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

Hi Darlene, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is a huge part of living life to the fullest. You have to do a bit of risk taking and get out of that comfort zone if you plan to succeed in something you have a passion for. The biggest risk I took was when I got discovered for Modeling. I saw an add on instagram that USAModels were looking for new and fresh faces so I submitted a selfie not thinking anything was going to happen.. a week or two later I received a phone call from a scouting agent telling me that I have the looks I just ended to do a test photo shoot. A couple of weeks later I went in and this was my first time ever modeling in front of a camera and I was told I had natural talent and I was given direction and resources on how to apply for jobs. I was also told to looking into acting. My first job happened a few weeks later as a featured background actress on a new up coming tv series production.

I think the biggest risk I truly took in life was moving to Miami and getting a divorce. Had I not moved to Miami I may not have had the opportunity I have now in a new career as an actress and model.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My creative side didn’t start as modeling or acting. I started as a certified digital photographer. Before then, I like to say photography saved my life. I was at a point in my life where I was suffering from extreme depression and ptsd from the military and I didn’t have a purpose. When I picked up my first camera, I started experimenting with it until I realized I enjoyed nature photography. Then the real magic happened and being out and nature and capturing it in a way that people could see my passion or in away that possibly they haven’t seen it before was my goal in my creations.
2021 I became a certified digital photographer from Cornell university where I was able to build the foundation of skills need to make my creations into my visions of how I wanted people to view the world. December 2024 I separated from my ex husband and moved to Miami in January 2025. A month later I was struggling financially and submitted a photo that has since changed my life in a completely different direction that I never thought I would see myself in. The modeling and acting industry. I couldn’t be happier about it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being new to Miami I don’t know many places. However the beaches here like Haulover beach, Miami Beach and Hollywood Beach are some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in the united states. We would definitely spend time at the beach every day. I would walk them around a Wynwood take them to the Wynwood walls and enjoy the many restaurants around Wynwood. I frequently eat at Icon Mediterranean, Crazy Poke and Joes Pizza afterwords I will pick up a little something from Salt & Straw ice cream. I generally only get the strawberry and coconut sherbet milk shake with pistachio milk or a waffle cone. I would probably end the trip on the rooftop of my apartment building in the pool admiring the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shout out to my friends and family especially my Mom she has watched me grow as an individual and is my biggest supporter. I’d also like to thank USA Models for showing me I have what it takes to be in the industry and the support and mentorship I have received from them.

Website: https://darlenemcneal.modelingfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenesgrossman?igsh=MTRiczQ4Nm0wMHRrMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-mcneal?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
My modeling photos with hair and makeup were done by the amazing staff at Studio1. The photography images including the singer were done by myself.

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