Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Tucker
Hi Raven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My modeling journey begins in the 5th grade. My mother received a letter from a modeling agency that was hosting the Skippy Peanut Butter commercial. I went through the full audition process and was selected to do the commercial. However, life happened and I never got the opportunity to continue with the agency.
After graduating from Southwest Community College with my Associates in Culinary Arts, I began attending adult dance classes. Dance had always been my escape from the real world, a way I could express myself in a positive way. In 2018, I began training with TGE, better known as The Goods Experience. The Goods Experience is a series of adult dance classes, taught in heels or comfortable shoes, founded by former Grizz Girl, Trinica Goods. While in class, I met my now good friend, Jessika Shields. She invited me to audition with her for the Self Esteem Plus size Fashion Show, hosted by Robyn Hall. I went and was selected to be in the show. From there, I taught myself the ins and outs of modeling; for example: things to pack, why shape wear was important, how to dress for a professional model call, different “standard poses”, and etc. I also observed and learned from several modeling coaches, modeling coordinators, and more seasoned models. I attended several modeling boot camps and eventually assisted in a few camps myself.I built my portfolio by doing different gigs- photo shoots,video shoots, local fashion shows. In 2020, I met the woman who would change my view of the modeling industry, Tela Morris. I met Tela while auditioning for the “You Got It Girl” music video by Micheal Edwards featuring Big Boogie. Later that year, I became the Plus Size Brand Ambassador for Unblemished by Cherice. Tela became more than just my boss, she became my mentor and one of my closest friends. We would talk about things like where I wanted to see myself in this industry, how I could incorporate all my talents into becoming the successful woman I want to be and more. This definitely was the start of a beautiful relationship. June 5, 2021, my mother passed. I took a break from modeling and continued my dance journey. Dance was therapeutic and it helped me though one of the hardest times of my life. After a couple months, I slowly started back modeling by the beginning of 2022. My mother was my motivation for continuing my journey in modeling. My mom attended all but 1 show. She would brag about me to her friends and she always told me how proud she was of me. By the end of the year, I decided to take a chance on myself. I auditioned and was chosen for the Los Angeles Fashion Week Festival 2023 by the Model Experience production. This experience changed my perspective of the modeling industry. After this experience, I wanted more. I would go on to audition for shows all over the country just to see if I could get selected. With Tela’s guidance, I’ve auditioned and have been accepted into several fashion shows. Tela introduced me to Kevin Wiggins, our official Unblemished Photographer, earlier that year. He also became one of my mentors. I would go to everyone’s photo shoot not only to assist, but to pick up on any tips from photographer to model view points, then from creative director to photographer .In 2024, I shot with Kevin for the first time. I made the front cover, the first 6 pages, and also the back cover of Selin’s magazine out of Canada, granting me “Internationally Published” credential. I am proud to say that I am now a 3 time, internationally published, plus sized fashion model.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life alone was very challenging. I miscarried at the end of 2019(beginning of 2020), lost my mom in 2021, lost my hearing in 2022.
In the industry-The modeling industry can be very harsh. The biggest struggle is understanding that no one is perfect. We live in a society that praises the “perfect body” or the “perfect walk”. They give no room for originality. People will talk about you, taunt you about your size, your features, your personality, ANYTHING. Also, it feels as if there is no unity, especially for Memphis Modeling. Everything is a competition. Anyone who has modeled in Memphis and for other cities knows that there is a distinct difference. Lastly, find gigs that want to pay you. As models, we give a lot of time and energy into our craft. We attend rehearsals, we make accommodations, we sometimes buy our own clothing or pieces that will blend well with whatever the designers want us to wear. It’s only fair to be compensated for our efforts.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Chef by trade. I graduated from Southwest Community College in Culinary Arts. I trained with some of the best chefs in the city. I would say I am a very well rounded chef. I can cook things from enchiladas, lasagna, Philly cheese steaks(different types), different dips to cook steaks, different kinds of fish, roast, and turkey. My favorite things to cook and eat are Chicken and Shrimp Enchiladas topped with cheese and Salsa Verde. I would say that I am very proud of myself for continuing my journey, there have been times where I just wanted to quit. But I kept pushing forward and I’m still climbing this ladder. My energy, My passion, my charisma, my humbleness, my work ethics sets me apart from the rest. If I’m not around or in the room, people notice. You won’t find another hard working, passionate, person like me.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that is surprising to know about me is that I am actually Hearing-Impaired. I lost my hearing at the age of 28 due to a medical mishap. Fortunately, I have/ had hearing impaired parents, my mother was hearing impaired and my father is completely deaf. I am already fluent in ASL, American Sign Language, so this has made my transition easier.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raven.cassie/
