We had the good fortune of connecting with Laney Rhiannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laney, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always had that creative spark inside of me since I was a little girl, so I pursued a creative career. My creativity is everything to me – it has gotten me through some really dark times and it has made the good times even better. Growing up I would write different stories and create drawings to go along with them. My creativity was always praised by the adults in my life and I think that was a big factor in my continuing of my creative pursuits. When I discovered that I could write fictional stories and create narratives with posing and composition as a model, and those stories would reach and relate to others is when I knew that I could turn my passion into my career. In my opinion, connecting with others is the greatest feat one can overcome in a creative career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a reflection of who I am—an intricate blend of storytelling, beauty, and emotion. As a model and content creator in the fashion and beauty industry, my work is all about celebrating individuality, creativity, and the power of transformation. But my artistry doesn’t stop at modeling—it extends into creating planning journals and social media content that inspires others to embrace their own uniqueness.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to authenticity. Whether I’m in front of a camera, painting on canvas, or crafting a story, I want my audience to feel something real. I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to intertwine my passions, using each medium to amplify the other.

Getting where I am today didn’t come instantly – it took a lot of hard work. Early on, I struggled with self-doubt and the pressure to fit into industry standards. However, I learned to embrace my individuality and to lean on my creativity as my greatest strength. I also found support in my community, and that has been instrumental in helping me navigate the ups and downs.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Every challenge—whether it’s a rejection, a creative block, or a moment of uncertainty—has pushed me to evolve both as an artist and as a person. I’ve also learned the importance of taking care of myself, mentally and physically, so I can continue to create and give my best.

One thing I want the world to know about me and my brand is that everything I create is driven by purpose. Whether it’s a striking image or a planner/journal for other models, I want my work to inspire people to see the beauty in themselves and the world around them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect day in Charlotte:

– Getting brunch at Famous Toastery
– Going thrifting at Thrift Pony
– Playing with kittens at Mac Tabby Cafe
– Walk around the Mint Museum
– Dinner at Little Mama’s
– End the night with drinks at Sycamore Brewing

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to a couple of people and organizations:

Ana Celeste, her Network Night events all over NC, and her Discord server for models.

Joe Michaels for his mentorship.

The Charlotte Fashion Collective for creating a community for creatives to thrive.

All my friends and family who support me in all my crazy endeavors.

Website: https://laneyrhiannon.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laney.rhiannon

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laneyrhiannon

Other: Model Behavior Planner/Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRCKJH58?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_CSFHWB9XAREWH88KR385&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1

Image Credits
Joe Michaels
Paul Fisher
Elliott Williams

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.