Meet Trailblazer Elena Oman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Oman.

Elena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story begins no different than those of other people; I had a dream. And I craved nothing more than to pursue that dream. Not only to achieve that dream, nor only to see what would be waiting for me at the end of the road, but to simply pursue it.

I recall being a young girl, excited to see models of color such as Lupita Nyong’o and Tyra Banks in magazines. I would play certain video games, which would give me the option of choosing a character of color. I would choose among the dolls on the shelf, searching for a commonality between the doll and myself. For me, it was a matter of choosing someone “who looked like me.” I hadn’t known it then, but I was in search of representation. My search continued well into my early adolescent years, yet I didn’t seem to find much of what I was looking for.

In 2015, a close friend of mine began taking a few modeling and acting courses at an agency and recommended me to them. I had dreamed of pursuing modeling for so long, of becoming a representation for young black girls, that I was able to convince my mother to enroll me in the courses and sign to the agency for three years. I quickly found that, although I had wanted nothing more than to pursue modeling, it wasn’t quite my time. So, I patiently waited.

In 2018, my contract with my mother agency came to an end, following my decision to become an independent model. I can now say I’m living “the dream”, my dream, as I pursue my modeling career. I’ve walked local shows, including Denver Fashion Week, and worked with local photographers. I come across all these new faces who have a passion that burns deeply within them as mine does within me. I may not be as established as my fellow models located in Denver, but that fact has never bothered me. Being able to provide even the slightest bit of representation in the lives of those around me, who yearn to find someone like them, especially in today’s media, continues to leave me content and full.

Has it been a smooth road?
Is the pursuit of one’s dream ever easy? Is nourishing your soul and feeding your hunger for a full life, not tiresome work? No journey is easy, that’s why it’s called what it is.

Some days (actually plenty of days!), I doubt my abilities in being a model. I doubt ever becoming successful in my modeling career, and I doubt I’m not reaching an audience. Doubt leads to demotivation. If I’m not careful enough, I find myself slipping into a demotivated state, and I end up back at square one. It’s happened before, and I refuse to let it happen again.

There will be days when you don’t feel like continuing, and you may not see a purpose within your own purpose. That’s okay! Understand that everyone feels uncertainty about their passion at some point in their life. You’re not the first to feel doubt, and you certainly aren’t the last! Keep preserving to see the fruits of your hard work.

One question you should always ask yourself: Would you rather sit around and wonder about whether you’ll make it? Or would you rather try it and see for yourself?
You’ve got a 50/50 chance, go ahead and make that shot.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m a model. I’m a creator of art. I’m a motivator. I’m an inspiration. I’m a representation. I’m everything the younger me had wanted me to be. Looking back, I know I have made her proud.

I currently do editorial work, as well as runway, but I’m very much open to doing different kinds of work! (Photographers, this is your cue!)

As for what sets me apart from others… there isn’t much. I’d like to think that I’m not set apart from others, I simply just do what I love to do. I enjoy the journey I’m on, every person I have an encounter with and every obstacle that I can’t run from. If that sets me apart, so be it.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother is one of the only women who have inspired me. Every day, she reminds of what it means to be a woman; she reminds me of the mental, emotional, and physical strength it takes to be a woman. She reminds me that some days, it’s okay to not be in touch with my femininity by societal standards and that my being of a woman does not depend on the looks or mannerisms I have, but it depends on so much more.

She has shown me to be comfortable in my own skin, for I am stuck with it. I often reflect on what life would be like without her… without her guidance, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Contact Info:

• Email: omanelena@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ojudia/?hl=en

Image Credit:
Divine Ramazani, Giacomo Di Franco, Ash Taylor

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