Meet Djessica Bonzil | Model & Project Manager
We had the good fortune of connecting with Djessica Bonzil and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Djessica, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
When I find myself in a situation where I don’t know whether to keep going or give up, I ask myself three important questions:
1. Have I done everything in my power to keep this ship afloat?
2. Does this project/person/ place align with my current values, goals and beliefs?
3. Does the good outweigh the bad in this situation?
I’ve started many projects and had to give up. I believe knowing when to give up and keep going is an essential part of the journey to success. Not every project, business idea, or situation is supposed to be long term. Sometimes situations are meant to be building blocks for what’s to come. Often times we overexert ourselves in situations because we don’t want to look like a “failure” but it’s always important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
It’s always best to self-reflect before leaving a situation. Ask yourself: Have you given it your all? Have you done your best?
Then, ponder on if this situation is even a good fit for you. Does this resonate with who I am today and who I want to be in the future? Is there opportunity for growth?
Lastly, I sometimes make a list of pros and cons when I’m feeling torn.
If the situation is bringing more stress, pain and turmoil then peace, love and joy…then I’m probably not staying.
Everything in life is not going to be peachy all the time but the good things in our lives should far exceed the negative.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a model and a project manager. I have been modeling for about a year now and although I
don’t yet have an extensive portfolio, I have seen a tremendous amount of growth since I started my journey. I have been given the honor of walking for amazing brands within my city in various fashion shows. I have competed in pageants such as Miss America, and Miss Black USA and have sold out my tickets for New York Fashion Week Festival all in 2024. These have been my proudest accomplishments thus far.
One of the major things that sets me apart from others is my values.
I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to my work and that drives me to always improve and prioritize quality over quantity. I am motivated by helping others and being a light in a dark world. I’m quite optimistic and my faith has allowed me to have confidence that everything will work out for me no matter what my circumstances may look like. That is what gives me the perseverance to keep going despite life’s challenges.
My journey has been far from easy. Modeling is just a small portion of my life but there were so many twists and turns that lead up to this point. I have been working diligently ever since I graduated high school at eighteen. I’ve been a student all my life while juggling work and my personal life. I have always been a multi-faceted person with many passions and hobbies. I have experience in radio, television, podcasting, events, social media, marketing, education and fashion. It was always a challenge for me to define exactly what my purpose is and where I “fit in”. I felt like it was an uphill battle but now I have a greater sense of clarity and confidence that took time to build. I faced tons of hardships from health issues, depression, failure, and a whole lot of rejection.
I was truly able to overcome these challenges when I decided to block out the outside noise and shift my focus from always seeking the “what” and the “how” to instead focusing on the “who”. I stopped worrying about what’s next and how I am going to get there and focused on who I wanted to become and who I wanted to help. I also learned to stop basing my value on other’s expectations and learned my inherent worth and value from God. After that, God started to align me with the right people and the details unfolded and things fell into place.
I want the world to know that you can come back from anything. You’re never too far gone to change your path. As long as you’re still breathing God is giving you a second chance. Don’t take any opportunity for granted and don’t worry if you don’t have it figured out yet. All you need is the faith of a mustard seed and eventually the more you water it the more it will grow.
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?
I would definitely be a great tour guide because I grew up in Central Florida.
On Sunday, I would probably take her dancing at Salsa Fusion in Kissimmee then we can go to the Kissimmee Flea market because they have some really good taco trucks. There are food trucks with amazing food from all over Latin America.
Then, Monday I would take her to my favorite water park called Volcano Bay and we’d have a ball there, we’d probably go on the Lazy River and eat some really good pizza and a slushy to cool off.
Tuesday, I would probably do a chill spa day, we can stay inside and paint our nails and watch movies.
Wednesday, I would take her to Disney Springs in the evening right before the sun sets so we can go on a boat tour and look at the beautiful scenery. We would probably get some food at Wolfgang Puck and enjoy the live music.
On Thursday, I would probably take her to the Florida Mall. We would have a blast because we both love shopping. I would take her to eat at this Brazilian restaurant in the food court called Steak Up that I love.
On Friday, I would take her to the Orlando Museum of Art and then we can go have a picnic in Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park.
Saturday we can have a calm day but, in the evening, go to Icon Park to see the Orlando Eye and then go bowling, play pool and grab a bite at King’s Entertainment right around the corner.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have an abundance of gratitude for so many people who have poured into me in countless ways. First and foremost, I want to thank God, for I would be nothing without His guidance. I also want to express my deepest thanks to my friends and family for their unwavering support, especially my parents.
A special thank you to Brion Price Photography for always encouraging me to pursue modeling and helping me jumpstart my career. Willie Reese Photography, you’ve also been incredible behind the camera—thank you!
A heartfelt shoutout to Mave, the founder of Soul Reacher Academy, for your consistent support and photography. Payne from We the Future, your advice and encouragement mean the world to me. Abson Music, thank you for always showing love. And to all my social media supporters who like, share, and comment—your support does not go unnoticed.
A big thanks to my personal trainer, Camila, for keeping me strong and focused.
I’m also immensely grateful to several organizations that have been pivotal in my journey:
Nova Southeastern University, Valencia College, and the University of Central Florida—thank you for shaping my academic path.
1,000 Dreams Fund, your dedication to providing resources for women like me is invaluable.
Coastal Fashion Week and Orlando Fashion Week, you’ve played a crucial role in my growth as a model.
Miss America pageant, thank you for introducing me to the world of pageantry.
The Model Experience, for the incredible opportunity to walk for you at New York Fashion Week.
Miss Black USA, thank you for giving me a platform to represent Black women in my community.
Osceola Magic, I appreciate your sponsorship of my raffle gifts.
Sajoma Latin Fusion, thank you for being such a fantastic venue and restaurant.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atribecalldjess?igsh=YXZweTM4aGRoZmt2&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010606186076&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Will Reese Photography
Brion Price Photography
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