December, 2014. Back when the rule was simple: don’t smile.
This was during my modeling years, when seriousness read as strength and neutrality was part of the job. You learned quickly how to hold a look, how to stay still, how to project something without explaining it.
Looking back now, I can see how that phase shaped more than just photos. It taught discipline, patience, and how to be comfortable under scrutiny. Different arena, same lesson: show up prepared, hold your ground, and let the work speak before you do.
(Photo source: Instagram.)