Tanaye White Left Her Defense Career to Become a Model — and Now She's in Sports Illustrated

Published on July 17, 2020 at 3:57 PM

Tanaye White worked for the third largest defense and aerospace agency in the world prior to starting her journey with Sports Illustrated. She described the experience to me as "so crazy!", having competed in SI's Swim Search competition, which led her to become 2020's exclusive Afro-model in the annual issue. Soon after, Tanaye was featured by Victoria's Secret and O Magazine. She had always dreamed of becoming a model, but her parents valued education and a solid career, advising her to put modeling on the back burner.

"I think some people think that smart women can't be beautiful or vice versa, and that bothers me a lot."

After earning her Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Maryland and her Master's in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University, Tanaye was working when she applied for the Swim Search on a whim, and when she became a finalist, she felt she was treated differently. "I noticed that some of my team members would push back on my proposals, question my input, or undermine my suggestions more than normal . . . I think some people think that smart women can't be beautiful or vice versa, and that bothers me a lot. At work, I had to reinforce my input and back my recommendations with more data than I had prior to my 'modeling secret' coming to light. I had to fight to be taken as seriously as I had been before."

If anything, the experience must have motivated Tanaye even more. She was flown to Turks and Caicos to shoot with Sports Illustrated's longtime photographer Yu Tsai, and the result is a beautiful editorial that displays her undeniable talent. Tanaye shared some behind-the-scenes photos with POPSUGAR from her SI adventure, and explained why she feels it's important to use her platform as a model now more than ever. Scroll down to read about her take on the industry she broke into in such an empowering way. "Most girls start their modeling careers as teens, so I am beyond grateful to have this much success as a 28-year-old," Tanaye said.

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.

PS: Why Is Sports Illustrated a great place to start your career?
TW: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit practices what they preach. They are all about women empowerment and I think that's why the company has been so successful showing women of all shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and ages. The editor team is all women who gets us and listens to us — even the Swim Search finalists! They make you feel comfortable, seen, and cared for. I cannot believe that I am a part of this family after ogling over their magazines for years.

PS: Do you have a favorite swimsuit, memory, or moment from shooting in Turks and Caicos with Sports Illustrated?
TW: My favorite swimsuit was this metallic burgundy bikini that probably is the tiniest swimsuit known to man! It was covering all the important parts, of course. I felt very sexy in it. But as revealing and teeny as the swimsuits look, they're actually very comfortable to be in. Every now and again, you just have to pick that wedgie. But I think my favorite moment beyond the shoot was playing with the puppies at Potcake Place [a local animal rescue center]. I am a huge dog-lover, so I was in heaven!

"So many people have spoken out, condemning racism and promising to do better in supporting their Black models, photographers, and hair and makeup artists. It's time for us to see the action behind those words. We're all watching."

PS: The industry has a long way to go, but what strides do you see Sports Illustrated taking to expand representation?
TW: I was so excited when Sports Illustrated announced Valentina Sampaio as their first-ever transgender model. I am so proud to be a part of this history-making brand that's been pushing the envelope and highlighting diversity of all women for decades. Recent current events have sparked conversations among brands and agencies about diversity and inclusion, which I love. So many people have spoken out, condemning racism and promising to do better in supporting their Black models, photographers, and hair and makeup artists. It's time for us to see the action behind those words. We're all watching. In a year's time, I hope that it all rings true.

PS: How are you using your own platform to continue the conversation about representation and diversity in the industry?
TW: I feel that as a Black person, and more specifically as a Black model, we always have to tiptoe around issues to avoid coming off as "aggressive" or "difficult to work with." I really found my voice after George Floyd's murder and I want to use my platforms to be more vocal about things that matter to me. I see my father in George Floyd and my mother in Sandra Bland. Fighting against social injustices is personal to me. And I also want to highlight the importance of taking care of your mental health. I suffered through depression as a teenager and was once suicidal. So I always try to share with my followers that it's okay to feel, cry, and take time for yourself. Self-love is the best love.

PS: Do you have any future modeling endeavors you want to take on?
TW: I am dying to walk in New York Fashion Week. I am obsessed with LaQuan Smith's clothing and I love how diverse and empowering his shows are. They are a whole vibe. I also would love to secure a beauty campaign. Pat McGrath and Fenty Beauty are some of my faves.