almodovar.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. But I live all my life in the Anzoátegui state.
Art has always been my passion. I started dancing, singing and drawing at a really young age. I joined a Dance company and danced until I came to the United States in 2002. I was part of the choir in high school, and I participated in singing competitions, winning a variety of prizes. I also sang professionally at the hotel where I danced at, and they were always waiting for me to jump on-stage and sing as the opening act before our dancing presentation. I’ve participated in numerous model pageants, what with being a participant in the Miss Venezuela preliminaries back in 1997. I was crowned the same year as Carnival queen in the city of Puerto Piritu, and I participated as a contestant in the Puerto La Cruz Carnivals. In addition to that, I would always be sketching and doodling in my notebooks. Because of drawings from artists in general, they were classified as “starving artists.” I just kept my writing and drawings to myself.
Years passed, and I never graduated in anything because I was never really connected to any career in particular. That was until I decided to move to the United States. Once I arrived, I just did what every immigrant does when they get to this country: work! Work on anything that will pay me, so I can survive in this country. I worked to have my Zumba license and my Group Fitness Instructor Certificate with no luck. Then I decided to move into photography because I’ve always dreamed of been part of the Fashion Industry here in Orlando and I started working as an official Photographer at the Orlando Fashion District. I’ve met many industry professionals and my work as a Photographer people and gave me the opportunity to be part of the 2018 Orlando Fashion Week, 2019 New YorkFashion Week and other various fashion shows here in Orlando. I was invited to be a Photographer at the Fall into Fabulous show where women empowerment is the main topic. I started doing photography makeovers to empower women in the Orlando community. I’ve been a speaker in many Orlando Women empowerment meetings while always promoting women’s empowerment. I’ve worked as a seamstress of one of the major theme parks here in Orlando that gave me the opportunity to meet the artist and public figures in the entertainment industry.
At the same time, I even worked behind the scenes with ice skaters, singers, musicians, hosts, and a lot of renowned people in the entertainment industry. I finally decided to open my own photography studio and my dance academy; but due to a physical condition that worsened by the day, with the addition of the worldwide pandemic, that dream was shattered before it started. I lost a lot of money and I never could open my studio. I went through neck surgery, and while I was at home deciding what to do next with my life, I was resourcing on drawing, soon realizing that this was a therapeutic outlet in the meantime. So for now, I’m just at home but my creativity hasn’t stopped. I keep drawing, painting and creating, looking forward to 2021. I have already been contacted to teach Modeling and Runway classes and helping as a photographer on a new and promising project that will give the Orlando Fashion Industry a new and fresh concept.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, of course, not. There’s no success without struggles. It’s been a bumpy roller coaster ride. I’ve been shut down so many times. I had so many people turn their back to me. Growing up, my life hasn’t been easy living in an undeveloped country, being mistreated in so many ways, sometimes going to bed on an empty stomach. I was bullied and by classmates to the point that no one talked to me during the last semester of my middle school. I quit school and started working at a very young age to help pay for housing expenses, soon moving to the United States to live a better life. Being an immigrant in a country where you don’t know the language is also hard. I felt that I was working harder than that everyone else and never was taken into consideration when promotion time came around, constantly. All While all the promotions and the praises were given to the ones that didn’t really seem to care about the job but got away with so many things. That’s when I decided to really start my journey as an entrepreneur. Even though I’m still struggling, I feel better knowing that I’m making a change in my life while also helping and hopefully changing the lives of others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist, period! I love creating; I love being busy making my ideas a reality. I dance, sing, draw, paint, write… I’ve been in front of and behind the scenes my whole life. I’m a fashion photographer, and I’m really proud of my knowledge of the fashion industry. That has set me apart from other photographers when working with models, especially when the models are kids or new to the Industry. My experience as a mom, as a model, and working for many years in the Entertainment Industry has helped me to pass my knowledge to others and to be kind and understanding to newcomers. Without letting me get all this to my head, really keeping me grounded, giving me physical and emotional balance.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
To all the readers, without being afraid to sound like a broken record, love what you do and do what you love. That is truly how everything works, no matter what people tell you. Simply put, you are and you will be whoever YOU want, always be happy with yourself!
Contact Info:
- Email: jayalphotography4@gmail.com
- Website: https://justmeandmyart.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justmeandmyart4u/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCenXef0CPaeWSEGNRPRbTg
Image Credits
Jayne Almodovar, Emily Ann Cancel
