Who is Valentine Rontez?
My full name is Valentine Rontez. I identified myself as African-America for most of my life, until I did some soul searching. My Ancestors are from Benin-Togo Africa. I was born and raised in Queens, New York, United States.
How did you become a model?
After getting fired from my Doorman job at the Gucci Store on 5th avenue New York I went through a depression and felt lost. My sister took some of my Facebook photos and posted them on Modelmayhem.com, I then received a message from Jahn Hall (photographer) who was interested in shooting me. We took “Beauty shots” in his stairwell & his warehouse studio. After working with Jahn I rushed to New Jersey to shoot with my good friend Christopher Horne.
While there Jahn contacted me and told me Sean Bennett from Specimen Model Management wanted to represent me. I sent Sean my polaroids and from there he scheduled meetings all around NYC to meet with different agencies. I was declined, but Sean had saved the best for last.
I met the casting director Michelle Lee who was casting for Calvin Klein, there she trained me and taught me how to walk the runway. I found a side gig doing catering incase the door for modeling did not open. Later that day at work, Sean called me with surprising news that I was confirmed for a Calvin Klein exclusive contract in Milan Italy for fashion week. IMG was then interested in signing me.
If you had to describe your road to success in 5 steps, which 5 steps would that be?
Firstly, I found God & built my faith & courage with his promises as my meditation.
I needed to love & accept myself, to embrace the fact that I am a perfect imperfection.
Develop perseverance & a hard work ethic.
Practicing good sleep and eating healthy was a major culprit for my mindfulness.
Remain humble in balance with knowing your self worth.
How did you get the idea to make a video about showing people how to model?
I get countless of direct messages from people all over the world young boys & girls 15 – 40 asking for advice. Most have the dream but do not know where to get started. I replied to as many as I could on a daily. Then I decided to make a video because visuals work better then words.
How is life living as a model?
Modeling allowed me to focus on what my soul desires and visit places in the world I would have never imagined I would be. I have had the opportunity to meet so many inspirations that expand my mind to new dimensions. Although I am not much of a night life person parties overseas are extremely fun.
What are some of the downsides of being a model that people never talk about?
The uncertainty of anything. Anything could happen and if your looks a re not desired in the business that means business stops for you as well.
The basics of becoming a model
The basics of becoming a model PART 2.0
Would you ever design your own clothes?
Yes! I am currently manifesting that. It would be great to have an own fashion collection.
We are obsessed with YOU-TUBE what are some of your favorite You-tubers to watch?
Haha I LOVE youtube after midnight. I watch comedy to inspirational videos. All-def-digital’s dad jokes are dry but hilarious to me. Jimmy Kimmel, Infinite waters (mindfulness), I listen to Jim Rohn, Les Brown, Gary V, & The Art of improvement for motivation. I am obsessed with lions and kitty cats weirdly so sometimes I wander there and get lost.
What are some of your favorite artists and songs u listen to?
I love any and all classical music. My favorite artist right now are Jay-Z, Peter Collins, A-Boogie, Kodak Black, J cole, Alicia Keys & Amine.
My favorite Song of Peter Collins
Where can we find you?
I can be found & reached on IG @x.valentine & Facebook “Valentine Rontez”
