POPSUGAR: You put your defense career aside to focus on your childhood dream of becoming a model. What made you want to shift gears?
Tanaye White: I tried out for the Sports Illustrated Swim Search [a competition that gives aspiring models the chance to be featured in SI Swim's annual issue] on a whim. I was reminded just how much I loved modeling and how it truly fulfills my creative passions. Modeling is like being able to make art every day. After making it as a finalist as part of the Sweet 16 group, I realized it was time for me to live for myself.
"I'm a huge admirer of Ebonee Davis. She's a former SI model with natural hair and brown skin and she is doing incredible things. I see myself in her, and that makes me feel good to know that women who look like me are successful in this industry."
I moved out of my apartment and back in with my parents and saved a little egg nest in preparation for pursuing modeling full-time. While my parents initially stressed the importance of career stability, they were surprisingly supportive. They saw how badly I wanted this dream and figured that if it didn't work out, I would have my Master's degree to fall back on. It was a huge sacrifice and I was terrified to make the leap, but I am so happy I did.
PS: Do you have any role models in the fashion industry that you look up to?
TW: I have to credit Tyra Banks for everything I know about modeling. Growing up, I would watch America's Next Top Model then go into the bathroom, stare in the mirror, and practice my "smize," working on my movement from head to toe without forgetting about my face. I hear her in my head when I'm working. I'm a huge admirer of Ebonee Davis. She's a former SI model with natural hair and brown skin and she is doing incredible things. I see myself in her, and that makes me feel good to know that women who look like me are successful in this industry.
![POPSUGAR: You put your defense career aside to focus on your childhood dream of becoming a model. What made you want to shift gears?
Tanaye White: I tried out for the Sports Illustrated Swim Search [a competition that gives aspiring models the chance to be featured in SI Swim's annual issue] on a whim. I was reminded just how much I loved modeling and how it truly fulfills my creative passions. Modeling is like being able to make art every day. After making it as a finalist as part of the Sweet 16 group, I realized it was time for me to live for myself.
"I'm a huge admirer of Ebonee Davis. She's a former SI model with natural hair and brown skin and she is doing incredible things. I see myself in her, and that makes me feel good to know that women who look like me are successful in this industry."
I moved out of my apartment and back in with my parents and saved a little egg nest in preparation for pursuing modeling full-time. While my parents initially stressed the importance of career stability, they were surprisingly supportive. They saw how badly I wanted this dream and figured that if it didn't work out, I would have my Master's degree to fall back on. It was a huge sacrifice and I was terrified to make the leap, but I am so happy I did.
PS: Do you have any role models in the fashion industry that you look up to?
TW: I have to credit Tyra Banks for everything I know about modeling. Growing up, I would watch America's Next Top Model then go into the bathroom, stare in the mirror, and practice my "smize," working on my movement from head to toe without forgetting about my face. I hear her in my head when I'm working. I'm a huge admirer of Ebonee Davis. She's a former SI model with natural hair and brown skin and she is doing incredible things. I see myself in her, and that makes me feel good to know that women who look like me are successful in this industry.](https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/Jzhh-00tiGXYF4pZzhaWHwMmusw/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2020/07/17/765/n/1922564/d62fc7fe55195f8f_X163246_TK7_00005wm/i/POPSUGAR-You-put-your-defense-career-aside-to-focus-on-your.jpg "POPSUGAR: You put your defense career aside to focus on your childhood dream of becoming a model. What made you want to shift gears?
Tanaye White: I tried out for the Sports Illustrated Swim Search [a competition that gives aspiring models the chance to be featured in SI Swim's annual issue] on a whim. I was reminded just how much I loved modeling and how it truly fulfills my creative passions. Modeling is like being able to make art every day. After making it as a finalist as part of the Sweet 16 group, I realized it was time for me to live for myself.
\"I'm a huge admirer of Ebonee Davis. She's a former SI model with natural hair and brown skin and she is doing incredible things. I see myself in her, and that makes me feel good to know that women who look like me are successful in this industry.\"
I moved out of my apartment and back in with my parents and saved a little egg nest in preparation for pursuing modeling full-time. While my parents initially stressed the importance of career stability, they were surprisingly supportive. They saw how badly I wanted this dream and figured that if it didn't work out, I would have my Master's degree to fall back on. It was a huge sacrifice and I was terrified to make the leap, but I am so happy I did.
PS: Do you have any role models in the fashion industry that you look up to?
TW: I have to credit Tyra Banks for everything I know about modeling. Growing up, I would watch America's Next Top Model then go into the bathroom, stare in the mirror, and practice my \"smize,\" working on my movement from head to toe without forgetting about my face. I hear her in my head when I'm working. I'm a huge admirer of Ebonee Davis. She's a former SI model with natural hair and brown skin and she is doing incredible things. I see myself in her, and that makes me feel good to know that women who look like me are successful in this industry.")
