Mode Around the Globe: Olay Noel
Mode Around the Globe: Tulum, Mexico
Olay Noel
@olaynoel
Photographed by SHAUN VADELLA @vadellaphoto
Videography by COLE CHRISTOPHER @thecolechristopher
CONRAD TULUM RIVIERA MAYA @conradtulumrivieramaya
When did you begin your career as an influencer/model?
I began my modeling career in 2013 when I moved to NYC from Georgia and signed with my first modeling agency. It was a bold move because my mother expected me back home for college in a few weeks, but I had other plans.
What was the highlight of your trip with Modeliste?
The highlight of this Modeliste trip was rappelling into the underground cenote! I’m still surprised that I was brave enough to do it considering my fear of heights. Dangling from a rope in the middle of an underwater freshwater cavern is an experience I’ll never forget. It was stunning!
City getaway or tropical getaway?
TROPICAL TROPICAL TROPICAL!
I thrive in blue water with sunkissed glowy skin. Plus the food is always more fresh and delicious!
Do you have any exciting upcoming projects that you can share with our readers?
I am releasing my first single called Flowers next month (bday month) and am so excited to start this new chapter in my life and career. I hope you all listen, follow and love my art and if you feel compelled to share it with your friends as a birthday gift to me I thank you in advance.
3 items you cannot leave your house without?
While on our Modeliste trip I realized how important these 3 things are to me. I never packed my bag for the day without my water, Bluetooth speaker to create incredible vibes and handy dandy tripod to make sure I didn’t miss a moment to capture a quick TikTok.
What is something about yourself most people would be surprised by?
I am a pretty good roller skater. I have been skating since I was 8 years old and it’s one of my favorite hobbies. The skating rink allows me to forget all my worries and just glide.
Which products are you loving this season to stay hydrated?
The Image skincare lip enhancement is currently in my pocket because I literally cannot leave the house without it. It keeps my lips hydrated and supple all day! I always keep a tube of Weleda Skin food by my bedside to rehydrate my hands overnight and it works wonders.
How do you balance your work life and your personal life?
I wear a few different work hats as a model, artist, entrepreneur, and influencer so work and personal life are forced to become one. I live across the country from my family so I do my best to schedule facetimes with them to stay close. Luckily many of my friends are creatives as well so we plan content days where we can catch up, grab a bite, and even workout together.
Girls night in or Girls night out?
Girls night in! I love an adult slumber party where we can laugh, eat junk food and gossip all night like teenagers. Secretly, I am an introvert so any opportunity to stay home in my cozy pjs and pop in a movie I’m in!
What is your favorite makeup trend right now?
Makeup for the body! I love using body glitters and bronzers to add a beautiful ethereal aesthetic to my overall look.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My older sister Nzinga. We often joke that I’m the older sister because I’m generally the more serious and reserved between the two of us but she is fearless and I have always admired that about her. She lights up any room with her infectious personality and beautiful smile and I’m so proud of all she has accomplished unapologetically going after her dreams of being an actress.
What makes you feel confident?
Knowing the feeling of being insecure, and realizing nothing positive can come from it. Shrinking serves no one but letting your light shine will subconsciously give permission for others to do the same.
The best advice you can give someone who wants to pursue a modeling/content creator career?
There is only one you! Strongly believe that and play to your strengths while always learning and becoming the best version of yourself everyday. The journey never ends and that’s what makes life exciting.
What would you like to say to your fans/followers?
Thank you for seeing me and giving me an extra boost of confidence when I need it most. I know I will make you proud and blow your mind in the years to come.
