Today we’d like to introduce you to Mykel Gadson.
Hi Mykel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was blessed and fortunate enough to live a pretty good life from a stability perspective. Like most families we had our struggles mentally, financially and emotionally, but with a motivated mindset, we were able to pursue a steady and productive lifestyle. Growing up in San Diego, CA. felt like a surreal reality that played a big part into shaping me into the woman I am today.
With both my parents being high-end business executives (my mother is an author, Vice President and Financial Center Manager in the Banking industry and the CEO of her own company, while my father is the President/CEO of a luxury car dealership), I wanted to be able to make a name for myself in the high-end fashion world of Modeling yet also taking a dip into politics. However, life as a POC young woman growing up wasn’t necessarily as easy as it may have looked from the outside due to the pressure I felt. It was a constant battle when it came to self-identity and learning to be authentically me while striving to prove that I could also be successful based on my own merit and abilities.
With the constant doubt from family members, teachers and friends laughing at the notion of me reaching my dreams without the help of my parents and thinking I was completely out of reach and close to impossible to obtain my dreams, this only motivated me further to succeed academically, mentally and ethically. So based on my strong academic performance and letters of recommendation, I received the honor of being invited to attend Harvard University, the university’s competitive seven weeks summer school program in Boston, MA where I was fully immersed in the college experience on scholarship. I was given the opportunity to challenge myself academically while earning college credits based on completing both a law and writing course (which always intrigued me since being able to make a change in the world of law was always a dream of mine) while staying on Harvard’s campus. I also studied alongside other undergraduate students, graduate students and working professionals. This helped me broaden my perspective, build a lasting network of diverse individuals and gain a better understanding of other cultures and future dreams.
While the course work was extremely rigorous, I established motivated-based habits early on that continue to be beneficial. However, even though I wanted to be able to change the world in a prestigious way like in the life of law & politics, modeling was something I could never let go of. Being able to express myself behind the camera was a gift I never thought would be opened. To feel free and expressive in the way I look was such a rush of incredible energy that made me feel complete. With consistent long nights of tears and resisting the pressure to change myself, I was honored to receive a five years modeling contract from Brand Models and Talent Agency in Los Angeles, California and another contract from Sigal Models and Talent in Columbus, Ohio.
Being gifted with contracts from high-top agencies was not the only tip starter to my modeling career. I was also able to grace being the front cover of Vigour Magazine, Horizont Magazine and featured in an 8 page spread of Moevir Magazine. Not only were assumptions shut down that I couldn’t make a legacy for myself, but instead shifted to that it was my destiny to make a name for myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Living the way that I have, most of my life definitely has more pros than cons, thankfully (because life could definitely be worse). But the cons shaped me into the woman I am today. Not fitting into certain “stereotypes” is a big part as to why I’m such a strong advocate for breaking stereotypes for young women like myself.
Even in present times where diversity, equity and inclusion seem to be at the forefront, there are still many times where the color of my skin seems to be a factor in some capacity. It’s ironic because I often found that I was viewed as too “ghetto” for the white community yet too “white washed” for my own community.
Once I learned that I couldn’t control how others thought of me, I started putting more effort into just being my authentic self and challenging myself to create my own legacy of inspiration for others seeking to be something great in this world. My mom once told me that our job is to grow through what we go through. With being aware of my capabilities set out for the world, it’s only helped me to have confidence in my ability to persevere over any circumstance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Modeling. It’s not only an area of my life where I get to feel “pretty” but a place where I can express myself through physical traits of art. I specialize in Editorial, runway, print, commercial and more. I’ve typically been recognized more for my work in Editorial and runway, but all parts in the modeling industry hold a valuable and special place in my heart. However, even with all of it being glamourized in the public eye, editorial placements will forever seduce me. Being able to hold the position of being a magazines front cover while a young girl holds it up & analyzes it while thinking to herself, “If she can do it, so can I.” is the goal I strive to endure. Being a daily inspiration to others and using my voice for the ones who can’t seem to find theirs is the only mission I need to complete. I’m proud to be able to sacrifice my daily needs in order to get others theirs. Not only do I want to be a voice in modeling, but in all parts of everything I do. After time in the modeling industry, I plan to advocate my voice into politics and seek to activate justified change.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Life is a never ending journey of finding yourself and deciding on your reasoning for being here. Even when the doubt starts creeping in from anxious self-thoughts, “friends”, family and other negative contributions, never give up. Being put in tough situations is the outcome for only one thing: to have you come out stronger. Strength and dependency on yourself worth is key to feeling justified in your placement on earth. As you start to feel the sense of inspiration, take that and run a marathon with it. Don’t lose sight of what you’re aiming and destined for all because of the unknown and comfortability you placed yourself in. I thought living a small life would keep me satisfied since I wouldn’t have to deal with the constant wandering eyes and malicious voices that hold the power of judgment and belittlement. Yet, living life for others isn’t the way we’re supposed to live life at all. We’re supposed to live for fulfillment in ourselves and enjoyment in daily movement. Don’t let the lives of others dictate from living yours and achieving your dreams that can turn into reality.
Contact Info:
- Email: gadsonmykel@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mykelgadson
- Facebook: @mykelgadson
- Twitter: @mykelgadson
- Youtube: @mykelgadson
Image Credits
Photographer: Adrian Topia
