Meet Renée Bhagwandeen
We had the good fortune of connecting with Renée Bhagwandeen and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Renée, what do you attribute your success to?
The biggest reason for my success is my faith in God. As a little girl, I would dream endlessly, dressing up and creating stories, praying to God that one day I’d see myself on TV. When that dream began to come true, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing it was His strength that carried me through. The fashion industry is incredibly tough and it can be dark, isolating, and filled with challenges. There were so many moments when I felt like giving up, but God never let me fall. His strength gave me the courage to keep going, to rise above rejection, and to find purpose in every step of my journey. Living my dream feels like a miracle, and it fills me with so much joy that I want to share His love with others. I hope my story can inspire people to hold on to their faith, no matter how hard life gets. After 15 years as a model and actress, I can say with my whole heart that I owe it all to Him.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a model, my art is storytelling through marketing. A lot of people don’t realize that modeling isn’t about you, it’s about bringing a client’s vision to life. The best models make it look effortless, and that’s something I really learned on America’s Next Top Model. That experience didn’t just teach me about modeling; it completely changed how I saw myself and my career. It gave me the tools and confidence to turn a dream into a full-time job.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to see myself as more than just a model. I learned that “I’m a brand.” My story is a mix of all the amazing collaborations I’ve been blessed enough to be part of and the magic we’ve created together. I’m really selective about who I work with because I believe in working with the best, and that means showing up as my best.
What makes me different? I’d say it’s the energy, heart, and creativity I bring to everything I do. I’m always trying to make something that feels real and connects with people. The journey hasn’t been easy, there have been tough times, rejections, and moments when I questioned everything. But those struggles taught me resilience and the power of faith.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me, it’s this: I’m proof that big dreams, hard work, and God’s grace can take you places you never imagined. Modeling is my art, but it’s also my way of showing others that anything is possible when you stay true to yourself and never give up.
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?
My best friends are coming to visit soon, and I’m super excited! First of all, let me just say, I’m so blessed to call Florida home. As a Fort Lauderdale native, I know exactly how to show off the best of South Florida, especially to my friends from NYC who are ready to trade the hustle and bustle for some good vibes and palm trees.
The moment they land, we’re heading straight to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Our first stop? Aruba’s Beach Cafe. We need to ground with our toes in the sand, ocean breeze in our hair, and plates full of the best food. It’s the perfect way to kick off a week of fun! After lunch, we’ll spend some time on the sand catching some waves and let the beach work its magic, washing away any leftover stress from the city.
We’re all about nature, so I’m taking them to my ultimate chill spot: The Fern Forest. It’s this hidden gem where you can lose yourself in a magical forest and feel totally at peace. After soaking up the beauty and probably snapping a million pictures, we’ll hit up Theo’s for brunch. Let me tell you, Theo’s is a Mediterranean dream, every bite is better than the last, and the vibes are unmatched.
Because we’re total foodies, a big chunk of their visit will be about exploring my favorite eats. Sushi by Bou is non-negotiable. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have us talking about it for weeks. And no trip to Fort Lauderdale is complete without strolling down Las Olas Boulevard. It’s the ultimate spot for shopping, people-watching, and just soaking in the energy of the city.
Fort Lauderdale has so much soul, and I can’t wait to share it all with my besties. From beach days and nature walks to unforgettable meals and endless laughs, this is going to be a week filled with memories, sunshine, and pure joy. I’m counting down the days!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my career, God has been my main guide and constant support. He has placed so many amazing people in my path who have helped shape me into who I am today. My family has been a pillar of strength and the reason my faith has remained so strong all these years. Shoutout to my mom for introducing me to God and showing me how incredible life can be when I have “The Light” guiding me through this crazy journey.
I also want to thank my agents at Elite, Ina and Paolo, for their unwavering support, belief in me, and for helping make my dreams come true. And, of course, I can’t forget Tyra Banks, who gave me the opportunity to take my career to the next level when I was chosen to be on my favorite TV show of all time, America’s Next Top Model. Without these people, and so many others, I don’t know where I’d be. But I thank the Lord every day for bringing them into my life because they have helped me build a career and a life beyond my wildest dreams.
Website: Preparedforreign.com
Instagram: @reneebigtime
Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZmPLHjQYnNo?si=7QuqPzNc5emIauGc
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami 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.
