Meet Tiandre .L | Published Curvy Model, Entrepreneur, Community Service Provider & Celebrity Mom

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

Hi Tiandre, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because I daydream and envision the endless possibilities and wonders of the world through the lens of fashion, understanding how it impacts our mental state. The clothes we wear can communicate our personality, mood, and identity to others and influence how we feel about ourselves. When we feel confident in our appearance, it can have a positive impact on our mental health. I balance imagination and fantasy with a grounded approach, turning my dreams into tangible reality. I dream with my eyes open, and I selected modeling as my platform to showcase designers’ work on a living, moving canvas – my body.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Modeling as an art form, involves the use of physical movement and expression to convey emotions and ideas, much like other forms of art. As a curvy model, I, Tiandre, understand the importance of skill, practice and creativity in order to effectively communicate a message or tell a story through poses, expression, and body language. Within my experience I hone the concept of being a walking clothes hanger which is a key element of my success. Understanding that my body is a live, moving canvas for a designer to express their creativity sets me a part from most models.

I have learned that Wearing fashionable clothes that make you feel good can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. This positive mindset can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can in turn have a positive effect on your mental health.

It definitely was not easy to begin my journey as a model. I was told no several times before I was chosen at casting calls. I had to invest into myself and get professional training, mentorship from model coaches and learn the basics of the art. I studied the fundamentals and learned how to pose, walk, make facial expressions and do my own makeup. Consistently working hard and investing in my art opened doors for me. Additionally, I learned how to do my own photography, editing and branding to create my own unique platform.

With over a decade of modeling experience, I have sharpened my skills in multiple aspects of the industry, including designer showcases for brands like B.Fly Beauty, Cynthia Eilen Couture, The Wilbourn Sisters, Katural.LLC, Colors Are Beautiful, Lips Couture, Jazzy Creation Lane, Glam More Me, and Belle Imperatrice just to name a few. I was a brand ambassador for The Fashion Reboot and Just Strong Clothing. I also worked as a hair model for Natural Trend Setters. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to freelance with Catwalk Pros Management with the potential to become a signed talent for them.

I have been a published model since 2011, and my very first publication was a front cover page and article in the Good News Goulds Magazine, which was a local publication from my hometown in Miami, Florida. This was a momentous occasion for me, as it marked the beginning of my journey as a featured model and CEO of Tiandre’s Treasure Chest Inc., In addition to my publication in the Good News Goulds Magazine, I have also had the privilege of being publicized in other notable articles, including Glitz Magazine, Voyage Magazine, and several other publications.

Being a 5 Time Billboard Model has been an incredible journey, and the most impressive opportunity for me was when my billboard was featured in my hometown during 👉🏾Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2010👈🏾 . It was an incredible feeling to see myself on a billboard in my own “Back Yard”, additionally, I am so proud of being a cast member of Why Did I Become A Model Documentary Series which aired on Amazon Prime, powered by International Designer, Van Miller, which was an amazing experience.

I am the title holder of Ms Runway Curves 2021 & 2022. My community platform is emergency response training such as CPR and First Aid. I also use my platform to eradicate low self esteem in young women ages 7 and up by fostering strategies, tools and insights needed to get them on the “Runway of Life” through Tiandre’s Treasure Chest Inc. which is a nonprofit organization. I offer full wraparound services in Lincoln Gardens Apartments in Brownsville and the Liberty Square Community Center in Liberty City for the Related Group.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In my view, some of the most fun and interesting places to check out if you want an experience is Biscayne Paddle, Perez Art Museum and Sky Views Miami. For brunch, I recommend American Social or Chugs Diner. If you want to go to enjoy a rooftop restaurant you should definitely check out Rosa Sky or Fabel and lastly check out THesis Hotel, their rooftop pool is extremely nice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for every opportunity He has provided for me, my business partner and husband, Andre Lewis whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in my success. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our sons for their unwavering support, my family for their love and encouragement. I am humbled to recognize the contributions and prayers of my Pastor, Dr. Thelma B. Knowles and my Sisters from Tiandre’s Treasure Chest Foundation Inc.. I would like to thank Designers, Reggie and Ava Stringfellow, Co-Founders of B.Fly Beauty, my community partners, including Light House Angels, FCAA and the fashion designers that chose to showcase my talent while wearing their garments on the catwalk. I would definitely like to acknowledge my model coaches Vernet Pegues, Sandra Ward and Angela Bailey. Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to my God Son, William Crawford who played a crucial role in my journey and Mr. Nathaniel Joseph, Community Liaison for the Related Group for sponsoring the Liberty Square Community Center for me to provide wraparound services, model workshops, mentorship to young women and community fashion shows for the residents to enjoy the art of fashion modeling within the new Liberty Square neighborhood in Liberty City, Florida.

Website: www.tiandrestreasurechest.org

Instagram: @tiandre.L

Linkedin: Tarea Smith-Lewis

Twitter: Tiandre.L

Facebook: Tiandre The Model

Youtube: Tiandre.L

Other: Ig; @tiandres.treasures @athealth2000 @mamasmiff305

Image Credits
Photographer Credits: B.Fly Beauty Photos Trini Zion, Catwalk Pros Management, Re.dd Creates, Andre Lewis, Verse Citi